Civica acquires master data management company VisionWare

The Civica Group, an international market leader in business-critical software applications, digital solutions and managed services, has announced that Civica UK Limited, the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, has acquired master data management specialist VisionWare Limited.

Based in Glasgow, and with operations in the UK and the USA, VisionWare is a provider of innovative master data management (MDM) solutions for local & regional government and healthcare. Its products and services deliver to organisations a complete, single view of their customers, enabling more efficient data-driven processes and intelligent automation. The company has been recognised as an innovator by Bloor Research and included in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for MDM of customer data solutions.

In keeping with Group strategy, VisionWare adds customer-relevant technology and expertise which is complementary across Civica’s leading family of business-critical software and services for the public sector. It also builds on the recent launch of Civica’s Digital division and strengthens the company’s capability to accelerate transformation of public services through digital technology and automation.

Master data is a fundamental enabler for digital business platforms. VisionWare’s MDM solutions allow customers to break down the silos that hold data and create a single view, whether of citizens, patients or members, underpinned by smart matching technology to synthesise data across multiple systems.

VisionWare customers include North Lanarkshire Council, which won a 2017 digital engagement award for its customer portal project, Mecklenburg County, BUPA and Premera Blue Cross, the largest health plan in the Pacific Northwest. In the UK the two companies are already working together as part of Civica’s strategic partnership at Hull City Council.

In addition to a significant presence in the UK and Asia Pacific, Civica is active in both the USA and Canada also. The Group is eager to develop opportunities in this market and is committed to supporting North American customers.

Wayne Story, Civica Group CEO, said, “I am delighted to welcome VisionWare to the Group. The public sector faces major change, while emerging technologies as part of a broader digital revolution are also driving a massive shift. Together we have a stronger capability to help customers extract maximum business value from their data, with the opportunity to expand further on the current activities of both companies and to capitalise on key opportunities from digital engagement to machine learning.”

Gordon Cooper, VisionWare founder and CEO, said, “All organisations are dealing with exploding volumes of data and recognise the enormous value locked away in fragmented data assets which can help to deliver a better customer experience and greater efficiency. Master data management solutions have an increasingly important role to play, and we are excited about our increased ability to grow and expand as part of the Civica Group.”

Dundee technology business takes significant minority stake in augmented reality firm

WARACLE, the Dundee technology business has taken a significant minority stake in augmented reality (AR) start-up Mozenix as it pushes revenue past the £10 million mark.

Waracle, which has been part of the Exception Group since 2016, plans to use the technology developed by fellow Dundee business Mozenix to allow it offer clients a wider suite of products. Mozenix was formed by Waracle co-founder Michael Romilly following the Exception acquisition. His brother, David Romilly is business development director at Waracle.

“We’re beginning to see significant demand from our customers to use AR and we’re always on the look-out for emerging technologies that will grow our expertise across digital products,” said David Romilly. AR technology is already being deployed across a number of industry sectors including retail, construction and oil and gas. Mozenix is currently working with Aberdeen-based Return To Scene (R2S), developing mobile AR apps that help to solve complex process efficiency challenges within the oil and gas sector. Mr Romilly said he expected Waracle’s turnover to be between £10.5m and £11m for 2017, up more than 50% on last year. Staff numbers have grown to 125, with the company opening a Glasgow office last year.

Waracle has also made an investment in blockchain startup Wallet Services.

“We’ve grown a lot, won a couple of financial services clients and we’re now looking at broadening our spread of capabilities, specifically around emerging technology, so now we can work across AR, blockchain, Internet of Things and voice,” said Mr Romilly.

Martin Burke, chairman of Exception and Waracle, has also become chairman of Mozenix.

Michael Romilly said: “the investment and support we’ll get from Waracle and Exception is going to be invaluable as we grow our company and AR offering.”

www.mozenix.com

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