OGN asks Ahmed A Ashadawi, president Al Falak Electronic Equipment & Supplies, about developments in the IT sector in the energy industry, the company's work with Saudi Aramco and the future of computer applications. Al Falak has recorded impressive growth since its foundation in the early 1980s pioneering computer applications for the benefit of commerce and industry. How do you see the future growth in computer applications, particularly with the Web and e-commerce technology pushing business hard?
In this digital age, we can now talk about the major effects which the Web and e-commerce is having on local companies. The business community is now operating in the 'new economy' and Saudi companies, as with all other major companies in the Middle East, are looking very seriously at how to improve their operation and competitive edge.
Al Falak believes that for the foreseeable future, innovative and flexible software solutions are an essential tool for running today's complex and fast-moving multinational organisations. Integrated back office software applications such as ERP, interfaced with front end B2B and C2B applications are vitally important to help companies become more effective, and control internal operating costs in all areas of trading, sales and procurement, manufacturing, supply chain management and customer relation management.
Growth in computer applications will therefore continue to flourish within the region and Al Falak is suitably placed to provide a comprehensive solution to its customers, whether it is communications, application software or the resultant customer services.
We supply a full range of products for all industry sectors which are particularly suited to the Middle East region, from network design and installation, e-business solutions, ERP, data warehousing, support services, manpower services, quality control and project management, and even hardware and associated accessories.
Al Falak has a proven track record of selling and deploying industry standard softwares together with technical support. As the computer market has matured, does Al Falak see itself more as an enterprise solution provider for the larger companies, or does Al Falak still cover the whole range of companies from small to medium to the individual as well?
Over the years Al Falak has developed its core services to include a full enterprise solution. No company is too small or too large to benefit from our services and we can provide industry-specific solutions for a number of complex business sectors.
In particular, Al Falak provides solutions for the industrial, consumer and service industries including, among others, fabricated metals, food and drink, automotive, consumer packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy, chemical and other manufacturing disciplines, architecture, engineering, construction, utilities and oil and gas.
Al Falak is both a hardware and software provider with specialist proprietary softwares together with high level manpower resources including software developers, consultants and training and maintenance staff. Is the focus of Al Falak services changing as new IT technologies emerge? That is, more towards total enterprise solutions for a particular application.
As the technology industry changes and has a direct effect on our customers' changing business conditions, Al Falak's emphasis is to keep in touch with these technology changes and adapt to our customers' requirements. Our services are designed to deliver industry-specific solutions either across the enterprise or to specific areas. Al Falak realises that to be competitive it also has to offer a combination of software adaptability, and Web-enabled capabilities for organisations to be agile any time, any place.
Al Falak provides specialist services to Saudi Aramco and Sabic. Can you provide an idea of the range of services provided to these clients over the years.
Al Falak has a successful record in the placement of top consultants from around the world in various local organisations to positively assist in the knowledge transfer to local IT skills. You will find this evident in Saudi Aramco, Sabic, Sceco and other reputable organisations, with strong IT departments lead by Saudi IT professionals, assisted at some point of their careers by consultants from Al Falak. Since IT is a constant evolution, Al Falak maintains its leadership in offering these and many other services to reputable organisations.
Training and human resource development of Saudis in IT skills is of paramount importance to the Kingdom. With the growth of the Internet and the vital importance of computer literacy, do you see the emergence of higher numbers of Saudis within the IT profession drawn from local colleges, KFUPM and other areas?
We are in full support of the Saudisation programme. Since Al Falak is a specialised IT solution provider, we have several sources to allow us to recruit top Saudi graduates, and offer them the best opportunity to learn from the experts in the IT field. This approach helps us to retain local talents and positively contributes not only to the training of Saudi IT skills but also creates a two-way commitment for long term employment for nationals.
How does Al Falak maintain its competitive edge?
Al Falak's corporate commitment to train, empower and retain its valued employees coupled with its excellent relationship with some of the world's top software and hardware companies underlined by the commitment, vision and focus of top management have allowed Al Falak to maintain its competitiveness without compromising services. A balanced formula carefully managed by the president and the board members, and the undivided commitment of Al Falak's professional staff, have helped Al Falak become the envy and an example of success in this competitive business.
