Specialist software consultancy Absoft has bolstered its position in the UK’s higher education market after being appointed as a preferred supplier by key sector group, the SAP Higher Education and Research User Group (HERUG).
The move has already resulted in Aberdeen-based Absoft securing two five-figure contracts, with the University of Leicester and City University in London, to provide SAP support services.
Absoft, one of the UK’s largest independent SAP consultancies, was appointed by HERUG as its preferred supplier of SAP support services after a formal tender process involving a number of potential suppliers. The support agreement framework duration is four years with an optional two-year extension.
The group’s membership features institutions across the UK, including many that appear in the top 50 of the Times Good University Guide 2010. Its role is to foster the development and more effective delivery of SAP products and services to the higher education and research community.
David Cowling chair of HERUG commented: “We were looking for a partner that could meet the differing needs of the HERUG institutions with regard to SAP support and one that could bring the sector together and help drive developments through so that our organisations can make the most of their investment in SAP. Absoft came out on top after a very competitive process and we now look forward to working with them to drive out the benefits of the partnership.”
Absoft managing director Ian Mechie said: “This represents a step change for us in terms of our activity in the higher and further education sector. We already have more than 10 years’ experience in this area, but this paves the way for us to increase our client portfolio significantly in a key market for us.
“HERUG wanted to appoint a preferred supplier who would be able to cater for wide-ranging SAP support requirements across its user base while helping members reduce the cost, time and effort invested in procuring SAP services.
”Our flexible delivery model, breadth of expertise and range of value-adding services, set us apart from the competition. Our strategic vision for the sector is also a good fit with HERUG. We are working to create industry-specific SAP solutions for further and higher education institutions that meet the needs of the modern-day sector and this new relationship will be pivotal in making that happen.”
Absoft’s existing client portfolio includes the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Scottish Agricultural College, The University of Stirling, Edinburgh Napier University and The University of Abertay Dundee.
Institutions are typically using SAP to handle operationally critical functions including finance, grants management, student lifecycle management, procurement, human resources and payroll, among others.
