Exact Software solution 'localized' for the Gulf

The solution reflects accounting, payroll and human resources requirements in countries across the Gulf.

Exact Software, which has tailored solutions for over 30 legislations around the world, is the only ERP vendor to offer companies a product that complies with business practices of different states in the region.

As well as the core functions of payroll and human resources, the localized solution can also handle post dated cheques and landed cost - accounting practices widely employed in the Middle East.

"Software cannot function in a vacuum. There are too many solutions designed by international vendors which fail to meet the real needs of local businesses," said Nizar Badwan, general manager, Exact Software Middle East.

"Human resources and payroll can be very different from one country to the next, and therefore, businesses need an ERP application that reflects the legal and financial requirements of the territories they operate in," he added.

Exact Globe 2003 Enterprise, which is also fully Arabized, has been designed to simplify business practices that are common in the Middle East.

For example, its facility to manage post-dated cheques, enables administrators who are dealing with hundreds or thousands of post-dated cheques each month to ensure continued liquidity management. The Exact solution eases the burden by generating alerts when cheques are due to be deposited.

Similarly, for companies that import goods to the Middle East, landed costs - charges such as insurance and shipping, added to goods on arrival at port - also need to be taken into consideration. These are accommodated in Exact Software's new ERP solution.

"Localization is a key selling point for Exact Software, as it distinguishes us from other ERP vendors, whose products are not configured for the Middle East market," said Badwan, "Multi-nationals who want to standardize their information and data systems across their offices around the world, can deploy the solution, while still complying with the requirements in the country of operation."

Exact Software Middle East, which operates a direct sales and implementation model, is currently undergoing a major program of regional expansion in order to provide its customers with the highest level of in-country support. An office in Kuwait has been opened, and plans for operations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and the Levant are well underway.

The company will continue to look at ways of developing their solution, with applications that are considerate to local business practices.