History

Affable Technology Services (ATS) is a boutique systems consultancy practice created to help retailers get value out of investments in technology. 

The ATS consulting practice has been formed within Melhawk Computer Solutions Pty Ltd. 

Melhawk began operations in 1986 as a software house, developing computer software for various Australian businesses. 

As a software developer, it has always been up to the company’s principal, Mr Julian Josem, to analyse business requirements, develop system design specifications, and oversee the development and implementation of solutions within its clients.

Often, a turnkey approach was taken; Melhawk supplied the hardware and software, and took responsibility to implement the resulting solution.

The company became a market leader with its POSitive Point of Sale software, having sold, installed, and delivered the solutions into approximately 5,000 registers within more than 200 Australian retailers.  The company was very successful and worked in partnership with the major hardware vendors to jointly satisfy small, medium, and large retailers.

In September 2001, the company sold its Intellectual Property to another firm, and changed focus to deliver services rather than product.  It became more focused on aligning itself with client needs, and is now driven by client objectives rather than by motivation to achieve sales of its own products.  As the saying goes, when all you have to sell is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.  Instead of trying to use one hammer to solve every problem, ATS researches the entire market to find the best solution for its clients.

Having been involved in the selection of systems for a long period, and continually researching technology for its clients (including some of Australia's premier retailers), the ATS consulting practice offers unparalleled value - expert knowledge and advice priced to suit Australian retailers.  Services include:

• Developing strategic IT plans
• Documenting and refining business processes
• Writing business system specifications
• Researching, selecting, and evaluating vendor offerings
• Managing the implementation of systems  
• Business coaching

ATS understands retailing very deeply.  We are as passionate about retailing as our clients!  

Our expertise covers many aspects, including:

• Retail Point of Sale systems
• Merchandising, inventory planning, and revenue optimisation
• Stock replenishment methodologies
• Mail Order systems
• Loyalty and customer base development programs
• Loss prevention and auditing techniques
• Staff training  
• Help desk and systems support needs

•        Clothing and footwear

•        Jewellery and gifts

•        Duty free

•        Liquor

•        Food service

•        Sporting goods

•        Department and discount stores

•        Book stores

•        Automotive accessories

•        Homewares  

•        Manchester and fabrics

•        Cosmetics, and

•        Shopping centres

The ATS business provides professional services - we help clients get value out of their technology investments rather than on supplying the technology itself. 

Principal Consultant, Julian Josem has 29 years of knowledge and experience servicing the technology needs of Australian businesses.  Julian lectures at Monash University on Retail Technology, and contributes to retail industry bodies.  Now, businesses themselves can have this experience and knowledge as part of their management team.

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