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Monday, 1 September 2014 00:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Having embarked on the challenge of taking IFS to Bangladesh was no easy feat and it took immense responsibility. In 2012, IFS Bangladesh was established through a Liaison office. In time, the liaison office is being anticipated to be converted into a fully fledged branch office by 2015.
Marasinghe added, “In 2012, two contracts were signed and this initiated our step ahead with the process of establishing ourselves in Bangladesh. We look forward for expansion and for this we are recruiting consultants based in Bangladesh for support and implementation.”
He also disclosed that one of the main attributes that placed IFS ahead amongst other direct competitors in Bangladesh is the quality of consultancy and related services. In the context of functionalities and business processes all other Business Solutions are equally good, while in contrast, the differentiating factor being, ‘The People’. This he defined as being the collective knowledge of the region, local culture, etc. A combination of this plus the global business culture of IFS would give Bangladesh a package that many would find hard to match.
“Consultants get involved from the implementation cycle to the post go-live period. IFS puts in a lot of effort during this time of implementation. We have our own implementation methodology which complies with SEI standards and CMMI Level 3 for Services, which is being practiced in 79 offices over 54 countries globally. This allows all IFS companies to acquire a sense of consistency in terms of best project execution methodology which provides customers with a smooth evolution from a non ERP environment to a full ERP environment,” Marasinghe acknowledged.
When the Principle is openly involved in the process of implementation, the strategy which IFS utilises comes in through enhances best practices ensuring that the client receives exactly what is needed. Support is directly provided from IFS in Sri Lanka, to ensure a smooth venture.
“Our next task is to utilise a group of consultants for post-implementation support. In the near future, we will be looking to utilise consultants and support systems from bITS, which is a subsidiary, owned by BRAC Bank and BRAC. IFS appointed staff from bITS and conducted a grooming process through training in Sri Lanka. With this aspect, we will be looking to deploy personnel from Bangladesh for future projects,” he said.
He also explained that currently, with the next generation’s circle of entrepreneurs in Bangladesh, this country is showing interest towards IT implementation and IFS is looking to assist industries and companies there to convert IT into a value adding strategic service.
Marasinghe added that around the fourth quarter of this year, IFS Bangladesh will proceed towards the public sector as well as he believed that IFS acquires the best suited software to meet those expectations.
“We are planning to bid and are confident towards being shortlisted among preferred vendors. The country is working towards computerisation; to form a ‘Digital Bangladesh’. This gives a reason as to why public tenders are being floated. Both our countries share regional similarities and Sri Lankans are very well accepted there. Because of the cultural fit, I would say that is also one reason for our longevity in Bangladhesh Marasinghe added.
