It’s in their DNA
International software specialists SAP have dominated the digital enterprise space for decades. Founded in Germany, the company boasts a strong foothold in over 180 countries and serves 365 000 customers worldwide. Recently, SAP’s South African branch ranked eighth on the Global Top Employers rankings for 2019 for having exceptional working conditions for employees. SAP prides itself on assisting organisations in the public and private sector to manage risk, utilise resources more effectively and develop detailed business strategies in the digital sphere. “SAP is an innovative company because of the resources invested in research and development, with 28% of our global headcount in research and development as of December 2018,” says Sunil Geness, SAP Africa’s Director of Government Relations and CSR. “The culture of innovation is given true expression worldwide through more than 100 development locations, 20 development centres (SAP Labs), 17 co-innovation labs, seven SAP innovation centre network locations and a partner network of more than 18 800 companies globally.”
Wild solution
Big problems often need a macro-level approach to solving them. Africa’s wildlife poaching problem is one such issue that is in dire need of a creative solution. SAP has paired up with ERP-USE to systematically minimise human-to-wildlife contact in light of the severity of rhino and elephant poaching on the continent. Piloted through a project called ERP Airforce, endangered animals are fitted with GPS collars and their movements are monitored by conservationists. When an animal is in danger or has reached a boundary, reserves are notified and are able to respond more quickly to the animal in distress.
Every life counts
Given the high rate of violence against women in Nigeria, Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) has integrated SAP’s People Connect 365 mobile service into their gatekeeping initiative. To date, the project – sponsored by the ACT Foundation – has equipped over 500 mid-wives with the skills to use the software to spread awareness about trafficking, rape and abuse against women. This is done through the sharing of numerous text messages and weekly reports detailing ongoing instances of crime in Nigeria. With statistics like one in four girls falling victim to a sexual crime before reaching 18 years old, this method of communication has aided in providing timeous treatment and support to those in need.
Read more in the March/April issue of Fast Company South Africa.
