“Glocal” approach meets local needs with Sage Pastel

When selecting software applications, many organisations immediately opt for the “leading” brand. While internationally successful products are developed over many years to meet tough global standards, not all brands meet local requirements, with a one-size-fits-all- approach perhaps not being ideal.

Jeff Lewis , international director of Sage Pastel, believes that when selecting accounting software in particular, companies should look for suppliers that offer them the best of both worlds. “Your accounting application is critical to many operational areas of your business. International software solutions that are also country specific in terms of local support and functionality can ensure that the needs of hard to reach markets, such as those in Africa, are better met.

He says Sage Pastel has taken a ‘Glocal’ approach to each of the countries it operates in. Sage Pastel builds financial and business solutions that are often customised for local market conditions, delivering on country specific requirements.

“Sage Pastel applies the 'Glocal' approach by providing these types of solutions for over 50 countries,” says Lewis.

This approach means users receive two to three software enhancement releases per year as well as annual upgrade releases to deliver new functionality to the local market regularly. This way, minority requests of the marketplace are catered for.

“Vendors who only offer one upgrade per year often frustrate customers who then have to wait another year for much anticipated functionality or features” Lewis says.

“In addition, service and support are critical to the success of our customers’ businesses. As a result Sage Pastel places significant emphasis on this often neglected area” says Lewis.

A more competitive market ultimately benefits the customer. Competitive suppliers tend to take a ‘we try harder’ approach, ensuring pro-active and beneficial support and service related offerings for their customers. The pro-active Sage Pastel approach means customers often get more of what they ask for more often.

“The 'Sage Pastel Glocal' approach means customers get the benefits of local attention as well as the backing of an established international provider committed to customer satisfaction,” Lewis adds.