Charles MuhukoFLAMETREE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LTD

www.flametree-systems.co.keinfo@flametree-systems.co.ke

Successful ICT means!AffordableScalableSelf SustainingParticipatory

AffordableCheap is expensive in ICTSolution should reduce overheadsSolution should increase service delivery to

membersGo for branded computers and not refurbished Weigh between branded computers and

refurbishedSolution should not be too costly for the societyShould be between 1% to 3% of the turnover

ScalableShould allow vertical scalingShould allow horizontal scalingScaling should be done at no or minimal costScaling allows more functionalities to loaded

to the systemSystem should be expandable with increase

in workload

Self sustainingSolution should reduce overheadsShould provide new business ideasWith the savings it should fund itself

ParticipatoryIdentify the stakeholders to be affectedStakeholders are farmers, management, and

staffSolution will involve every stakeholderSolution will be efficient for all stakeholdersGet the views and feelings of every one

towards ICTStaff- job retention Manager-reportsMembers-quick payment

Stakeholders in a computerization processElected leaders- where is the cooperative

goingManager- accurate and timely reportsStaff- keep their job/ avoid duplicationMembers-quick payment/accuracy/

statementsClients- accurate and timely invoicingSuppliers- paid on time

Ten Commandments of Computerization1. Have clear business goal – what business

problem will computerization solve?2. Learn from others. Costs, benefits, computer

maintenance, training, risks3. Have a business plan that lays out your

arguments – find a champion easily convince4. Establish an ICT Committee – 2 heads better5. Examine the system issues- modular

approach

6. Sufficient time to develop an implementation plan – business goals, objectives, outputs, tasks, responsibilities, timing and costs

7. Be careful with contracts- clearly spell your expectations of the vendor, set measurable goals, realistic goals, documentation important

8. Be sure each person is trained adequately- continuous

9. Run parallel systems before full migration10.Provisions for maintenance, support and

updates

Summary ICTs alone are insufficient for significant benefits to emerge ICTs will not transform bad development into good

development, but they can make good development better. ICTs will not transform bad processes into good processes,

but will make good processes more efficient and effectiveEffective applications of ICTs comprise both of technological technological

infrastructureinfrastructure and an information infrastructureinformation infrastructureThe application of ICTs in the absence of a ICT strategy will

result in sub-optimal outcomes.While ICTs provide opportunities for development, desirable

outcomes always arise from the actions of peoplepeople

THANK YOU!

Flametree Systems EngineeringBrookside Drive, Westlands

www.flametree-systems.co.keinfo@flametree-systems.co.ke