Keeping hi-tech track of global markets
Adelaide-based computer software company, Comlabs Systems, is taking on the world through its revolutionary tracking programs.
Comlabs, one of the fastest moving technology companies in Australia, has grown by 400 percent in the past four years.
The company was recognised for its success at the South Australian export awards this month when it won the information and communications technology category.
The success was because 66 percent of its computer software products are sold overseas each year.
Comlabs chief executive, John Kikkert, predicts rapid growth as its three software products rapidly increase their market share.
It has a budgeted turnover of $5 million this financial year and Dr Kikkert believes it will achieve worldwide sales of well in excess of $15 million within five years.
"We are confident that our MineTrak and BulkTrak systems will be taken up rapidly by the growing mineral industry and exporters of agricultural products," Dr Kikkert said.
The company was formed in 1979 by Harry Fishman who still owns a majority of the business.
A measure of its ability is its largest client, Swiss quality certification giant, SGS, has a contract with it to install systems at more than 250 sites globally.
The systems can be used in the minerals, oil and gas, environmental, food and consumer product-testing facilities.
The success of Comlabs is built on its $150,000 CCLAS Laboratory Information Management System which it introduced in 1986.
The newer $500,000 MineTrak and BulkTrak software systems Dr Kikkert believes, however, will help the company really expand in the years ahead.
They have cost $3 million to develop and are set for a rapid sales increase. MineTrak is used to track minerals from mine to port, showing its owner where they are and providing advice about their value.
It also predicts if a consignment can meet contracts and helps with scheduling and loading of ships and trains.
Dr Kikkert said BulkTrak has big potential in the grain, oil, fertiliser, wine, coffee and palm oil markets. Comlabs is involved in a major Canadian project with its BulkTrak system, which monitors grain from 1600 farmers from field to the market.
Apart from direct sales of the various systems, Comlabs also provides ongoing software support for customers worldwide.
With offices in Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Melbourne, South Africa and Chile, it is set for even more success in the future.