How SMEs in Zimbabwe can save on software costs by using computer tools at their disposal for maximum effect for example Excel Spreadsheets.

 

For the past few months, I have been learning how SMEs in Zimbabwe find it difficult to Invest in computer software. I have been searching for a way to help Zimbabwean SMEs save in software yet find the same value. The first option I looked at was open source software. The limitations were more than the solution I finally found. Excel when properly coded can be more powerful than some software selling on the market. I had lunch with Mandla Moyo, a Director of a company which designs Excel Spreadsheets and provides training in computer skills. What he told me would definitely go a long way in helping SMEs in Zimbabwe go past the software huddle with Excel Spreadsheets.

 

1. Tell us about your organization

Pointex (Pvt) Ltd runs a Computer Training Centre at Silveira House in Chishawasha (Harare). Our vision is to become the Ultimate Centre of Efficiency for Zimbabwean Businesses.

This year alone, Pointex Zimbabwe has trained teams and individuals from up to 30 different Zimbabwean companies from across all sectors of the economy – these trainings were carried out at our centre or at our client’s premises.

 

Our offerings aim to improve employee efficiency in the workplace and empower employees to become more confident in their computer skills.

2. Tell us about your products

Our current offerings are comprised of:

• Entry Level and Advanced Level Excel spreadsheets training
• A combined package of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and MS Powerpoint for beginners
• A range of professional skills seminars that are held throughout the year

 

3.In this environment, what would justify training?

Most people find spreadsheets work to be a nightmare. The work can be repetitive, bulky and extensive. Training empowers employees with the adequate skills and knowledge that they need to do the job just right.

• it enables employees to complete work faster – saving crucial time
• The work becomes more presentable and easier to understand. This saves time for the audience and makes it easier to make quick decisions. I have attached a sample spreadsheet to demonstrate how work produced using good working principles can be very easy on the eye.
• It builds confidence in the employees. Making their work more enjoyable
• It allows employees to fully appreciate the potential of the tools that are available to them. Employees can explore a greater range of problem solving options
• training also avoids costly spreadsheet errors

 

 

 

4.You mentioned spreadsheet errors, from your observations, what are companies in Zimbabwe doing to limit spreadsheet errors?

A recent study showed that approximately 90% of all spreadsheets have errors. Most companies do not recognize the potential cost of making errors so have limited controls. Very few companies have clearly spelled out standards of how spreadsheets should be managed. As a result, decisions are being made on the basis of incorrect analysis, accounting statements are being produced on the basis of incorrect records, client data is being incorrectly captured and so on.

 

Few Zimbabwe companies have come to realize the need and are investing extensively in training their employees. We have had companies send teams ranging from the most junior interns to very senior executives for training. It is especially amazing when they come as a team, to see the value that is created as they solve spreadsheet challenges that they commonly face and cut out areas that are inefficient.

 

5. What is your organization doing for the future of Zimbabwe?

Pointex (Pvt) Ltd recently started a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative that involves giving young orphans basic computers training. Our CSR is a way of giving back to the community and investing in the future of the nation.

 

On 28 October, Pointex (Pvt) Ltd held a seminar at Jameson Hotel in Harare. The numbers were so overwhelming that they are compelled to hold another in November 2014. More information on what they do can be found by following this link www.pointex.co.zw. Get rid of repeated tasks that worst time and money by enrolling for these courses. And as I sign off…

 

To your continued Success