SAP reseller Barnstone has launched an all-in-one, pre-configured SAP solution for mining SMEs that comes pre-populated with useful and relevant industry information

Barnstone’s  All-in-one SAP solution for SMEs in mining  combines SAP software, SAP best practises and Barnstone’s services.

“The solution is ideal for someone starting or growing a mining venture,” says Conrad Steyn, Barnstone’s co-founder. “A new business owner should not have to spend time on laborious administrative tasks, but rather focus on the mining itself.”

The pre-defined aspect of this software includes business blueprints, configuration options, testing capabilities, training material, end-user instruction and come with pre-loaded data.

“It is not uncommon for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to come pre-configured, but it is rare that they are pre-populated with key data,” says Steyn. “With this solution, vendor contact details, service supplier data, and other relevant information are all available.”

The solution contains guidelines on mining-specific processes, principles, and best-practises that have been collated by veterans in the industry.

Furthermore, accounting is set up to be relevant to mining and reporting systems are configured according to the Department of Minerals and Energy requirements.

“Using an ERP that carries a big name like SAP is significant if the organisation plans on being listed,” says Steyn. “When investors enquire as to what processes have been put in place, a brand like SAP gives you much more credibility than an unknown ERP system or ad-hoc spreadsheets.”

A definitive feature of this SAP solution is its ability to replicate or grow when required. Any customisations, to the system can easily be reproduced in the case of another mine being purchased. “The processes become formalised and do not have to be set up from scratch. This is extremely useful when it is the aim of the mine owner is to possess more than one mine over time,” says Steyn.

Having a pre-defined and pre-loaded ERP system will definitely gain popularity in the future, as organisations increasingly look for ways to save time, cut costs and reduce risks.

“Purchasing ERP systems that come pre-populated with industry-specific information is set to become a trend, especially among SMEs,” Steyn concludes.

Mines in remote locations are usually cut off from infrastructure and services, making mission-critical communications extremely challenging. Even if mobile services are available, the ability to send data is often limited, which means email and internet access is slow and unreliable, potentially delaying project timelines.

MAXI-SAT, a joint venture between Maxwell and Barnstone, is an innovative solution enabling organisations to establish communications in the remotest parts of the world.

The unit is supported with clean power, UPS capability, air conditioning, a lightning arrestor and is dustproof, making it ideal for any construction site or remote area that has limited or no access to infrastructure.

According to Marius von Wielligh, director at Maxwell, MAXI-SAT has been used by construction companies developing new mines, as well as by NGOs operating in inaccessible parts of Africa. It has been deployed in South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania, DRC, Central Africa Republic and Chad. There has been significant interest from South America and opportunities exist in Saudi Arabia.

“These days construction companies working on new mine sites are heavily reliant on communication technology,” he says. “They often need to send large engineering drawings and require sufficient bandwidth to do this. If communication infrastructure does exist, bandwidth is usually limited.”

Thanks to satellite technology, the MAXI-SAT unit offers an abundance of bandwidth meaning fast connections and uptime usually in excess of 99.7%. Services include telephony, fax, email, internet and networking. The solution is scalable and can support up to 200 users. Technical support is offered remotely via Barnstone’s call centre in South Africa, and when needed, technicians travel to the site to resolve problems.

A MAXI-SAT container can be transported by standard methods and is easily deployable. A unit can be freighted within two weeks of an order, and once it arrives on site, it only takes up to four days to be operational. While most transport happens via road and freight, MAXI-SAT is also suited to helicopter drop if required.

According to Pierre Tredoux, director of Barnstone, this is one of the most promising products in its investment portfolio. And Tredoux is wired to spot a good opportunity when he sees it. “There are also strong synergies with Barnstone’s other operations, so a joint venture for this product makes sound business sense,” he says. Barnstone also provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions to companies in the mining sector.

“We are extremely optimistic about MAXI-SAT’s potential,” says Tredoux. “The product is innovative and robust, and the right team is in place within Maxwell to make it happen.”