[South Africa] HR market rising up to the cloud - CRS

Despite a better understanding of the realities of cloud-based solutions and investment in Africa, some regions, including South Africa, are lagging behind when it comes to adoption.

This is according to James McKerrell, CEO of CRS Technologies, a leader in HR and Human Capital Management (HCM) services and solutions.

McKerrell says there is a noticeably slow uptake of cloud-based solutions in South Africa at the moment. “I think other African countries have adopted cloud-based solutions more readily and out of necessity.”

And the issue of understanding technology and appreciation for the dynamics involved in application has largely been sorted out, the CRS Technologies CEO adds.

“More and more people are becoming comfortable and have a better understanding of the relevant issues related to the cloud,” says McKerrell.

Specifically, there is a better understanding of how cloud technology has evolved to ensure more peace of mind when it comes to security concerns. There is also an improvement in broadband availability and the bandwidth capacity.

“By appointing a sound technology provider, decision makers have less to worry about in terms of security, access and disaster recovery,” McKerrell adds.

HR in the cloud

With the growth of cloud and increase in appeal of infrastructure, it is no surprise that core functions like HR have merged into this space and are increasingly being controlled through virtualisation.

While uptake has been staggered, according to McKerrell, the market is making progress and there is an appreciation for the fact that cloud makes communication with employees much more transparent, efficient, reliable and in real time.

“Our message to the market is that cloud adoption, done strategically and with work place requirements front-of-mind, can be used to eliminate or at least reduce cost and administration of infrastructure,” he adds.

Cloud integration can also improve compliance and enable and empower employees.

www.crs.co.za