ISLAMABAD, Oct 26: Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has successfully developed open source Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, styled as AutoPlus, for small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) in readymade garments, hosiery, automotive parts and accessories, textile processing and surgical instruments industry.
According to an official of PSEB, the unique ERP software has been developed in collaboration with Pakistan Association for Automotive Parts and Accessories’ Manufacturers (PAAPAM) and 15 of its member units.
This software has been designed to improve the productivity of SME units. The PSEB initiative also aimed to allow the local software companies to gain expertise in the development of ERP solutions for the local manufacturing industry and to promote the use of open source technology.
According to a statement issued on Friday, the newly developed ERP software has been successfully implemented at a model unit, ‘Kortech Industries’ in Lahore.
Using this technology, Kortech has now automated all its processes from customer order to the delivery of goods. The implementation of ERP software has resulted in an 87 per cent reduction in time and 70 per cent reduction in human resource needed at the model unit.
The statement said that the software was now being installed at 14 additional PAAPAM units. After that the product would be available, free of cost to over 250 member units. The additional units would only have to pay the cost of implementation of the software. SME BSF (Business Support Fund) has agreed to bear 50 per cent of the implementation cost.
The PSEB has initiated this project in order to help SMEs to increase their operational efficiency and become more productive and increase their exports. Presently, according to a World Bank study, SMEs in Pakistan were not operating at their full potential. The SMEs employ around 80 per cent of the total workforce, but contributed only 35 per cent to the GDP.
