Name: Prisma Tecnologia Computacional  

        Address: Pedro Rosales de Leon 7720-301

                   Fracc. Los Jardines                     

City: Cd. Juarez, Chih., MEXICO  32500 

CEO:  Juan Gerardo Duran

Products: Software

Year Founded: 1990     

      Customer service and extensive knowledge of Mexican law enables Ciudad Juárez-based Prisma Tecnología Computacional, S. A. de C. V., to provide top-level computer software programs for maquilas.

      Founded in 1990, Prisma is the largest software company on the border that is focused 100 percent on maquilas. Prisma provides the software that enables major multinational companies with Mexico operations to succeed. Its mission is to provide world quality systems with first class and on-time service to its customers.

      From handling accounts receivable to payroll, Prisma manages most all Global Trade Management software issues for maquilas, including coordinating payroll services for more than 100,000 employees a week.

      Its application systems are considered the best in the market and feature:

      •Scalable

      •Multi-User

      •Remote Access

      •Client Server

      •Interfaces with ERP and proprietary systems.

      Prisma has customers in 10 Mexican cities.

      “The big names are our customers,” says Prisma CEO Gerardo Duran.

      The biggest concern for multinational companies with Mexico operations is understanding local laws and regulations. Thorough knowledge of U.S. and Mexican customs procedures and paperwork is essential to prevent shipping delays or stoppages.

      “The large companies are all worried about being in compliance,” Duran says. “We have to completely understand Mexican law. The one thing we offer to our customers is that we have to have the changes ready whenever the government changes a law.”

      Since most maquilas would prefer to concentrate on manufacturing and assembly, Prisma is available to coordinate and facilitate trade management.

      Prisma software is used to expedite the following systems:

      •Payroll

      •Human Resources

      •Time and attendance

      •Dual-General Ledger

      •Accounts Payable

      •Accounts Receivable

      •Bank Reconciliation

      •Invoicing

      •Purchasing

      •Receiving

      •Cafeteria

      •Tool Crib

      Prisma is in the process of completing a major upgrade to its systems, which will, among other things, make the software web-based to allow customers to access the Internet to run the applications and for instant updates. Stronger linkages between files will also be established.

      “We are changing our image, changing our systems and doing all new coding for our systems,” says Duran. “The new systems will be stronger, more robust.”

      Prisma made its reputation with its Customs software for importing and exporting and the new, totally redesigned, Customs system was recently completed.

      “We have the know-how and the expertise to develop a Customs system that will beat any other product in the market, and we are ready to start implementation,” says Duran.

      It was developing Maquila Custom systems in 1990 that was the impetus for the creation of Prisma. Duran was working for a major software company at the time that had a contract with a large maquila to create Custom application software. As Duran worked on the project, he realized other maquilas would be interested in the same solution.

      “That was what rang my bell,” he says. “I realized there is a market there that we can focus on and attack.”

      The early days were tough. He had to compete against the company he left, plus potential clients wanted to see examples of his work.

      “It’s hard to find customers and without a product to show them it’s even harder,” says Duran. But once he was accepted, word-of-mouth and quality service took care of things. Prisma quickly became the pre-eminent choice for multinationals.

      “Back in the ‘90s the service providers in this area were few and the service was very bad,” he says. “We’ve set the standard for services.”

      In fact, 98 percent of the companies to contract with Prisma over the years remain Prisma customers. “We are focused and dedicated to our customers,” Duran says.

      In 1992 Prisma opened a second office, in El Paso, Texas. In 1993 a Ciudad Chihuahua, Chih. office was opened and in 2001 Prisma opened its fourth location, in Reynosa, Tamps. Today, more than 35 software engineers work for Prisma to ensure the company stays abreast of the latest changes in Mexican law.

      As the years go by, Prisma has seen more competitors try to enter the marketplace. Most are small, independent companies. For Duran, Prisma’s formula for success remains the same: customer service.

      “We are facing more competitors now,” Duran says. “We’ve seen many companies come and go. We’ve been here 16 years and we have seen many new guys. The challenge today is what we’ve been doing the best: support behind the product.”