Conrad Steyn, co-founder of Barnstone
Barnstone’s All-in-
“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.
