Management at Swicon360 (Pty) Ltd., and an established business technology partner and solution provider within Human Capital Management (HCM), HR and payroll markets, believes a new dawn of cost-effective, reliable technology service and support beckons for Africa.

Markus Bucher, CEO at Swicon360, says that ongoing innovation has led to the refinement of cloud-based service and support structures and the elevation of the profile of HCM and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) markets.

He believes the convergence of virtual infrastructure within the HCM environment to bolster the delivery of BPO heralds a new phase of ICT service and delivery on the continent. 

Human resource management is entirely integrated with virtual infrastructure in the cloud. It is now possible to invest in a collection of services, centralised, all-encompassing offerings that are consistently available and promote access to the very best in international HCM practices.

“Cloud-based HCM service means that operators across developing economies now have an opportunity to access mission-critical business services that would have otherwise been cost prohibitive. Furthermore when we are discussing entrepreneurship and commerce in emerging markets, we are reminded that the role of streamlined systems is inextricably linked to growth,” says Bucher.
According to Bucher there is a general increase in the awareness and appreciation amongst decision makers across Africa of how these systems impact on core business management practice.

“Part of the reason why we are excited about the rollout of cloud-based services across the business frontier in Africa is because of the real impact and value these services can have on business. Decision makers are faced with a truly different human resource environment and virtual based systems equates to a reduction in costs, a more practical and expedient way to manage daily business management tasks,” he adds.

In order to capitalise off this trend and to break new ground with fresh offerings such as ‘pay-as-you-use’ solutions that are based on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ approach, key technology providers such as Swicon360 are targeting what Bucher says are largely untapped regions.

“We have adopted a proactive approach to our strategy to engage potential clients. At present we are in negotiation with prospective clients in Nigeria and Uganda and we are very excited about our progress thus far,” adds Bucher.

Management at Swicon360 is adamant that now is the right time to consider the quality of strategies to meet the requirements of businesses across Africa.

Bucher’s viewpoint is that South Africa represents an example to companies throughout the continent.

“As long as markets continue to expand and investors seek out credible, cost-effective services and the role of ICT remains as prominent as it is at present, there is every reason to feel upbeat about virtual HR and payroll services. It bodes well for the establishment and growth of HCM as the mainstay and key differentiator within modern business management.”

It also signals Africa and Southern Africa’s intent to radically develop its ICT and telecommunications capability and, thereby, enhance its ability to compete internationally.