Associations, such as the South African Institute of Steel Construction (Saisc), allow for the further development of companies and the industry, as like-minded people are encouraged to share ideas, which, in turn, creates a better environment and prospects for the industry,” says software company Syspro customer and ecosystem enablement manager Doug Hunter.

He adds that bringing different views together – combining the old and the new – tends to foster innovation.

Syspro is focused on the manufacturing and distribution sectors, with its software development in enterprise requirements planning (ERP) enabling the company to assist steel manufacturers and companies in the industry, particularly those further down the supply chain, with their procurement, inventory management and production and sales processes in the making, distribution and management of their products, thereby enhancing customer service.

As a software business, Syspro believes that collaborating with people who are thinking about the future is essential and the companies that employ them are likely to be members of Saisc.

“Ultimately, members of Saisc are better-suited customers for us and optimise value out of the software, as their process understanding will help them use it more effectively with a future goal in mind,” Hunter suggests.

He points out that being a member of an association often means that the customer will have better governance, quality processing, standards of safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness, as well as a general positive approach towards the business.

And this is evident in the companies that Syspro works with that are members of Ssisc, emphasises Hunter.

Such membership also provides companies with an opportunity to learn through the association, its events and training seminars, as well as from other member companies, adds Hunter.

Potential Collaboration

Syspro believes that its learning about the industry through the Saisc’s multiple offering, including its events, training sessions and course, is an opportunity for mutual benefit.

“We could create and deliver a module on an area of our business, such as Enabling Business Processes with ERP software, to provide insight into how to make business information technology (IT) work to help in the steel construction and manufacturing space,” suggests Hunter.

He adds that this will help enable processing including the distribution of companies’ products that institution members can use within the commercial process and supply chain.

Moreover, software companies like Syspro have a footing in steel construction, as their strength is the application of IT in industrial supply chains and helping to manufacture and distribute steel construction materials more efficiently and effectively.

“The mutual benefit is when we are able to help expose companies to how they should apply enabling software to help them manage their stock, inventory, sales orders, discount distribution, deliveries and other processes.

“Associations such as Saisc look at the whole supply chain and ensure efficiency across the board, which creates an overreaching benefit for the industry,” Hunter concludes.