The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is an absolute goldmine of natural resources. With over 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, as well as huge deposits of high-quality copper, diamond, gold, and coltan, the DRC’s mining sector is the lifeblood of its national economy. But managing large mining operations that require complex supply chains, large amounts of equipment, cross-border logistics, and rigid regulatory compliance creates large operational challenges.

To close this gap between resource abundance and the efficient use of the resources, the major mining companies in the DRC are quickly adopting digital transformation. And at the heart of that digital transformation is SAP, the world’s #1 ERP software. However, implementing the software is only half the battle; the real value from the software comes from the workforce knowing how to use it effectively. SAP Training will literally change how people in the DRC use mining.

^{The Evolution: Migrating to SAP S/4 HANA}

Mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have struggled with inefficiencies due to their use of out-of-date systems; such inefficiencies include delays in reporting, duplicate data entry amongst users, and poor maintenance procedures. However, they now have access to SAP S/4HANA, a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) that utilizes an in-memory database and provides users the ability to view huge quantities of live operational data simultaneously. Whether you want to know how quickly materials were removed from the mine site or what type of logistics are required to coordinate export operations across countries, everyone within the DRC will use the same source of truth.

Success in using this powerful new solution will require training employees on how to evaluate live data; automate workflows, and use a simple user interface.

^{Streamlining Financials: SAP FICO Training, Cloud, and Machine Learning}

Financial accuracy is essential for industries with large expense outlays, such as mining. Dealing with commodity price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, depreciation of high-value assets like heavy equipment, and the need to comply with tax law in the DRC necessitates that an organisation has robust financial systems.

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Sending teams to complete the SAP FICO Training (which specializes in ‘Financial Accounting’ and ‘Controlling’) will provide the Finance group with the ability to properly monitor General Ledger, Accounts Payable, and allocate/contract accurately.

Also, modernisation of mining finance is moving into the cloud. The installation of SAP FICO CLOUD provides Multi-national Mining Executives based in Kinshasa, Johannesburg, or London with the ability to receive real-time financial dashboards from anywhere in the world through secure connections.

The introduction of new technologies (SAP FICO & MACHINE Learning) can take Financial Management one step further. With the advent of machine learning, invoices can be matched automatically, cash flow can be forecasted accurately, and we will be able to identify anomalies or cases of fraud by reviewing historical data on vendor purchases.

By effectively training Financial Analysts in DRC to use these AI technologies developed from machine learning, we will change the way that businesses think about accounting; rather than simply relying on accounting to provide a historical account of activities, organisations will look to Accounting to be a major contributor to future business success through its ability to provide better transparency, and to be used as a ‘smart’ financial tool to position companies for success.

^{Optimizing Production and Supply Chains: SAP PP and SAP SD}

The primary focus of mining is to achieve maximum production efficiency while also ensuring that all aspects of the logistics involved in getting products to consumers run smoothly. For example, if a crushing plant breaks down or there is a delay in shipping copper concentrates, it can cost millions of dollars.

• SAP PP Training (Production Planning): The ability to deliver products commercially often begins with a well-trained production manager using SAP PP software. Production Managers Using SAP PP Will Effectively Coordinate the Timing of Extraction with the Available Capacity of the Processing Plant and Market Demand For The Mineral, In Addition to Supporting the Management of Their Materials Requirements Planning (MRP), Capacity Planning, And Ultimately The Life Cycle Of The Mineral's Manufacturing/refining process.
• SAP SD (Sales and Distribution): The final process of delivering minerals to customers after they have been processed is to sell and deliver them safely. SAP SD Allows You To Manage All Aspects Associated With The Shipment Of Minerals, including shipping, Billing, contract management, and complex border crossings. By Training Employees On The Use Of SAP SD, You Will Enable More Efficient Exports Because There Will Not Be Any Legal Issues Or Logistical Hurdles; Therefore, Reducing Time To Cash.

^{Driving Corporate and Individual Growth}

To experience significant growth in the mining sector during this transition period towards being digitally mature will necessitate that structured learning pathways be established for both organisations and independent professionals alike; this means that there will need to be formalised learning pathways created for both types of users.

• SAP Corporate Training - Customised SAP corporate training programs must be established for companies working within the mining sector operating in areas such as Katanga or Lualaba, to ensure that employees use SAP software as intended by the manufacturer (thus enabling rapid adoption by users, minimising downtime, but maximising the return on investment in an ERP program).
• SAP Professional Training - For those individuals who wish to elevate their own careers within the mining industry (e.g., Engineers, Accountants, and Supply Chain Experts), SAP Professional Training provides these individuals with a local skill set around the digital version of the mining profession, therefore decreasing the heavy reliance of this industry on expensive expatriate consultants.
• SAP Certification - The final piece to establishing a skilled workforce using SAP Software is to substantiate these skills through an official SAP certification. Having certified users of the SAP System as part of your onsite workforce ensures that your mine is compliant with international operating standards and will ultimately increase investor confidence, as well as increase high-tech job creation locally.

^{Conclusion: Empowering the Future of DRC Mining}

The mining sector in DRC has entered an era of survival through digital transformation; it can no longer afford to resist change. With an increasing global appetite for green energy minerals (such as cobalt and copper), mining operations need to become more efficient, more intelligent, and most importantly, safer. SAP Education has been a key enabler in driving this change by developing a skilled and technologically literate workforce that can take DRC’s most important industry into the next century of technology and to the digital mining frontier.

Are you ready to step up and lead the charge into the digital mining frontier, or are you a professional wanting to stay employable in the future in DRC? Contact our team of education specialists now to begin your skills development journey today!