Most ERP vendors offer ERP solutions for Mining, but is there such a thing as a single ERP solution that solves the issues of an entire industry, especially one as complex as mining?
One of the biggest mistakes that mining corporations, and businesses in general, can make in today’s technology driven climate, is to accept blanket ERP solutions.
No two businesses are exactly the same, so how then can their IT needs be served by identical systems? How can their unique characteristics, needs and processes be effectively addressed by general solutions that only moderately suit their requirements?
The one thing that all mining operations have in common is that they rely on technology to help progress their business – whether they know it yet or not.
Personalized progress
For technology to be progressive and help a business, it must mold itself to the business’ specific needs and character. IT can no longer be made up of rigid systems that are prescribed for businesses at large.
The bottom line is that there are no one-size-fits-all ERP solutions. Organizations across all sectors are becoming more organic rather than rigidly structured and technology solutions have to reflect and enable that.
When they do this successfully the benefits are immense. The Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation demonstrated this when it migrated to SYSPRO’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform in 2012.
Cutting costs
The underground zinc and lead mine is one of the largest in Namibia and was acquired by the Glencore Xstrata PLC in 2011. The acquisition led to a significant cost cutting drive and Glencore identified a migration to SYSPRO as a way to significantly save on running costs.
The result for Rosh Pinah was a simplification of the business and reduction in the total cost of ownership by as much as 70% – bringing its operating costs in line with other African mining operations in the Glencore mining stable which were already running SYSPRO systems.
The new ERP environment is currently also aiding the automation of as many processes as possible in order to drive up efficiencies.
A unique solution
SYSPRO’s solution for the mining industry is specially designed to enhance production efficiency, optimize cost management and improve customer relations. The SYSPRO system for Rosh Pinah consisted of a significant amount of bespoke development work, customization and remodeling of business processes.
The solution was built specifically for use in Africa, where ease of use, access to skills and low cost of ownership are key factors to consider.
With 35 years’ experience, SYSPRO has mastered the art of understanding each business’ individual needs. We pride ourselves on being able to match the way business is evolving.
We understand that every industry and business is completely unique and requires custom, easy-to-use business technology solutions that provide flexibility and clarity.
This is especially true in the mining sector where the right technology solution can accelerate business processes, improve operational efficiencies and help mining companies adapt to the type of rapid change that is inevitable in the sector.
