Late in 2009 Netcare embarked on a process of implementing a SAP PM pilot site. The stakes were high: fit in to the SAP IHS (ERP) implementation or your project is canned.

Peter Schilder, group technical manager of the Netcare group immediately engaged Pragma, having learnt our ways at Medi-clinic. The implementation process was too important to make any mistakes and system support and decision making was an important part of the process.

As a public sector team we reviewed the SAP blueprint before embarking on the project. The blueprint was relatively standard and we were happy that the configuration would support the business needs after a few small changes. Some difficult questions needed to be asked about the combination of two active asset registers (property and healthcare) into a single, integrated SAP PM master list.

Netcare positions itself as market leader in terms of healthcare, placing significant focus on the management of facilities and equipment in support of their core business. For example, one policy states that for any theatre to be operational there must be at least two backup power supplies at any single point (theatres are scheduled for close on 24 hours every day).

Asset master data was collected and presented with some unique constraints while the AM Assessment, policy, strategy, tactics, Standards Manual and Master Plan are on their final revisions. The idea has become simple: show value at Pretoria East, and 54 hospitals are yours for the taking.

The focus has also changed from project work to operational support and we have recruited an additional two resources to ensure long-term value add for the client and conformance to the stringent healthcare standards.

Keep a lookout for Juan, Thato and Alastiar who carry the Pragma values high and are rapidly taking Netcare from good to incomparable. Sleep easy knowing that Pragma is supporting Netcare in their pursuit of asset management excellence.