printer friendly version

Integrity and innovation makes Blick a world-class company

For almost 90 years, Blick PLC has been a leader in time management systems. Locally, its subsidiary, Blick South Africa, dominates the market in terms of providing access and time and attendance systems to large companies and industries.

Yet, despite its considerable market share, Blick SA has kept a relatively low profile, and unless you employ the company's services, most people do not readily identify with the name Blick SA. However, with a new management team that brings fresh marketing and branding ideas to the company, coupled with a winning business strategy, the company's profile within the South African context is on the upswing.

Managing director of Blick SA, Stefan Oberholtzer, points out that the company's focus is on supplying best of breed products in the security, time and attendance and communications fields. The company business strategy is a clear-cut one and focuses on in markets where Blick SA can become a dominant player. Already, Blick SA has a significant stake in the local mining industry and provides solutions to a host of prestige clients including Hullets, Sun City and Eskom.

Oberholtzer explains that the company has adopted a three-pronged approach to raising its profile within the industry and ensuring that customer satisfaction is attained.

Integrity

The first is integrity and as Oberholtzer states, this is about supplying the correct solution to protect the assets of a company. "At Blick SA, we do not believe in the notion of merely 'pushing boxes', rather we create a solution that has the necessary resources to enhance our customer's business."

A case in point is when one of Blick SA's biggest customers, South African Breweries (SAB) wanted to integrate its SAP HR module with its time management system across the country. When SAB opted for this solution, it faced a problem in that it wanted a solution that would be networked throughout its sites countrywide, but SAP HR was designed to operate on a one-to-one basis.

The specialists at Blick created a software and hardware interface that communicates directly with SAP HR and allows for realtime multisite communication and integrates SAB's payroll system together with its time and management system. The solution was so successful that it has been implemented in other major companies sites where SAP HR is used.

Innovation

As can be seen from the above, Blick is at the forefront of creating innovative security and communication solutions. "We work closely with our customers to create a solution that is tailor-made for their requirements. We also use their input and feedback when developing new products," states Oberholtzer. It is also interesting to note that Blick SA is responsible for research and development of all Blick software worldwide, emphasising the local subsidiary's value to Blick PLC's overall international market strategy. However, it is not only products that make Blick SA an innovative company.

The company also offers its clients the option of leasing equipment and services from Blick SA. When asked what makes Blick confident that this is a viable option for local industries, Oberholtzer states that if a company wants to tout the leasing option in South Africa, then that particular company must offer a rental package that is attractive to a client. "The reason why some rental options have not worked locally is because they are based on business modules overseas. Companies simply introduce the very same scheme here and expect it to work in what is, for the most part, a different business environment with different needs and expectations. We at Blick SA have realised this and have done intensive research into the local market and believe that our rental option in South Africa is indeed a viable one."

Oberholtzer is a strong proponent of going the rental route, and since his appointment as MD last year, has actively promoted this option to current and potential customers. "In addition, our rental option comes with a full service agreement for maintenance and technical back-up at all times," he adds.

Customer-first initiative

The third and perhaps the most important aspect of Blick SA's approach to the market is its customer-first initiative. As stated earlier, Blick SA only concentrates on those industries where it can become a dominant player and control considerable market share. In order to do this, the company needs to make its clients realise and acknowledge the value that Blick SA brings to the table. Another interesting point worth noting is the company's management structure.

The change in the CEO position at Blick PLC has introduced a more transparent and approachable style of management. Oberholtzer himself leads a team of highly motivated sales and technical staff that are very much a part of the decision making process within the company.

According to Oberholtzer, the new management structure and customer first initiative lends itself to Blick SA marrying the service levels of a small company that places much emphasis on customer satisfaction with the backing of a large international company - a sure recipe for success.

New products and partnerships

Speaking to Oberholtzer makes one realise that exciting times lie ahead for Blick SA. Already, the company has exhibited at Securex 2003 in order to raise its profile in the industry. The company has invested considerably in the research and development of new products. A case in point is the development of Web-based applications for its Blue Line range access and T&A solutions as well as integrating its product offering with biometric applications.

Blick SA is also forging and cementing relationships with its suppliers and partners to ensure that it is able to offer its customers the best possible solution at a cost-effective price.

And how does Blick SA fit in with the business strategy of its parent, Blick PLC. "Blick PLC sees us as an important resource within the group," states Oberholtzer. "I believe that our parent company has also realised that the management in South Africa has the potential to be future leaders of Blick PLC. By investing in South Africa now, Blick PLC is laying the building blocks for its future," he concludes.

Share this article:

Further reading: