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About Altron - the story of a 60-year-old technology giant

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At Altron Document Solutions, we’re about more than technology

We’re about people, partnerships and purpose. This space is where we share who we are, what we care about, and how we’re helping businesses thrive across Africa. From leadership insights to the latest industry updates, you'll find stories that reflect our values and vision. Whether you’re a client, partner or curious visitor, we invite you to get to know us a little better. This is where our journey (and yours!)comes to life.

Our purpose
Transform today into a simpler, safer and smarter tomorrow

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Our history

 

Altron Document Solutions has a legacy that spans six decades, built on strong partnerships, deep expertise and a passion for making work easier.

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1959

Xerox revolutionised the printing industry on 19 September 1959 with the launch of the fast, economical Xerox 914—the first automatic, plain-paper commercial copier. This paved the way for even more ground-breaking inventions and technological advancements that positioned Xerox as the leaders in their field. 

1964

Established in South Africa as Rank Xerox.

1974

Xerox Corporation established a more formal operation to directly manage business in South Africa.

2003

Bytes Technology Group (a subsidiary of Altron) acquired a majority shareholding in Xerox South Africa. This led to the formation of Bytes Document Solutions (BDS), with BDS becoming the exclusive distributor and service provider for Xerox in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

2004

The Bytes Group sells 27% of its Bytes South African operations to Kagiso in a BEE deal. The Xerox exclusive distribution agreement is renewed for a further 10 years. Xerox increases its distribution rights to 22 African countries. 

2009

Bytes Document Solutions is announced as "Partner of the Year" and wins the "Productivity Through Partnerships" award at the XEROX Middle-East and Africa Operations Conference held in Dubai.

2010

Xerox distribution rights increased to 27 African countries. 

2011

Bytes Document Solutions wins the Xerox Middle East & Africa Partner of the Year Award for 2010. This prestigious award is contested by Xerox distributors in 76 countries within the Xerox MEA regions.

2014

Bytes Document Solutions, Xerox Authorised Distributor celebrates fifty years of innovation in South Africa.

2015

Bytes Document Solutions awarded multiple honours by Xerox including; Customer Service Excellence Award, Managed Print Services (MPS) Partner of the year, Africa and Mediterranean Partner of the year, & overall Xerox Middle East & Africa Partner of the year.

2016

Bytes Document Solutions awarded the Altron Environmental Award, establishing sustainability in our company ethos. Awarded the Xerox Managed Print Services (MPS) Partner of the year.

2017

Bytes Document Solutions wins Xerox Office Systems Group (OSG) MEA award at Xerox partner conference. Bytes Document Solutions awarded the Equitrac Reseller of the Year Award.

2018

Bytes Document Solutions wins Xerox MEA Partner of the Year Award, MPS Excellence Award & Production Excellence Award.

2020

Rebranded as Altron Document Solutions, continuing our journey as a leader in intelligent document solutions and services across Africa.

2024

Following a strategic review, Altron Document Solutions was reclassified as a continuing operation within Altron's IT Services segment, indicating its importance to the group's core business.

Why it matters

We’re not just about machines; we’re about making work better. Our goal is to help you:

  • Openness honesty and integrity (1)
    Reduce manual processes and admin time
  • Collaborate across multiple teams
    Improve compliance and data security
  • Passionate about our employees
    Boost productivity through automation and digitisation
  • Get things done and enjoy doing it
    Control print costs and drive sustainability
  • Embrace diversity and inclusion
    Get support that’s local, personal, and expert

Businesses in the Altron group

 
We help you equip and enable everyone, anywhere in your organisation, with the information and technology they need to create value. 
 
The six businesses delivering solutions and services across our portfolio are:

  • Altron FinTech
  • Altron HealthTech
  • Netstar
  • Altron Digital Business
  • Altron Security
  • Altron Arrow

Altron FinTech

Provides cutting-edge technology and services to facilitate card issuance and personalisation, digital payments, integrated digital transactions and credit management solutions.

altron_fintech

Altron HealthTech

Delivers innovative solutions for improved patient care and operational efficiency within the medical industry. We switch 99.8 million healthcare transactions annually and securely manage 7.7 million digital patient records.

altron_healthtech

Netstar

With over 1.6 million connected devices, Netstar is an industry-leading provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions that focus on physical safety, security and operational efficiency.

netstar logo

Altron Digital Business 

Bring together the best IT services capability across the group to deliver enterprise-grade solutions that help you operate, optimise and transform your business.

altron_digital_business

Altron Security 

Combines advanced technology, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships to deliver cryptography and data, edge and identity security solutions that ensure regulatory compliance.

Altron Security Logo - light

Altron Arrow 

A leading distributor of electronic components strategically positioned to help you design, source, build and launch products.

altron_arrow

Altron FinTech

Altron FinTech

Provides cutting-edge technology and services to facilitate card issuance and personalisation, digital payments, integrated digital transactions and credit management solutions.

Altron HealthTech

Altron HealthTech

Delivers innovative solutions for improved patient care and operational efficiency within the medical industry. We switch 99.8 million healthcare transactions annually and securely manage 7.7 million digital patient records.

Netstar

Netstar

With over 1.6 million connected devices, Netstar is an industry-leading provider of vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions that focus on physical safety, security and operational efficiency.

Altron Digital Business

Altron Digital Business 

Bring together the best IT services capability across the group to deliver enterprise-grade solutions that help you operate, optimise and transform your business.

Altron Security

Altron Security 

Combines advanced technology, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships to deliver cryptography and data, edge and identity security solutions that ensure regulatory compliance.

Altron Arrow

Altron Arrow 

A leading distributor of electronic components strategically positioned to help you design, source, build and launch products.

Our Leadership

Meet the people behind the purpose. Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience, passion and strategic vision to Altron Document Solutions. Together, they guide our growth, culture and customer relationships, ensuring we deliver value at every turn. Get to know the individuals helping shape the future of our business, and discover how their combined strengths drive us forward in an ever-changing world.

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We partner with businesses across South Africa to solve real-world problems. How can we help you take on tomorrow?
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