Computer Foundation (Pty) Ltd
COMPANY PROFILE
Company Profile table of contents 1.
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1
1.1
Company profile................................................................................................... 1
1.2
Company background ........................................................................................... 1
1.2.1
Company structure and operating organisation ........................................................ 2
1.3
B-BBEE policy and social responsibilities ................................................................. 3
1.4
Infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 3
1.5
Customer Relations .............................................................................................. 4
1.6
Expertise ............................................................................................................ 4
1.7
Products and Services ........................................................................................... 5
1.7.1 1.7.2 1.7.3 1.7.4 1.7.5 1.7.6 1.7.7 1.7.8
Design and Integration .................................................................................... Application Development Services ..................................................................... Internet Mapping ............................................................................................ Consulting Services ......................................................................................... System Analysis, Project and Program Management ............................................ Database Design ............................................................................................. Technical Support and Training ......................................................................... Mobile Device Programming .............................................................................
5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6
1.8
Technology Partners ............................................................................................. 6
1.9
ESRI Training and Support .................................................................................... 7
1.10
Commitment to clients .......................................................................................... 7
1.11
Company contact information ................................................................................ 7
1.12
Contracts history.................................................................................................. 8
Computer Foundation (Pty) Ltd. © CF
Company Profile
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1.
Introduction
Computer Foundation (Pty) Ltd, a proudly South African owned company, is one of leading solution builders in South Africa’s using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Our expertise and software offerings in this field has enabled many of our clients to drastically improve their business systems and offerings to their own clients. We specialise in offering end-to-end business solutions, creating, enhancing and maintaining spatially enabled Management Information Systems (MIS).
1.1
Company profile
Computer Foundation can not only analyse, design and develop GIS systems, but will also assist in designing GIS strategies for a Government Department, Municipality or company. Our consultants will assist you in creating and deploying spatial solutions on all platforms ranging from desktop systems to mobile systems and Smartphone’s. We have a team of software architects, business analysts, system analysts, project managers, software engineers, GIS specialists and network and hardware engineers who can tackle any problem and come up with workable solution. While the industry standard is that as many as 30 % of all IT projects are cancelled before they are finished, CF’s track record is 100% completion in the last five years and 98% successful completion in the last 10 years. Out innovative spatially enabled solutions are geared to meet the specific requirements of the environments used by our customers and are backed by an inclusive range of support services. These elements of business analysis, systems analysis, system design and architecture and development, project management, system implementation, training, skills transfer, hardware and technical support are covered to provide a rich and dynamic platform for visual control through electronic mapping over the MIS system. With its core focus being Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Foundation provides a layer-based, intelligent mapping system that integrates into most mainstream databases, producing a snapshot geographical representation of the information. The customer’s business becomes limitless, as information is easy to access, retrieve and graphically analyse.
1.2
Company background
Computer Foundation’s history spans over twenty years, during which time it has been the primary driver and technology partner behind many of the country’s largest GIS projects. The business started in 1986 and the company was registered in 1990 as part of the Computational Mechanics Holdings Group of companies. In 1991, Computer Foundation was acquired by the then Denel Informatics, which later became Ariel Technologies. The amalgamation in January 2001 of Ariel Technologies, Datavia and Eskom ITS to form arivia.kom, was another important milestone in the company’s history. Computer Foundation (Pty) Ltd. © CF
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The shareholders of arivia.kom, Transnet and Eskom, decided to sell their shares in Computer Foundation in 2008, which was then bought by a consortium consisting of CF management and BEE partners as from 1 April 2009. The new holding company is Afritide Systems Group (Pty) Ltd. Registered Trade Name Enterprise Registration Number Income Tax Number VAT Registration Number Holding Company Directors
Computer Foundation (Pty) Ltd 1990/05155/07 9120002606 4600124087 Afritide Systems Group (Pty) Ltd J.H. van Heerden (Managing) D.P. Ganyane J.E. Serfontein M.L. Mdlopane
1.2.1 Company structure and operating organisation CF is wholly owned by Afritide Systems Group (Pty) Ltd. Within CF, the following structure exists:
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Directors
1.3
B-BBEE policy and social responsibilities
Computer Foundation’s history spans over twenty years as a proudly South African company in support of the transformation objectives set by the South African government (act, No. 53 of 2003) and to enhance the economic participation of black people in the South African economy. We continually strive to improve our B-BBEE status through the implementation of prescribed Codes of Good practice. In our effort to comply with the B-BBEE policy, we employed the services of a South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) accredited verification agencies. We evaluated Computer Foundation in December 2011 that resulted in us having a Level 3 rating. We take our social responsibilities very seriously and it is our policy to train people from previously disadvantaged communities for short-term projects whenever possible. In the past three years we have trained more than thirty individuals in this way. Skills transferred include: Basic computer skills Computer Assisted Drawings (CAD) GIS Data capturing Database skills
1.4
Infrastructure
Computer Foundation (Pty) Ltd has its main office, together with its main technical support offices based at Block E, Waterford Court in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa. In addition, a large number of our highly skilled resources are based on customer sites in support of large, complex special-projects that require our skills and expertise e.g. Eskom Distribution (Midrand) and Department of Water Affairs (DWA), in Pretoria.
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1.5
Customer Relations
Computer Foundation has established a track record in the market place, for managing and delivering even the most complex GIS and spatial MIS projects, the success of which continues to bear testimony to both the technical expertise and the people skills of the company. Its relationships with its clients form a material part of Computer Foundation’s history.
1.6
Expertise
CF offers the following expertise: Consultation in GIS and Management Information Systems Consult on high level GIS strategy Enterprise Business Analysis Enterprise Systems Analysis Database design Data modelling Spatial data design Spatial and other data capturing, conversion and verification Systems design Systems development Systems implementation Training and support Internet hosting GIS-MIS project management We design systems for enterprise, desktop and mobile systems. Mobile systems include Windows CE devices such as PDA’s, smart phones, biometric scanners, barcode scanners, GPS and GPRS using a variety of connectivity options which range from cable to wireless and GSM. Development environments include the following: .Net (C# ) C++ Delphi Avenue HTML XML Java Asp.net Database skills include the following: Oracle Oracle Spatial SQL Server My SQL DB2 Firebird Informix Operating systems: MS Windows Linux UNIX Computer Foundation (Pty) Ltd. © CF
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1.7
Products and Services
1.7.1 Design and Integration Computer Foundation's professional approach to system design and integration ensures the success of its management information systems (MIS) solutions. With a focus on providing endto-end solutions based on open technology, the company's approach covers all elements of project management. In addition, Computer Foundation offers the facility to place its expertise on its clients' premises to assist them with implementation of their spatial MIS.
1.7.2 Application Development Services We are able to provide a total solution that includes system analysis, design and implementation of user-defined applications. It also includes providing all the project/ programme management for these developments to ensure that applications are delivered on time with the required quality.
1.7.3 Internet Mapping Technological expertise within Computer Foundation can provide for the dissemination of high-end geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping services via the Internet. The software that Computer Foundation uses enables our clients to integrate local data sources with Internet data sources for display, query, and analysis in an easy-to-use Web browser.
1.7.4 Consulting Services Before the GIS technology can be efficiently applied, one should carefully consider and plan for the needs of the client, before embarking on system acquisition, application and database development. Computer Foundation staff offer several services to support the design of efficient databases, applications and systems to best meet their customers' needs.
1.7.5 System Analysis, Project and Program Management At the core of a successful project is a commitment to complete the project on time, within scope and within budget. Computer Foundation's experience in managing many of the country's largest GIS projects has provided it with a profound competitive edge. This experience is harnessed in every project conducted on behalf of clients. This expertise extends not only to GIS projects, but also to any MIS project, to which the company lends its experience to successfully manage and implement on behalf of its clients. Such projects embrace the full project management life cycle, from feasibility studies, to user requirements and specifications, design work and workshops.
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1.7.6 Database Design Computer Foundation combines extensive experience in developing, using vast knowledge of contemporary database theory to design databases that are highly responsive to each organisation's needs.
1.7.7 Technical Support and Training Computer Foundation provides comprehensive training on all aspects of the spatial solutions developed on behalf of clients. In many cases, these would involve customisation of software and interfaces with legacy systems. Computer Foundation will ensure that clients are fully trained in all the elements of their installation. Similarly, customers are assured of ongoing support of their systems. An annual maintenance programme ensures that systems are cared for throughout the year, with support being just a phone call or email away.
1.7.8 Mobile Device Programming Computer Foundation has extensive experience in the design, development and implementation of software solutions using mobile devices to its full extend. Solutions vary from RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) track and tracing to asset management with durable hand held devices
1.8
Technology Partners
Computer Foundation partners with leading technology companies to either enhance our offerings and/or to extend our solutions.
ESRI: Computer Foundation, as a silver-tier accredited ESRI Partner forms part of a worldwide community of companies that develop and deliver cutting-edge geographic spatial solutions and services based on ESRI technology. We work together to support end users through successful GIS implementations and reusable solutions.
Elecsys Corporation: Computer Foundation is also an international business partner and accredited repair centre for Elecsys Corporation to distribute the Radix range of handheld computers.
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In addition Computer Foundation is also a:
Microsoft Solution Provider. Oracle Partner.
1.9
ESRI Training and Support
As part of our commitment to long-term partnerships with our clients we offer comprehensive training in ESRI spatial products. In addition, the company provides comprehensive training on all aspects of the spatial solutions developed on behalf of its clients. In many cases, these would involve customisation of software and interfaces with legacy systems. Computer Foundation will ensure that clients are fully trained in all the elements of their installation. Similarly, clients are assured of ongoing support of their systems. An annual maintenance program ensures that systems are cared for throughout the year, with support being a phone call or e-mail away.
1.10
Commitment to clients
As part of our commitment to our clients, CF organises an annual workshop where we make available some of the country’s top GIS experts to facilitate a week-long training event on ESRI products. This five-day GIS event combines in-depth and exercise driven training on various topics depending on the need, with fun-filled relationship-building exercises and leisure activities. These getaways tend to be the highlight on the calendar for both the company and its clients.
1.11
Company contact information
Contact
Mr Johan van Heerden
Designation
Managing Director
Physical Address
Block E, Waterford Court 141 Rabie Street Centurion Gauteng 0157
Telephone Number
(012) 644-3300
Fax Number
(012) 644-3322
E-mail Address
[email protected]
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1.12
Contracts history
A small sample of current and past contracts/projects:
Gauteng Department of Agriculture & Rural Development: A spatially enabled information system called ADSS – Agriculture Decision Support System which relies on spatial data and workflow management to successfully manage the compilation of Business Plans on behalf of their clients – the Gauteng aspiring and established farmers
Working for Water: Department of Water Affairs and Environment: CF redeveloped and enhanced an existing Working for Water Information Management System (WIMS). During the redevelopment of the system CF did Application Development, Training, Maintenance, Database Development and Database maintenance. CF offers ongoing enhancements, training and support for WFW. CF still offers ongoing enhancements, support and training.
Election result systems for the SABC: A real-time web based system designed to reflect the results of the general and local government elections in tables and on maps of South Africa. The system involved extensive database design, GIS design and development as well as data transformation and enhancement. CF assisted the SABC in this regard in 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2011.
Various Rail tracking and management systems: These systems included tracking and managing the positions of trains, locomotives and wagons using a complex combination of Oracle Spatial and traditional GIS systems. It also includes the design and use of mobile devices to build trains.
WEB Based GIS systems: This includes a wide range of web based GIS and management systems developed for various clients. Examples of these are a coal delivery management system, Supplier Registration System, Fire Reporting and Management database and many more.
Various data capturing projects: These include project ranging from asset management data capturing to traditional GIS data capturing. Technologies used include Lidar, Oracle, SQL Server, ArcView, MapInfo and Microstation.
Managing IT and GIS for DWA: Managing the Department: Water and Environmental Affair’s IT environment and provide GIS support to the various Directorates. The system involves GIS consultancy, database design, customisation, GIS analysis and end-user support. Computer Foundation also provides GIS and IT resources to DWAE.
Managing IT and GIS for DAFF: Managing the Department: Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries – Forestry Branch’s IT environment and provide GIS support to the various Forestry Directorates. The system involves GIS consultancy, GIS web application development, database design, customisation, GIS analysis and end-user support. Computer Foundation also provides GIS and IT resources to DWA.
IEC Election System: GIS Data Analysis and Map Production system designed to plan the logistics of elections in South Africa. The system involved database design, development, customisation and analysis skills.
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Investment Map system for the DPE: A real-time web based system designed to assist the Department of Public Enterprises with management information in investments made by State Owned Enterprises in Africa. The system involved database design, .Net programming, customisation, GIS analysis and data transformation.
Disease Notification for the Department of Health: A real-time web based system designed to assist the Department of Health in managing the outbreak of notifiable diseases in South Africa. The system involved database design, .Net programming, customisation, GIS analysis and data transformation.
Cadastral Information System for Surveyor-General: Various systems designed to manage land parcels in South Africa. The system involved GIS consultancy, database design, systems design, programming, customisation, internet hosting and the provision of resources to the Surveyor-General.
State Land Claims system for the Department of Land Affairs: A Web-based system designed to assist the department in managing claims made in terms of Land Restitution legislation on State Land. The system involves GIS consultancy, database design, systems design, programming, customisation and internet hosting.
Electricity Management System for Eskom: Various GIS-based systems designed to assist in electricity distribution in South Africa. The system involves GIS consultancy, database design, systems design, programming and customisation.
Computer Assisted Risk Management System for Transnet: Various internet based systems designed to assist all the arms of Transnet to manage risks. The system involves GIS consultancy, database design, systems design, programming, customisation and internet hosting.
Power System Simulation project for Eskom: Asset Data Capture and verification. Eskom Distribution had a need to consolidate data from various sources into a single target GIS system to enable power system analysis. Computer Foundation deployed data capture teams in four regions namely North, North East, Eastern and south regions to carry out data capturing from approximately 16 data sources, quality assurance and automated imports. The service rendered by Computer Foundation was applied in a custom-developed data capture tool to obtain, extract and consolidate information from various sources into a common unified data model.
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