In a recent podcast on Business Tech Africa, Stuart Scanlon, managing director of epic ERP, joined host Greg Stewart for a thought-provoking conversation on doing business in Africa – and how ERP systems can help companies unlock efficiency and resilience in a complex environment.
Stuart unpacked how epic ERP supports customers – particularly in manufacturing and supply chain-heavy industries – through practical, data-driven solutions. He emphasised that in Africa, where businesses face unique logistical, legislative and economic challenges, adaptability is critical.
“Africa trips and falls, but it gets up again. It’s a resilient continent, and most businesses we work with are owner-driven and entrepreneurial at heart,” he said.
One of the key themes that emerged from the conversation was the value of data.
“Fifteen years ago, it was all about features. Now, it’s about information,” Stuart explained. “An ERP system aggregates data from across a business to help decision-makers understand margins, monitor costs and identify new opportunities.”
He also highlighted how ERP can be a powerful tool for navigating uncertainty. From global events like the Ukraine war and pandemic disruptions, to localised tariff shifts, Stuart noted that being equipped with real-time intelligence enables companies to manage supply chain complexity and regulatory demands with confidence.
The discussion touched on everything from margin pressure in the wine export industry to how ERP can support logistics tracking and cross-border trade. The message was clear: technology, combined with business intelligence, is vital for thriving in Africa’s evolving economic landscape.
Listen to the full episode here.
