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BLACKWOOD HODGE POWER SERVICES UGANDA
How Blackwood Hodge Power Services UGANDA Limited implemented ZOHO PEOPLE to streamline its core HR & People Management functions.
THE CLIENT
Blackwood Hodge Power Services LTD, based in Uganda, stands as a premier generator specialist, leveraging the expertise of global power industry leader FG Wilson. Since 2015, our partnership with FG Wilson—renowned for its 50 years of experience—has enabled us to excel in every aspect of generator set solutions. We offer comprehensive services including selection, installation, commissioning, parts delivery, aftermarket support, and maintenance, ensuring reliable power solutions tailored to your needs.
In 2019, Blackwood Hodge Power Services LTD Uganda was acquired by Tamgo International, a Zahid Group Company. This acquisition has bolstered our capabilities and resources.
By 2022, we expanded our portfolio to include Clark and by 2024, we further enhanced our offering by adding distribution rights of Xylem pumps.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
"As our company grew, managing our workforce became increasingly overwhelming. Without a proper system, tasks like attendance tracking, payroll processing, and leave management turned into constant struggles. We were bogged down by spreadsheets, falling behind on performance reviews, and facing compliance challenges. It was clear we needed a comprehensive solution. Implementing Zoho People and the Payroll Master App has revolutionized how we manage our workforce. What once was cumbersome and time-consuming is now streamlined and efficient. Centralized data, automated processes, and real-time insights have resolved past inefficiencies, allowing our team to focus on driving value for our clients. This solution has been key to enhancing our growth and operational performance."
- Solomon Serunyaze, Chief Accountant, Blackwood Hodge Power Services Uganda
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Blackwood Hodge Power Services Uganda Limited, a leading provider of power solutions, is grappling with significant HR and People Management challenges following its recent acquisition and the expansion of its service offerings. The surge in workforce size has exposed the limitations of traditional, manual methods for handling critical HR functions, including staff record management, attendance tracking, leave administration, performance reviews and payroll processing.
These issues are further magnified by the need to align with global standards set by the parent company, streamline operations across a growing organization, and make timely, data-driven decisions. Like many organizations experiencing rapid growth or structural change, Blackwood Hodge Power Services Uganda faces hurdles in modernizing HR systems, ensuring data integrity, maintaining workforce engagement, and scaling processes effectively. Left unaddressed, these inefficiencies could impede productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall business agility.
PROPOSED SOLUTION(s)
Mediacent Interactive, leveraging its expertise in transforming HR operations for growing businesses, proposed an integrated solution powered by ZOHO PEOPLE and Payroll Master Uganda App (Payroll solution that Mediacent’s IP). This dynamic suite combines cutting-edge automation with user-friendly design, tailored to streamline core HR processes, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance workforce productivity.
Key Features and Benefits that Blackwood Hodge Power Services Uganda would enjoy with this implementation include but are not limited to:
Centralized Employee Data: Consolidates staff records in a secure, accessible platform, ensuring data accuracy and reducing administrative workload.
Automated Attendance Management: Tracks employee attendance in real time, integrates with biometric devices, and generates detailed reports effortlessly.
Comprehensive Leave Management: Simplifies leave requests, approvals, and tracking with customizable policies and visibility across the organization.
Performance Management: Provides a robust framework for goal-setting, evaluations, and feedback to drive employee growth and engagement.
Streamlined Payroll Processing: Ensures accurate, compliant payroll management with automated calculations, statutory deductions, and on-time payouts.
Self-Service Portals: Empowers employees to access payslips, submit leave requests, and update personal details, reducing HR dependency.
Scalability and Integration: Seamlessly integrates with existing tools and scales as the organization grows, ensuring long-term value.
This tailored solution would not only resolve Blackwood Hodge Power Services Uganda’s immediate HR challenges but also position them for sustained operational excellence.
IMPLEMENTATION
Duration it took to implement the solution(s):
The project took a total of 3 Months.
Bottlenecks, and how they were mitigated
The client user team was not very receptive of the idea of a new IT system to manage HR and Payroll. But with a constant hand-holding and being extremely patient with the user team, they quickly warmed up to the platforms and adoption was assured.
Additional services provided- e.g. migration, customization & integration
Blackwood Hodge Power Services Uganda Ltd required migration of it’s old HR data from the previous Excel system to the new ZOHO PEOPLE platform. This was effectively handled with correct mapping from old to new system.
RESULTS: BENEFITS & ROI
Business Impact Post-Implementation
Adopting the ZOHO PEOPLE solution enabled Blackwood Hodge Power Services Uganda Limited to transform its HR operations into a streamlined, data-driven function that aligns with its strategic goals. By leveraging automation and centralization, the business was able to achieve operational efficiency, enhance employee satisfaction and drive measurable business growth.
Some of the Positive Outcomes for Blackwood Hodge Kenya included but were not limited to:
Centralized Data Hub: Provides a unified view of employee and operational data, ensuring accuracy and simplifying audits.
Increased Efficiency: Automation of HR processes reduces manual errors, saves time, and allows teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
Enhanced Revenue Potential: Improved employee management boosts productivity, directly contributing to operational profitability.
Improved Lead Conversion: Efficient workforce management supports sales and service teams in delivering better client experiences.
Data-Driven Decisions: Real-time insights enable informed, strategic planning and forecasting.
Stronger Communication: Self-service portals and centralized systems improve transparency and foster open communication.
Better Team Synergy: Streamlined processes enhance collaboration and create a more cohesive workforce.
Objective Alignment: Simplified processes allow leadership to focus on achieving business goals without HR-related disruptions.
Client Team Onboarding & Training: We believe ultimate success when it comes to systems is "not in implementation, but rather in adoption of the system". As such, Mediacent Interactive, through its mantra of "walking with the client team every step of the journey", provided thorough team training to relevant system users, ensuring they not only grasped, but became prolific in the use of the implemented solutions.