New staff announcements - March 2010
New Project Delivery Manager
Koorb are pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Grove as Project Delivery Manager.
We consider ourselves very lucky to have Roger join us; he has a strong background in the industry – on both sides of the fence (having been customer and consultant). Roger was the GM of Manufacturing Services Limited (MSL) for three years and was heavily involved in their use of Dynamics AX. For the last five years he has worked as an independent consultant on a variety of projects for Plan-b, Office Products Depot, Telecom and TelstraClear. Roger also spent ten years at KPMG he project managed and implemented a number of different ERP systems into a range of significant organisations.
Roger is known for his expertise in project delivery - delivering simultaneous mission critical projects on time and within budget.
Development team growth
We have added two new members to the development team lead by Paul Shepherd, giving us one of the strongest and largest teams of AX developers in New Zealand. Adding to Koorb's already considerable skill base are:
Karl Raphael, who brings over 15 years IT experience with a variety of languages and database technologies. He has 3 years development experience with and certification in Dynamics AX, and was previously with Provenco as one of their lead Dynamics AX developers. In joining Koorb Karl adds considerable depth to our Dynamics AX technical knowledge.
Alyssa Law, a top Computer Science graduate who has quickly obtained the development certifications for Dynamics AX since joining Koorb in September last year.
Business intelligence (BI) solutions – meet the team
Empower your people with Microsoft Dynamics AX business intelligence and reporting tools!
Microsoft Dynamics AX can be enabled to provide the people in your organisation—individuals, teams, and executives—with self-service access to business intelligence (BI) information. Based on familiar SQL Server and SharePoint technologies, the integrated Dynamics AX BI tools provide flexible viewing and analysis capabilities, and scalability for future growth.
However, the successful implementation of BI solutions requires specialist skills and a deep understanding of your ERP system. With this in mind, Koorb is investing heavily in their in-house BI team, and is certified with the Microsoft BI Competency.
The team is headed by Antony Zigliani (left) who has over 24 years ICT industry experience in Solution Architecture, Development Manager and Developer roles including: Fujitsu New Zealand, Marcam Italy and Madison Systems.
Antony has 10 years experience implementing and customising ERP packages, mostly for process manufacturers and 15 years experience with Microsoft SQL Server and related technologies.
On top of this he has 5 years experience with Microsoft Integrated BI Stack (Reporting Services, Analysis Services, Integration Services, SharePoint).
Rob Ingledew (centre) and Andy Bonner (right) joined Antony’s team early this year.
Rob has Microsoft certifications in SQL Server BI solutions and application development and has over 10 years experience in the IT industry, currently specialising in building BI solutions with the Microsoft SQL Server BI Stack. He has a background developing data driven applications and systems integration applications for the finance and transport industries.
Andy has Microsoft certifications in SharePoint and application development and has over 23 years experience within the IT industry, currently specialising in building collaborative applications on top of Microsoft SharePoint 2007.
Recent projects include tailoring of Dynamics AX 2009 Role Centres and OLAP cubes, empowering end-users with subscription-based reporting and ad-hoc analysis tools, dashboard reporting on the corporate intranet and SharePoint customisation.
New customers - March 2010
We welcome to Koorb a number of new Microsoft Dynamics AX customers:
Innovative Leigh Fisheries (Lee Fish) is based in Leigh, where they are the largest employer. With more than 50 years of fishing experience and extensive know-how, Leigh Fisheries has a total commitment to the technology needed to guarantee excellent standards of quality.
Genetic Technologies (Pioneer brand seeds) is a 100% New Zealand owned family agribusiness dedicated to providing customers with valuable post-sales service and support.
Air-conditioning manufacturer Holyoake Australia has joined Holyoake New Zealand as a customer. Holyoake Australia has a number of subsidiaries implementing and planning to implement Dynamics AX with Koorb.
Freightways Australia (express package and business mail) has also implemented Dynamics AX with Koorb. Freightways New Zealand has been a long term customer.
Wellington office features in Koorb's growth plans - March 2010
Our Wellington office, staffed by consultants - Paulina Mudgway (Business & Development Consultant) and Brenda Buchanan (Development, Infrastructure & Installation Consultant) currently supports three Microsoft Dynamics AX customers:
- Phil & Ted's Most Excellent Buggy Company - started in the early 90’s making the Explorer Buggy and selling it only in New Zealand. Since 1996 it has been in Europe, USA and Australasia. Recently they have launched a new range of innovative products for the kids & travel market.
- Learning Media - an award-winning educational publisher and provider of professional development services.
- RPS Switchgear - manufacture, install, commission and service a range of high voltage electrical distribution switchgear.
2010 sees us furthering our plans to grow both our Wellington customer base and locally based consultant numbers.
High accolades for Microsoft Dynamics AX - January 2010
In January 2010 Gartner Group recognised Microsoft Dynamics AX as the only offering qualifying as a leader in the market at this time. According to Gartner 'Leaders' demonstrate vision and the ability to execute. Midmarket ERP leaders have deep and robust functionality that address a range of core user requirements. Leaders cultivate a broad and generally overwhelming level of customer satisfaction in a number of geographies and industries with a relatively low cost of ownership.
Press Release: Koorb named to BOTH Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle and Microsoft Dynamics Presidents Club
AUCKLAND, JULY 2009 - Despite a year where the IT industry has been beset by unprecedented challenges, one of Microsoft New Zealand’s leading ERP partners, Koorb Consulting, has been named to two of Microsoft’s most prestigious groups in recognition of their outstanding customer commitment and sales achievements.
This recognition came during Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference 2009 in New Orleans, where, for the second year in a row, Koorb has been named to the prestigious President’s Club for Microsoft Dynamics®.
The President’s Club represents a small group of top channel partners worldwide (representing around 5% of all channel partners) who achieve their reach key business milestones while maintaining a constant dedication to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and an active pursuit of product and technological advancement.
“Microsoft is proud to congratulate Koorb Consulting on being named to the 2009 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “This accomplishment is a result of Koorb demonstrating unparalleled commitment by investing in the success of Microsoft Dynamics, our customers and solutions.”
Koorb also earned membership to the 2009 Microsoft Dynamics® Inner Circle. Only the best of the best are invited to be a member of the Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle. This elite group of 80 represents the most outstanding partners whose sales achievement ranks them at the top echelon of the Microsoft Dynamics global network of partners. In addition, these top partners have demonstrated exceptional overall company performance by delivering valuable solutions that help Microsoft Dynamics customers drive their business forward.
Koorb is the only NZ company named to the Inner Circle in 2009.
“We’re thrilled to acknowledge the dedication Koorb Consulting has shown to providing an unsurpassed level of service and commitment to Microsoft Dynamics customers,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president of the Microsoft Dynamics Partners team. “As a result of its continuous dedication and contributions to the overall success of Microsoft Dynamics and companies worldwide, we’re proud to congratulate the company on being named to this year’s Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle.”
These are both substantial achievements for the company and solidly reaffirm Koorb’s position as a leading Microsoft NZ partner.
Stewart Gibbs, New Zealand Manager of Microsoft Dynamics said, “This is an outstanding result by one of our most consistent top performers. Koorb Consulting continue to set the benchmark on how to execute and deliver outstanding customer projects. This result is extra special given their achievement in tough economic conditions. We are very proud of our long association with them.”
AUCKLAND. APRIL 2009 - New Zealand’s leading Microsoft Dynamics AX partner, Koorb Consulting, is heading into the new financial year with a winning team. Out of the five people recognised in 2008 by Microsoft New Zealand as deserving of a place in their NZ Microsoft Dynamics Sales Club, three work for Koorb Consulting.
The first, Nicholas Birch, MD, has spearheaded Koorb’s drive over the last five years to a position where they have now implemented, or currently support, over half of the 80 Dynamics AX sites in NZ.
In early 2009, fellow winner, Nicholas (Nick) Johnson, joined Koorb as Project Delivery Manager, followed by the appointment of the third winner, Campbell Martin, who joined as Business Development Manager in March 2009.
Microsoft Gold partner Koorb has in past years been the recipient of Microsoft Partner of the Year, Microsoft Dynamics ERP Solution of the Year and in 2008 they were named to the elite Microsoft Presidents Club, an honour only awarded to the top 5% of all Microsoft Business Solution partners worldwide.
Commenting on the strength of their team, Birch noted: “Koorb has a policy of investing in only the best people to ensure we deliver outstanding results to our customers. We place a high value on experience, professionalism, drive and commitment, and these were key factors in the appointments of Nick and Campbell.”
Pictured (from left to right): Nicholas Birch, Nicholas (Nick) Johnson and Campbell Martin.
Press release: Sneior appointment at Koorb Consulting
AUCKLAND, FEBRUARY, 2009 - Koorb Consulting are pleased to announce that Nicholas (Nick) Johnson has joined their Microsoft Dynamics AX team in a Senior Projects Delivery Manager role. Nick has over nine years experience in the IT industry and most recently was General Manager Enterprise Solutions for Fujitsu IT & Consulting. During his time at Fujitsu Nick helped create the largest Microsoft Dynamics NAV practise in New Zealand. His role at Koorb will encompass the successful delivery of projects as well as management of the Dynamics AX team.
Press release: KOORB CONSULTING NAMED TO 2008 MICROSOFT DYNAMICS PRESIDENT’S CLUB
Microsoft Honours Koorb Consulting for Outstanding Customer Commitment and Sales Achievement
AUCKLAND, JULY, 2008 — Koorb Consulting has been named to the 2008 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club, receiving recognition from Microsoft Corp. for its dedicated commitment to customers. This honor reflects Koorb’s success in extending the Microsoft Dynamics platform to drive business advantages in companies worldwide.
This recognition came during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2008 in Houston. The elite club recognises the top 5 percent of Microsoft Business Solutions partners worldwide and their constant dedication to delivering solutions that meet their customers’ unique needs, active pursuit of product and technological advancement, and impressive sales performance.
“Microsoft is proud to congratulate Koorb Consulting on being named to this year’s Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “Koorb not only has demonstrated a high level of product expertise, but also has provided a superior level of service and commitment to our Microsoft Dynamics customers, ultimately contributing to the overall success of Microsoft Dynamics and companies worldwide.”
Koorb works closely with the teams at Microsoft to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics AX platform. This knowledge, combined with a deep understanding of customers’ business needs, enables Koorb to help customers leverage the full value of their Microsoft investments and achieve the enhanced customer service, productivity and operational efficiency that promote growth and competitive advantage.
Koorb provides implementation, training and consultation for small, midmarket and corporate businesses using business applications. Specialising in Microsoft Dynamics AX, Koorb helps leading New Zealand companies achieve success across industries including FMCG, fresh produce, import/export, distribution and manufacturing.
Koorb continues to be the leading Microsoft Dynamics AX partner in New Zealand, having implemented or supporting over half of all local sites.
Press release: Paul McDowell-Hook joins forces with Koorb Consulting
AUCKLAND, MARCH 2008 - Paul McDowell-Hook has joined leading Microsoft Dynamics ERP partner Koorb Consulting as a director and shareholder.
Most recently Paul was Microsoft New Zealand's Finance Director and prior to that a member of Gen-i's leadership team. Paul also spent 12 years working internationally with GlaxoWellcome including acting as CFO and Business Development director for the businesses in NZ and Australia, and head of Planning and Corporate Finance in the UK head office.
Outgoing director Nick Houlbrooke will consult to Koorb on an ongoing basis as well as taking time out to pursue other new business interests.
Koorb win inaugural Microsoft Partner Award for the Dynamics ERP Solution of the Year
AUCKLAND, SEPTEMBER, 2007 - Koorb are honoured to have received this award in acknowledgement of the success of our implementation of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Fusion Electronics. The award recognises the Fusion project as demonstrating our understanding of the customer's complex business requirements and our ability to use the appropriate Microsoft technologies to satisfy it.
For more information on the first Microsoft Partner Awards event click here
Portables Plus chooses Microsoft Dynamics AX
Microsoft Dynamics AX, partners Koorb Consulting and AppServ to transform Portables Plus business management systems
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – August, 2005 – Portables Plus has selected Microsoft Dynamics AX as its core solution to integrate its business processes and create a strong, flexible platform for expansion.
The Auckland-based mobile computing and ICT solutions provider, with ambitious growth plans to become a nationwide service provider, has restructured its business systems and adopted a thin client model to improve efficiency and resource utilisation, explains Calum Haslop, Portables Plus’ Managing Director.
“Before selecting Dynamics AX we couldn’t get an adequate overview of our inventory even though we had a lot of resources tied up in administration. We basically had too many people focused on paperwork and double-handling information, who were not being freed up to drive solutions and service customers.
“We chose Dynamics AX because it’s a fully integrated, centralised solution which is future proof, well supported and will grow with our needs and our business. Dynamics AX will improve the way we handle customer queries and supply records as well as, giving us the flexibility to transfer inventory from one location to another,” says Haslop.
Portables Plus selected Koorb Consulting as its Dynamics AX implementation partner and AppServ as its outsourced IT partner for the project, which is set to go live this August.
“We are moving on to a thin client model - with the entire desktop being hosted and delivered by AppServ - allowing us to easily set-up shop anywhere, anytime. Using this unique partner model, we will be able to have desktops set-up for our employees on a variety of hardware options, freeing us up to focus on serving customers rather than IT systems.
“We felt Dynamics AX, as well as the partners were the best fit for our business in terms of our growth plans going forward. Both partners understood our business needs and clearly demonstrated Dynamics AX as a superior product,” adds Haslop.
Nicholas Birch, Director of Koorb Consulting, says Portables Plus is changing the way it engages across the business to become more customer-centric rather than internally focused on administration and operational processes.
“Dynamics AX will provide them with a flexible, open system allowing them to explore opportunities to improve customer service, improve the way they handle supplies and customer information and give them a clear picture of their inventory investment.
“On a long-term basis, Dynamics AX will create a strong foundation to develop their business proposition of becoming a ‘one-stop-shop’ computing and communication technologies solution provider for the small-to-medium enterprise market,” adds Birch.
David Guy, Microsoft Business Solutions Partner and Group Manager, adds that more New Zealand businesses are recognising the potential Dynamics AX holds for supporting business growth strategies and improving overall business performance.
“Portables Plus is a great example of this. Using Dynamics AX on a thin client model will create greater flexibility in how Portables Plus grows both physically and strategically.”
Press Release: Koorb’s winning team
