As we move through 2025, it’s often valuable to look back at the moments that shaped our current business landscape. A decade ago, the 2015 launch of SYSPRO 7 and the Espresso Mobile App was one such landmark event.

It wasn’t just a product release; it was a gathering of industry leaders whose insights continue to resonate. The event featured key figures like Dr. Cyprus Olumbe, CEO of Mareba Computers; Phil Duff, SYSPRO’s co-founder and Executive Chairman; and Francis Wachira from Basco Products. Their dialogue set a course for enterprise resource planning (ERP) that we still follow today.

Highlights from a Landmark Launch

The 2015 event was more than just a showcase; it was a statement about the future of business operations. Here’s what stood out:

• The Power of Two: SYSPRO 7 and Espresso The main event was the dual release. SYSPRO 7 represented a powerful, next-level ERP solution, while the Espresso Mobile App delivered true mobility and functionality on the go. Together, they promised to streamline operations and boost efficiency for corporations of all sizes.

• Customization and Flexibility A key theme, championed by Dr. Cyprus Olumbe, was the deep customization of SYSPRO 7. He emphasized how essential it is for businesses to adapt their operational configurations to meet ever-changing market demands. This “tailored, not off-the-shelf” approach was a core principle.

• Real-World Success Stories To prove the technology’s impact, Francis Wachira of Basco Products took the stage. He shared his company’s successes after implementing SYSPRO 7 and the Espresso Mobile App, providing tangible examples of how these tools solved complex challenges and produced solid results.

• A Foundation of Collaboration The event also underscored the importance of partnership—not just between technology providers and enterprises, but among the entire ecosystem. It highlighted how this cooperation sparks innovation and allows businesses to effectively utilize the latest ERP solutions.

• A Relentless Focus on Customer Success Above all, every speaker emphasized a shared commitment to ensuring customer success. This focus has been critical in helping clients extract maximum, long-term value from their ERP investment.

The Lasting Impact: Why 2015 Still Matters in 2025

Nearly ten years later, the themes from that 2015 launch are more relevant than ever.

The search for efficiency, mobility, and tailored solutions hasn’t slowed down—it has accelerated. The principles discussed at that meeting laid the groundwork for the future of ERP technology in East Africa and beyond.

We see that legacy today. The move toward mobile-first workforces, the need for flexible and scalable platforms, and the demand for true technology partners (not just vendors) are all ideas that were championed at that event. In a competitive environment where collaboration and customization are vital, these principles remain the driving force for modern organizations.

The legacy of SYSPRO 7 and the Espresso Mobile App reminds us of the vital role that technological advancement and cooperative partnership play in driving growth and innovation. As we look to the future, the lessons from that pivotal moment remain essential for any business navigating today’s complex challenges.