The service will leverage Echelon's expertise in business analysis, process improvement, and training with LSS's experience in software development. The one-team approach will overcome the typical planning and communication issues faced when implementing IT change in the organisation.

Alistair Morrison, CEO of Echelon, explains: "We are joining with LSS to produce specific, high-quality software solutions that deliver identified business benefits by being designed exactly to requirement and implemented efficiently for quick and sustained return on investment. This will see the combination of Echelon's expertise in business and process analysis, procedure documentation, and training with LSS's competence in systems analysis, software design, and development."

"We believe that successful systems deployment requires that both the right system be designed and also that the organisation be properly prepared for its introduction," he adds.

LSS's managing director James Boother states, "We believe strongly that this partnering agreement will work to the advantage of both LSS's and Echelon's clients. In particular, this agreement enhances LSS's skills set - giving us access to expertise beyond the 'IT' sector of business, allowing us to contribute to all areas of business development and profitability."

Under the partnering agreement, Echelon and LSS will offer a 'one-stop shop' providing consulting on organisational change, performance improvement, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and IT and systems advice. It will also provide software that drives business growth; simplifies business processes; improves productivity, economy, and speed; and delivers a return on investment by swiftly gaining the confidence and buy-in of users.

"We believe that the current economic climate is an ideal time to launch this partnering agreement", says Echelon's Morrison.

"Now is a good time for organisations to strengthen their procedures and processes to ensure that they are effective and efficient as they can be - and that their staff is using these to their fullest advantage. That will help these organisations provide better customer service today and put them in the best position for taking full advantage of the up-turn in the economy as and when it happens."