Mining applications have been designed to work independently of one another. This is due to the relationships between Information Technology providers and their clients are often being segmented according to job-specific tasks. As a consequence, technology providers tend to focus on automating repetition and complexity, resulting in software that improves individual productivity while failing to address the interdependency of mining functions. There are a number of forces driving mining companies to look for integrated solutions that they can standardize on. These include

• Rising production costs.
• Strong demand for base metals, the follow-on increase in commodity prices and the desire to increase production of ore through the complete value chain.
• Increased legislative requirements placing additional audit requirements and reporting standards for all listed mining companies.
• World-wide shortage of qualified geoscientists has placed increased pressure on mining companies to standardize processes and create best practices platforms to allow for ease of training for new staff, ease of mobility of staff between projects and the use of Information Technology (IT) to allow senior geoscientists to oversee projects remotely.