Offshore equipment rental specialist announces major software investment

Thursday, Sep 06, 2012

The Ferguson Group, specialists in the rental of containers, refrigeration containers, accommodation modules and engineering modules to the offshore energy industry around the world, has announced a significant investment in new business systems to support its global operations.

An agreement has been signed with Inverurie-based company, First eBusiness Solutions, a Microsoft Gold partner, to design, build and implement the Dynamics AX system. The business system will help to underpin the Group’s continued growth programme.

With operational bases in UK, Norway, UAE, Singapore and Australia, the Group required a new solution that would support its international expansion. Implementing this new system provides the organisation with a sound integrated information system to support its operations and provide staff and the global management team with one single view.     

As the Group continues to expand, the need for quality and timely information has become even more important and the introduction of common systems will provide real time access to data across the Group.

Mike Melville, Ferguson Group Finance Director, said: “This project will be pivotal for the Group as we continue with our international expansion. The significant investment forms part of our on-going plan to put in place a solid structure to support the organisation’s growth.”

Bernard Booker, First eBusiness Managing Director, said “We are delighted to have been selected by the Ferguson Group for this project. We have seen other clients gain great benefits from the Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP, particularly at a time when they are growing and extending their international presence, and we look forward to working with the Ferguson Group to deliver the benefits their business needs for continued global success.” 

Microsoft Dynamics AX will be a global implementation across each of the Group’s  regional bases in Aberdeen, Stavanger, Dubai and Singapore and bases in Australia including Perth, Broome, Darwin, Dampier and its new Karratha base, which is due to open mid-2013.

Work is already underway with FirsteBusiness Solutions - Phase 1 is scheduled to go live in January 2013, Phase 2 and 3 are expected to be completed in Q2 and Q3 2013 respectively. The Ferguson Group recognises the importance of this project and has an external specialist who will work alongside FirsteBusiness Solutions to manage the project from start to finish.

FirsteBusiness Solutions has over 30 years experience in delivering and supporting business systems and the company is recognised as a leading Scottish Microsoft Gold certified partner, which is an expert in implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX.

Source: The Ferguson Group