From the technology company GeneXus, founded more than 25 years ago, three other companies were created over the years: Genexus Consulting (dedicated to customized consulting), K2B (software solutions for the business and health area) and GX Vision (software for the telecommunications sector).
At the head of them is the systems engineer Karina Santo. These firms have participated in more than 400 projects, some of national impact, such as the livestock traceability system, solutions for tax reform and electronic invoicing. They also work hand in hand with the private sector. Among its clients are the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Livestock, Central Bank, Agesic, DGI, BPS, ANDA, Stock Exchange, Spanish Association, Santander, Sumum.
What are you currently working on?
We have 40 active projects. One of them is the installation of the electronic medical record of patients in the State Health Services Administration (ASSE); we are also scaling up this system in the Spanish Association. The idea is that patient information can be shared by health institutions and thus improve care.
In the private sector, for example, we are advising Banco Santander on new risk analysis systems and indicators for decision-making.
Each project is different, but it is always about strengthening management, key processes and the relationship with citizens.
Do you follow the development of the livestock traceability system?
Yes, we started it ten years ago and it has become an icon. The project emphasizes cattle, but then we continued with the traceability of sheep and other animals. Now we are also developing mobile applications for the rural producer.
They work a lot at the level of public bodies...
Yes, we adapted our ERP (enterprise resource planning system) for government, which is called Government Resource Planning (GRP) and was installed in thirteen agencies. This tool operates as a catalyst for the agencies' transformation towards better management practices, ensuring centralized control of regulations and operations. We did this some time ago and now we are following up.
What's new at the business level?
Two new units are in the pipeline and we expect them to take off soon. They are a Security Services unit and a Testing unit. We also have a Genexus Consulting subsidiary in the United States that, although it has been operating for a year, we want to support it as a business unit itself.
Why do these new units arise?
The client asks for the construction of secure systems, to detect vulnerabilities in their software, or advice on how to avoid being attacked. This type of demand is growing strongly and is the focus of the new Security unit.
Testing, on the other hand, has been working for three years and is now consolidating. The high level of exposure of applications requires high quality, because the cost of a failure is great. That is why testing has become a specialty.
What about the Genexus Consulting subsidiary in the United States?
We opened this subsidiary in San Francisco with the goal of promoting the brand's technology and selling services in that country. That's where we are.
How do you see the Uruguayan software sector today?
We are going through a great challenge because the country, both public and private companies, are facing digital transformation processes. Our challenge as a company is to understand what the client needs and support them in that transformation. We not only need the capacity to build software, but also soft skills, such as negotiation, change management and business skills. We are building those capabilities in the company. All of us consultants are changing; from working in back office software, we are now more in the client's business and with a more proactive attitude.
Where is Genexus Consulting going?
Our goal is to continue the process of internationalization. It is also in our genes to be able to continue developing companies in the group. K2B is present in Uruguay, Mexico, United States, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Ecuador. GX Vision is also present abroad: in Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela and Uruguay. We will continue to expand.
By Fabiana Culshaw
Special for El Observador
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