McElroy Bryan Geological Services
Geology for the Global Mining Industry. BlackBook Zero 14 and BlackBook 15.
McElroy Bryan Geological Services (MBGS) provides specialist consulting and contracting services to the global mining industry.
Its geologists work in the office and in the field, with clients and projects on every continent, including Antarctica.
In 2018 MBGS ran BlackBook Zero 14s for mobile work and BlackBook 15s for 3D modelling.
This case study records MBGS’s experience in 2018, after around twelve months with Venom BlackBooks. Quotes are Leba-Karl Zaarour’s own words, lightly edited for readability.
The Company
Since 1970, MBGS geologists have worked alongside leading mining houses and consultancies, helping turn exploration targets into operating mines that are among the world’s most successful.
The firm specialises in the geology of stratified deposits.
The Challenge
MBGS needed fast, reliable computers to deliver client projects on time and on budget.
The scale of its clients means every task is mission critical, and the work happens everywhere: in the office, in the field and in remote locations around the world.
• Portable mobile computing
• Performance and reliability
• Challenging environments, in the office and in the field
• Demanding clients who need mission-critical results
• Worldwide operations, including remote locations
The Solution
For its business machines, MBGS chose the BlackBook Zero 14, deployed over twelve months.
Its aluminium composite metal chassis is fanless, so it is silent and resilient to dust, and it has the ports the work needs. It is fast enough for any task in MBGS’s demanding, multi-location office environment.
For the graphics-intensive 3D modelling work, MBGS chose the BlackBook 15.
The BlackBook 15, used by MBGS for 3D modelling.
Why Venom
One vendor covered both sides of the work: high-performance mobile office use, and 3D, CAD/CAM and engineering. A no-sacrifice approach led to the BlackBook Zero 14 and the BlackBook 15.
• Reputable high-end performance
• Lightweight and portable
• Feature rich – no docking station needed
• Thinner than the other options
The Results
“Previously other companies’ computers were bigger and thicker, but we didn’t need those options. The Venom BlackBooks were able to work with other accessories and adaptors that allowed us to use the thinner profile while not sacrificing performance.”
— Leba-Karl Zaarour, Senior Project Geologist, MBGS
“The Venom BlackBooks were lighter and easier to travel with, and were a great buy, providing extremely good value.”
— Leba-Karl Zaarour
• Fast and powerful, with increased productivity
• Build quality that stands up to travel – dependable
• Thin and light, improving staff mobility
Case Study Snapshot
Organisation: McElroy Bryan Geological Services (MBGS)
Industry: Mining, Consulting & Contracting
Operations: Every continent, including Antarctica
BlackBooks: Zero 14 (fanless) for mobile work; BlackBook 15 for 3D modelling
Deployment: Over 12 months, as at 2018
Reported result: Higher productivity, travel-ready build, improved staff mobility
Case study: 2018
