Miner replaces SAP with homegrown ERP

Mining and exploration company CBH Resources has taken a bold step in selecting an Australian ERP solution to replace its current SAP R/3 system.

Homegrown Pronto Software will provide the end-to-end ERP solution for the company which has interests in zinc, lead and silver.

CBH employs around 180 staff and last year acquired Endeavour Mine, at Cobar (NSW), from resource company Pasminco (now Zinifex). Before the acquisition, Pasminco used SAP R/3 to manage its mining operations.

According to Robert Besley, managing director of CBH Resources, the decision to switch to Pronto was based on its ability to have the new ERP system operational within a tight timeframe.

"Pronto was one of the few vendors that had the ability to meet our deadline," Besley said.

"We also worked closely with it to pre-configure the system before we took possession of the mine, enabling us to implement the whole system in just six weeks."

Besley said the company had assessed the feasibility of continuing to use SAP, but realised that the overhead cost it would incur as a result would be prohibitive.

However, he did not disclose details of the cost of the Pronto deal.

"Not only was Pronto-Xi a fraction of the cost of SAP R/3, it offered the functionality and scalability we require," he said.

Engaging a range of modules including accounts, stock, project, plant maintenance, payroll, quality management services and lab & catalogue, Pronto-Xi will serve as the core business system for all aspects of the CBH business.

Pronto-Xi's real-time functionality will provide CBH with an integrated accounting system to tie into the company's stores and maintenance ordering facility, giving it a holistic view of what's happening in the organisation at any particular time.

"We expect that Pronto-Xi will equip us with additional reporting and analysis capabilities," Besley said.

"This will enable us to make quicker and more informed decisions about the business."

Pronto Software managing director David Jackman described the win as coup, especially being selected over SAP.

"The marketplace is not just dominated by large multinationals any more," he said.

"Australian technology companies often develop novel solutions that more than match the larger players in terms of technology leverage, robustness and cost."

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