Simpology simplifies technology

SHITONGENI Kakehongo founded Simpology Technology Services with five of his friends – some of whom have 15 to 20 years’ experience each. But what exactly do they do?

‘Basically, we simplify technology – that’s where the name Simpology comes from,’ he says before adding, ‘we go into any organisation, see how it performs and use software development to optimise their processes so that they work more efficiently and cut unnecessary costs.’That is, by using technology they can make the whole process of conducting business easier, whether it is for a small or big company. ‘For example, our client might be a factory asking us to design and implement a system for them which can give them relevant timely information and data reports to allow them to make better decisions overall,’ says Kakehongo. Simpology also provides services in process optimisation, performance measurement systems, KPI systems, database systems, business intelligence, operational management and process control. They have helped industries in the logistics and manufacturing sectors, laboratory systems, telecommunications and the utility sector (water and energy), but especially in mining. ‘Our biggest project is with Skorpion Zinc, the Anglo-American owned mine based in Rosh Pinah. We developed their entire Manufacturing Information System (MIS) which allows the management to know about their production of zinc, where the zinc is going to and coming from and what the zinc ingots comprise of – which is basically an analysis of how much impurities are inside them,’ Kakehongo continues. ‘This allows them to maintain their standards and produce super high-grade zinc.’In fact, the six members of Simpology had all previously worked in the information systems department of Skorpion Zinc, saw the opportunity to form their own company and decided to use their skills to provide a service to other Namibian companies – while setting themselves the long-term goal of expanding to other countries in Africa and beyondMeanwhile they have been participating in SMEs Compete events, such as the 2009 Arandis Expo and the Windhoek Show, in order to market and advertise their business, and aim to do the same this year. In the short to medium term, their goal is to secure more tenders with government, parastatals, industry and mining and manufacturing companies. ‘We have all the necessary skills and expertise, and would like Government and Namibia to give us the opportunity to prove this. We can deliver the same service as South African consultants and we are definitely cheaper than that competition. There are few Namibian companies who have these special abilities; such as business intelligence,’ Kakehongo says.Kakehongo also appeals to Namibia to use Namibian companies and cites a lack of confidence in Namibian companies as a hurdle to economic development in the country: ‘When you hire a consultant from abroad, our money goes outside the country to employ people there. This means there is more unemployment here.’Such challenges form part of the uncertainty in setting up one’s own business but as Kakehongo agrees that it was a risk to leave his secure full time day job, he also states that ‘that is what entrepreneurship is all about’.And what more advice can he give to budding businessmen and women? ‘I would recommend entrepreneurs to really know what business you are getting into and to really have the skills and knowledge so that you can deliver an excellent service to the Namibian population.’ Kakehongo anticipates that in the future they will be looking for young talent to nurture in this line of trade, and grow. ‘We want to employ Namibians and hope to form apprenticeships so that we can give back to previously disadvantaged communities. We’d like to become a household Namibian company using technology to simplify your bulk of work so that you have more time for other things.’So, if you have a business, why would you complicate your lives otherwise?*Shitongeni Kakehongo can be contacted at 081 294 2600 or e-mail shitongeni@simpology.com.na . Thanks to SMEs Compete for their assistance.