Software Review of EL Mohassil (Version 2.1)

Publication Date: 2005
Published by: CGAP Technology Resource Center
Document Type: Paper (PDF)

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Is the software El Mohassil 2.1 suitable for the use of a microfinance institution?

This review, sponsored by the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) and managed by Horus Development Finance, examines and rates the software, El Mohassil 2.1.

The review states that the software is:

• Designed for small to large microfinance institutions (MFIs);
• Relatively expensive for customers outside Egypt;
• Free of requirements of expertise to operate and manage it;
• Designed to manage loan portfolios in both individual and group lending.

The review also states that the software has been:

• Developed in Egypt;
• Implemented in 11 MFIs.

The review lists the following pros and cons of the software:

• Pros:
  • It can be installed quickly and has a short learning curve;
  • It is in Arabic and has also been translated into English and French.
• Cons:
  • It is relatively expensive;
  • It has a limited range of features;
  • Its functional coverage is limited to loan portfolio management.

The review rates the software as follows (“1 star”, or poor, to “4 stars”, or best):

• Functionality – 2 stars: generally meets microfinance needs;
• Ease of use – 3 stars: it is user friendly and professional;
• Management reporting – 3 stars: the quality of reports is above market average;
• Services – 2 stars: customers complain about high maintenance costs;
• Technical capabilities – 3 stars: it is built on a good framework, with few bugs.