AfroCentric Group Integrated Annual Report 2017

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INTEGRATED REPORT 2017
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Helios operates at the intersection of healthcare and information
communication technology (“ICT”), and the Group is well
positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that arise,
responding to challenges without undue disruption to the
business.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES
• Digital technologies – new digital technologies create
opportunities to grow the product and service offerings
which may be offered both within the Group and to
third parties.
• Fusion – The core IT platform, Fusion, is expected to be
upgraded in 2018 and 2019, and will provide the Group with
scalability across large membership bases and the stability
to provide solutions to an evolving healthcare market.
• Licensing – offers IT solutions to external domestic and
international clients, and currently has a pan-African
customer base for its platforms.
• Infrastructure support – as the developers of the Fusion
platform, Helios offers an ongoing maintenance and support
package to licensees. There are added opportunities to sell
other platforms and continue providing a maintenance
service to those customers.
• Integration platforms and skills – Helios purchased an
established integration solution that, combined with strong
technical skills capability, provides quick and flexible
integration solutions to the market. AfroCentric’s partnership
with Sanlam, and the acquisition of 100% of Pharmacy
Direct, 100% of Curasana and 26% of Activo Health, create
opportunities to realise synergies and efficiencies across the
Group, using technology as an enabler.
• Switching services – Helios’ 51% holding in Allegra allows
the company to sell switching capabilities and pharmacy
management software to multiple providers, particularly
within the pharmacy sector.
Digital technologies are transforming the way healthcare is
delivered. The coordination of care and management of high-
risk beneficiaries is dependent on technology. Helios has
embraced these requirements and is implementing technologies
such as EHRs as part of this transition, and we are building
competencies in the digital space to ensure that we respond
proactively.
Multiple channels such as social media, mobile devices
and portals are now the preferred platform for customer
engagement. Helios has been proactive in ensuring that our
solutions support these channels.
Helios awaits the impending introduction of the NHI and
remains in a strong position to provide a competitively priced
and technologically superior offering to the industry. As such,
we are working with key role players to provide tailored solutions
in order to secure successful tenders for ICT services.
RESPONDING TO CHALLENGES
• Employee retention – Helios recognises the skills shortage
in the market, and is vigilant in its efforts to retain skilled
employees through above-average levels of remuneration.
The company aims to create a compelling and engaging
environment where employees feel valued and have career
progression.
• Cybersecurity – Cybercrime is one of the greatest areas of
concern for all businesses globally, particularly for the IT
sector. Cyber penetration and malicious intent (“hacking”)
as well as data theft are material risks. KPMG performed
a cybersecurity audit which highlighted areas for
improvement; Helios will focus on these going forward. To
mitigate this risk, the company regularly updates software
and has improved physical and logical security measures.
• Stability of platforms – Helios has a dedicated team of
professionals to overcome issues as they arise, to ensure
prompt query resolution and to achieve the strategic
objective of 100% systems uptime.
OUTLOOK
Helios is well positioned to continue supporting the growth
initiatives of the Group.
The roll-out of the Fusion project is expected to provide
significant efficiency and process enhancement to the Group
over the next two years.
Visit the Helios IT Solutions website,
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