printer friendly version

Controlsoft readies for growth

The decline of the rand gives South African manufacturers an opportunity to increase their market share - both locally and internationally. Controlsoft, the South African manufacturer of access control and asset security solutions, is looking forward to vibrant growth during 2002.

While the global tech industry is said to be slowing down, this local company is expanding its sales, support and training facilities. According to Mark Patterson, Managing Director of Controlsoft's South African operation, his company is well positioned to take advantage of the unique business opportunities presented by the plummeting rand.

"2001 was an excellent year for Controlsoft. We have consolidated our position in the South African market and completed our initial investments in overseas markets. Being a local manufacturer with a high proportion of our costs in hardware engineering and software development, we have been somewhat insulated from the rand's troubles. This means that Controlsoft product is superbly priced compared to imported products," says Patterson.

"South African-based software development also allows us to compete effectively in the overseas markets. Our patient entry into Europe and North America is already yielding good results, and we expect sales in those markets to ramp up during the coming months. The events of September 11th have also increased interest in access control in a number of Asian markets, as well as in Africa."

To meet the challenges associated with rapid growth, Controlsoft has re-structured its South African sales team, beefed up support services and expanded its training facilities.

"There is increasing demand from Controlsoft business partners for the installer training we offer at our Bryanston facility," says Patterson. "Our training courses have been completely re-written in response to our changing product line and the requirements of the installers themselves. Our modular approach simplifies the curriculum and reduces the number of days required for installers to complete the training. The flexibility in this approach enables installers to send the right people on the appropriate courses to meet their requirements."

Controlsoft will be introducing new software products and enhancements to its hardware range during 2002. Patterson expects asset tracking to be an important growth area. "We have seen increased demand for asset security solutions as the rising cost of imports forces South African companies to protect expensive equipment more effectively. By integrating Wavetrend technology with our access control system, we have developed a 100% South African solution that is competitive on the world market," says Patterson.

For more details contact Controlsoft on tel: (011) 463 1102.

Share this article:

Further reading: