Forum on ‘The Post-War Evolution of Integrated Systems in Sri Lanka’

Sri Lanka’s economy grew by an impressive 8% in 2010, reflecting a fast recovery from the setback suffered for many years and moved to a high and sustainable growth path. All key sectors of the economy demonstrated commendable performance in 2010, underpinned by the peaceful domestic environment, and improved investor confidence, favourable macroeconomic conditions and gradual recovery of the global economy from one of the deepest recessions in history.

“In harnessing this growth companies will require high-end integrated system solutions, which are discussed at the special forum, ‘The Post-War Evolution of Integrated Systems in Sri Lanka,’ organised by Abas Software AG and Providence Network and Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd. This forum will be held on 4 May 2011 at 6 p.m. at Cinnamon Grand Colombo with the participation of industry leaders, business tycoons and other stakeholders who take a keen interest in the economic development in macro as well as at micro levels,” said Providence Network and Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd. Managing Director Dr. Vaz Gnanam.

Talking about high-end integrated systems Dr. Gnanam said: “Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a software system that manages both internal and external resources, including financial resources, tangible assets, materials and human resources. It builds on a centralised database that utilises a common computing platform. ERP systems bring all business operations into one uniform and enterprise-wide system environment. As new products and product lines become available in a company, along with new customers, ERP consolidates how the information will be available for use by management. New products always pose a problem because the company has no record of product performance to which to refer.”

“However, ERP allows tools to be used in which you lay out expectations, explain design specifications and make sure no unintended consequences ensue. ERP also assists in supporting global business requirements, some of which may involve multiple languages and currencies. Making or selling products overseas presents its own set of issues, and ERP can advise on the different parameters that management must be aware of in dealing with business conditions in different countries,” he added.

Although up-to-date information and data on integrated systems are not found in Sri Lanka, the Central Bank has recently stated in its annual report 2010 that the entire information technology sector played a key role for the economic stability while opening up the doors for national development for all sectors. When taking a closer look at the last year’s growth, computer and information services subsector showed a satisfactory improvement.

Providence is a dynamic software engineering, business consulting and IT services provider enabling clients to leverage expertise in the IT and consulting arenas. Providence has a proven track record in delivering high quality software engineering products and services at lower costs using its proven and industry renowned delivery model.

Providence partners with its clients and helps them achieve their business and IT needs right from the start to the end of the project lifecycle. It brings the best ideas and skills from various facets right to its clients’ doorstep through its expertise and team of qualified consultants.