I have never witnessed such a rapidly evolving situation. Over a matter of months, the world as we know it has changed. The threat of the COVID-19 virus has been compared to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, which infected a large percentage of the population. Although the true impact of the virus is unknown, in this time of uncertainty we should acknowledge that each country, business, and individual has a social responsibility to the planet. Close to our hearts at SYSPRO is the need to protect our loved ones, our families, our colleagues, partners, and customers.
As this unprecedented situation continues to develop, my thoughts also go out to anyone who has been impacted by COVID-19. The surreal situation also significantly impacts the manufacturing and distribution sectors, all of which function as the backbone of all societies.
I wanted to reach out to you all to tell you about how we recognize the importance of acting swiftly and responsibly to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and how the health and wellbeing of everyone within our extended community is paramount. Quite simply, without our employees, our partners and our customers we would not survive.
With that, SYSPRO has undertaken a concerted effort to secure our business environment for our employees and customers. To achieve the best results, we have been guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) international best practice directives. As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, stated, “we are at a critical point in the global response to COVID-19 and we need everyone to get involved in this massive effort to keep the world safe.” Here are some of the protocols that we have established within our offices across the globe. As you know, the ever-evolving situation requires these protocols to be adaptable, based on the circumstances at hand.
Remote working
As a technology organization, we are strongly advocating an approach of remote working and social distancing for our employees. In some cases, we have also instituted rotating schedules for staff members who need to be present at our offices. Where possible, we have requested employees to limit in-person meetings and to instead use technology to its full potential.
Disinfection protocols
In addition to supplying hand sanitizers within our premises, we will also be instituting deep cleaning practices.
Customer interactions
Depending on which SYSPRO office you engage with, along with the severity of the outbreak within the region, we will adapt customer interactions. Once again, as a technological organization, we will advocate the use of video conferencing as an alternative to face-to-face meetings.
Travel restrictions
Attendance of conferences and events have been postponed and we will restrict domestic business travel, as well as suspend all international business travel until further notice. We will be working closely with any customers and partners to evaluate each individual situation where travel by our team is required.
I am very concerned about the wellbeing of everyone in the SYSPRO community, and rest assured we will do our very best to comply and exceed government directives – depending on where our offices are located. I do truly believe that through unity and collective responsibility we will overcome this global pandemic. Read our previous message around company protocols here.
Kind Regards
Phil Duff
Chief Executive Officer, SYSPRO Corporate
