Mining Consultancy Sets the Foundation for Success with Microsoft Dynamics AX and Professional Advantage
Sydney, 26th October 2009
Xstract Mining Consultants Pty Ltd, a resource and mining industry consultancy, has selected Australian business technology and services specialists, Professional Advantage Pty Ltd, to deploy the Microsoft Dynamics AX enterprise resource planning solution for their growing consulting business. The implementation removes the need to use a patchwork of software systems and involves many core Microsoft Dynamics AX modules including financials, project management, time sheets and customer relationship management (CRM).
Established in February 2009 Xstract has quickly found a niche within the mining and resources industry. Despite the global downturn the Xstract team has grown from 2 to 18 within its first eight months of operation. At present approximately 60% of the company's business is for projects in Australia with 40% conducted internationally. Xstract intends to use Microsoft Dynamics AX to provide a solid system foundation and structure on which to build the company's operations within Australia and globally.
Xstracts decision to choose Microsoft Dynamics AX was driven by the consultancy's need for an integrated financial and time sheet system along with an efficient means of managing customer relationship information. Some of the key factors in the software's favour included the integrated nature of the modules, the project management facility, its flexible reporting capabilities, and the ability to centrally manage the database of customer contact information with security over who may access and update critical information. The ease of customisation along with the capacity for integration with Microsoft Office applications were also important considerations.
The evaluation process was led by Stefan Mujdrica, General Manager of Geology and Technologies and Principal Consultant at Xstract, who has been involved in a number of ERP deployments in the past. He made the following comments, “Professional Advantage presented an integrated solution that covered all our requirements. Their proposal was thorough and enabled us to quickly understand the modules and costing. Having experienced issues with systems integrators in the past, I was impressed by Professional Advantage's professionalism and the depth of their in-house expertise.”
Xstract anticipates that its current plans for Microsoft Dynamics AX will be expanded within the next few years to support the company's business growth. Mr Mujdrica adds, “What we're starting with is a foundation. As we grow we will look to take on other modules within the Microsoft Dynamics AX suite of products. From experience I've learned that it's easier to put in place a skeletal ERP system early on. It allows people to understand the system as the business grows rather than having to turn around and change the way people think when you are a much larger organisation.”
Derek Rippingale, Managing Director at Professional Advantage, said “Xstract is a great example of a company with a view to the future. By getting the right systems in place now Xstract is ensuring that it establishes best practices and efficient processes from the start. It's a very canny move and a sure way to minimise growing pains.”
About Xstract
Xstract Mining Consultants formed in Brisbane, Australia in February 2009 to provide insight, knowledge and solution delivery to the mining and resources industries. Being privately owned, they are able to provide independent, strategic and tactical advice, as well as personalised professional services to exploration and mining companies, engineering firms, financial institutions and investors. Xstract bring the benefits of experience, expertise and in-depth knowledge to clients and work closely with them to ensure they get the right results. Their consultants have experience in a range of technical areas, commodities and geographic areas across Australia and globally. Xstract’s technical capabilities include core services such as geology, mining engineering, corporate services (including valuation & risk), environment, mineral processing, and technologies