Master Drilling, the provider of drilling services to mines in South Africa, are implementing a project control solution, which was developed by Interdyne Technologies, a Johannesburg-based software developer specialising in niche vertical markets.
The application was developed on the IBM U2 UniVerse platform which, according to Jacqui Powell, U2 Business Unit Manager at Workgroup, delivers dynamic, flexible and stable database technology, "giving our partners the competitive edge of high return on investment and low total cost of ownership."
The heart of every project Albert Styger, Managing Director of Interdyne Technologies, explains that the company`s Project Control Solution makes project management infinitely easier by providing a single point of entry into the project control system, enabling Mater Drilling to control all financials, manufacturing, sub-contracting and purchasing matters.
That, however, is not all a solution such as this has to offer. "Project control goes to the heart of the success of any project, which is where project management alone often falls short," he says.
"With a solution like this, Master Drilling can control every aspect of a project, from the initial set-up of the drilling rig at a site and the operation thereof by Master Drilling staff for the duration of the contract, to the physical control of equipment - establishing where every item of equipment is, be it out on contract, in the workshop or at a supplier."
For Master Drilling, the decision to implement Interdyne`s solution was easily made. "We have looked at various solutions, but found that the 'one size fits all` systems widely available were too complex and created unnecessary clutter," says Andre van Deventer, Financial Manager at Master Drilling.
"Cutting through the tangle of administration generally associated with a project is time-consuming and laborious, and we needed a solution that would not only reduce the administration work required to operate the system, but that would also make it easier for our clients to do business with us. Interdyne`s solution was a perfect fit."
Better planning and decision making Another important aspect for Master Drilling was having the ability to get feedback via the Internet, e-mail messaging and electronic transmission of all documents, as well as the ability to interface to other systems. This functionality is possible due to the flexibility and openness available within the IBM UniVerse database, which Interdyne has taken advantage of in the development of their application.
Says Styger: "Daily feedback of shift reports, which provides Master Drilling`s management team with vital information on production at each site, is now possible via the Internet. And any downtime - whether caused by the mine or by Master Drilling - can accurately be assessed. Planned maintenance can even be scheduled and undertaken, ultimately improving the reliability of equipment."
Because of this flow and availability of information, and because of the high degree of system integration and efficient Interdyne processes, Master Drilling is now able to react quickly to customer demands, and also allows for fast decision making. Says Van Deventer: "The Interdyne team has exhibited great skill in understanding our business, and because their software is completely customizable, they were able to meet our exact needs. Through their Project Control Solution we are able to collect and control every aspect associated with the projects we are involved in."
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