HELIOS IT SOLUTIONS |
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Helios is an enabler for the success and growth of the Group and our clients through technology solutions.
OVERVIEW
Helios IT Solutions (“Helios”) was established in 2011 and is driven by a quest for innovation. We are an independent information technology (“IT”) service provider that facilitates efficient management of healthcare services, particularly in the administration of medical schemes and health risk management within the Group and to external clients. In 2017, we upgraded our core systems by acquiring modern architectures and technologies to support the ongoing growth and diversification of the Group.
Our software assets are the backbone of the Group and a key enabler of value chain optimisation. They also ensure that the client experience is seamless and convenient.
Helios’ team plays an integral role in ensuring that our systems are enhanced to the highest levels and maintained on an ongoing basis to enable the sustainable growth of our clients.
We are continually analysing the market and investing in research and development to identify improved technologies that may increase efficiencies.
Through strong IT governance principles and effective risk management solutions, which are regularly independently reviewed, we maintain and secure client data. Collectively, our stringent governance structures, effective risk management, compliance with all legislative and best practice security measures enable us to ensure safety on our platforms.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
- System stability improved in 2017, with 94 (2016: 351) system-related incidents reported (73% reduction)
- Fusion Project – advancing the rewrite of the identified modules within our core systems
- Improved our operating model to ensure more efficient delivery of IT solutions to clients
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| AFROCENTRIC STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES |
HELIOS ALIGNMENT TO THESE | ||
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Enhance shareholder value |
The systems developed and maintained by Helios are key enablers for the Group’s growth. We facilitate the integration of new businesses/schemes which are acquired through mergers or acquisitions. Successful integrations increase the Group’s profitability and shareholder value. | |
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Maximise growth opportunities |
Helios is well positioned to support the Group’s growth activities by leveraging systems and infrastructure. In addition, we are pursuing opportunities both in South Africa and Africa to license our core systems to third parties. |
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Improve efficiencies through cost consciousness |
To keep abreast of technological advances, Helios continues to identify and implement more efficient solutions which enable process automation and cost-effective ways of doing business. | |
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Promote transformation | Transformation is a key imperative of the Group. Helios has implemented structures (such as the Helios B-BBEE Steering Committee) to promote and monitor transformation within the business. Recruitment and development of skills are a key part of the transformation initiatives within Helios. | |
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Diversify revenue sources |
Helios has implemented a business development strategy to identify adjacent markets where our systems and solutions are able to add value. These opportunities are actively pursued. | |
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Deliver exceptional client service |
Technology is a key enabler for clients to obtain service. Helios is investing in the prerequisite digital technologies and omni-channel client engagement methods to benefit clients across the Group. | |
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Reduce the cost of healthcare |
Helios has adopted an aggressive digital strategy that will realise relevant self-service functionality by offering more services and products to our members, brokers and providers. This will introduce efficiencies and additional growth opportunities. Our fraud, waste and abuse solutions are designed to return significant cost savings for our business. | |
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Uplift our people | Reporting structures have been reviewed to reduce unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy and thereby empower our employees in decision-making. Coupled to this, we are looking into investing in significant development opportunities across all our employee functions. | |
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, http://www.heliosits.com/2010/Templates/Content/Template.aspx?PageID=9263-1712