Multi-million Rand deal with international trading and distribution group

Mpho Ratshikhopha (left), Business Relations Manager of the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and Martin Manmohan (middle), Operations Manager at the Maxum Business Incubator with Wilhelm Greyling (right), CEO of SRM Technologies, exploring ways in which the GEP can assist SRM Technologies in their marketing efforts.

SRM Technologies, a supplier of relationship management systems and solutions, has struck a groundbreaking deal with the Bidvest Group in Europe to develop a complete end-to-end integrated supply chain solution.

The Bidvest deal makes SRM Technologies - a participant in the Hub's Maxum Business Incubator - the preferred technology partner for Makella, Bidvest's UK procurement services arm. According to SRM Technologies CEO, Wilhelm Greyling, this agreement marks the culmination of a successful two-and-a-half year working relationship with the UK-based company. "We have been working with them so closely for so long, that it really didn't make sense to continue with just a normal client-supplier relationship. We have built a relationship of trust, each understaning how the other operates, and we share the same vision."

SRM Technologies will continue with their development and support services to Makella on its existing technology, but will also become involved in the joint development of replacement technology to help Makella migrate from their current platform to the new Microsoft.net based technology.

Part of the combined vision is to bring together best of breed technology, streamlined business processes and industry expertise to generate an enterprise application that will extend across the entire supply chain. Building on the existing service level agreement with Makella, SRM Technologies will combine its vast implementation experience and technology development competence with Makella's commercial expertise.

Makella will also provide a commercial platform and practical operational environment to bring to market SRM strategies and technologies that will effectively provide clients of both companies with massive bottom line savings.

Over the initial five year term of the agreement, SRM Technologies will make a significant investment to gain access to Makella's existing technologies, while Makella will take up equity in SRM Technologies. Any new technology developed will be mutually owned. Greyling believes that this heralds good news for the South African market, where SRM as a concept is in the very early stages of adoption. "Exposure to international expertise and technology can only strengthen the local industry. What's great about this partnership is that although the technology is originally from overseas, it will become locally driven", he said.

Joining in this local drive will be Johann Havenga, a shareholder in SRM Technologies who takes up the reins of COO and Director of Business Development and Strategy from September this year. He predicts that the new development will create a number of opportunities for the company.

"In a increasingly competitive market, competitive advantage depends on a company's ability to optimise its supply chain. This is one of the fundamental areas where a sustainable advantage should be created. Through this technology, SRM can add business understanding and provide tools to create the advantage that is required to help our clients win."

Access to Makella's existing technology has given SRM Technologies a head-start in bringing these tools to clients through evening out the learning curve. "Bidvest uses these systems on a daily basis, which allows us to assess where the issues are and how to improve on them. That way, when we mould the technology it will be based on practical experience."

Substantial momentum has been created since the deal was formalised in early June. With active recruiting and a planned expansion of operations currently underway, it's full steam ahead for this determined company.

For more information on SRM Technologies, email info@srm-technologies.com or call them on +27 12 844 1070/1.

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