Fentons forges partnership with FCS Computer Systems

Tuesday, 13 September 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Cheranka Mendis

Supporting the boost in tourism, integrated solution provider Fentons Limited forged a partnership with one of the world’s leading hospitality solution providers, FCS Computer Systems, on Wednesday, offering Sri Lankan hospitality industrialists world class solutions for their companies.

The partnership, which would initially offer seven FCS products to local customers, mainly targets the hotel sector, presenting the option of a fully-integrated system which would add efficiency to the company’s business.

Fentons Chief Operating Officer Chandev Abhayaratne told the Daily FT that the partnership came at an opportune time, when the Government and country are readying to give an extra boost to drive tourism in the country.

With the new five-year tourism plan launched and emphasis placed on increasing room capacity while simultaneously adding international star class quality to the industry, the software products launched would be of vital importance to the sector.

“Sri Lanka is currently at an 8% GDP growth figure. When you take into consideration other Asian countries, such as South Korea and Taiwan, and how they have boosted their economies from similar statuses, we are confident that the country will reach its mark soon,” Abhayaratne said.

In this, tourism would play a lead role. “The five-year plan is an ambitious one,” he noted, “But we are confident that this is a reachable target. Competition will come in leaps and bounds and in facing them, the technology used would play a key role in positing the industry.”

Abhayaratne claimed that Fentons was present in over 60% of the hotel industry in the country, providing sales, after sales and maintenance services islandwide.

The FCS products that will initially be available through Fentons are FCB UBIS – a comprehensive billing and interface solution, FCS WinVoice – guest voice messaging solution, FCS i-Guest – guest self service mobile application via smart devices, FCS e-Connect – enhances service request and work order dispatch solution, FCS e-engineering – preventive maintenance and resource optimization solution, FCS e-Housekeeping – efficient housekeeping management to maximise revenue and FCS e-Recovery – an efficient compensation management to recover cost.

“There is a lot of potential for such software systems as it would immediately increase the efficiency and productivity levels of the hotels. Equipped with this, the hotels would be able to provide high quality service on par with world standards. The partnership will set a precedence that will help hoteliers create a new technology standard.”

In Sri Lanka Fentons is positioned as the leading system integrator for buildings and ICT services.

Abhayaratne stated that the first-ever meet with FCS was in 1985, when the two companies acted as co-suppliers to provide computer software system to then Trans Asia, now Cinnamon Lakeside. “Those things have changed. There will be new and exciting software to be launched soon on top of the seven introduced at present.”