AIMS brings mining experience to environmental data management through the Nova Network

Megan Griffin’s journey from Envirosys customer to Nova Network Partner reflects her passion for helping mining, maritime and environmental organisations get more from their data.

The Nova Network connects Acquire’s customers with independent consultants who deliver data management services using Acquire’s software, including the environmental data management solution, Envirosys. For Megan Griffin, Environmental Consultant with Australian Integrated Mining Solutions (AIMS), joining the network was a natural next step. With more than eight years’ experience in environmental roles spanning environmental management and data systems, she later gained firsthand experience with Envirosys as a customer, leading its implementation within her organisation before becoming a partner.

AIMS was established to provide practical, project-specific environmental consulting and data management solutions for organisations managing environmental data.

Megan Griffin shares her journey from mine-site Environmental Advisor to Envirosys-accredited Nova Network Partner, including a six-month reconfiguration project with a global mining company based in Australia that brought together her environmental management and environmental data expertise.

From truck driver to Environmental Advisor

Megan’s mining career began in Kalgoorlie shortly after she completed a Bachelor of Science in Ecology in New Zealand. Driven to gain practical experience in the mining industry and build on her environmental background, she started as a trainee dump truck driver before moving through mining administration and accounting roles across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland.

After more than 15 years in mining, including 6 years in environmental advisory roles, Megan moved into the maritime industry as an Environmental Advisor for a port. It was in this role that she led the procurement and implementation of an environmental data management system, with Envirosys selected as the solution.

“We came from a background of using a range of applications and software tools to perform our role,” Megan said. “When Envirosys came along, it was a game changer. It consolidated everything into one source of truth.”

Megan worked with the Envirosys team to implement the environmental data management software. After she left the company, she learned about the Nova Network and joined the partnership.

Becoming an Envirosys accredited Nova Network Partner

Megan joined the network to support other environmental professionals through their own implementation, configuration and training journeys.

“I wanted to help other environmental professionals navigate the implementation, configuration, and training phases so they could maximise the potential of Envirosys,” Megan said. “For me, it was about connecting with peers, staying on top of industry best practices, and sharing knowledge with others. I also saw an opportunity to add value not only for our customers but by collaborating with the Envirosys team, helping inform the on-going development of its software.”

That two-way relationship, she said, is part of what makes the network so beneficial: as consultants move through projects, customer requirements can feed directly back to the Envirosys product development team, helping to shape the future product roadmap.

Why customers benefit from working with Nova Network Partners

For Megan, the strength of the Nova Network lies in industry experience, not just software knowledge.

“As a former Environmental Advisor on mine sites, I know firsthand the realities of a 12-hour day in a remote camp, and what it takes to manage strict compliance obligations, from routine monitoring to braving the elements sampling the first flush of the wet season.” Megan said.

That hands-on industry experience helps bridge the gap between customers and the technology team.

“Having worked in the mining sector, I understand the language, processes and day-to-day challenges that customers deal with. Mining teams often use industry-specific terminology and acronyms, so I can help translate those conversations into clear requirements for the technical team. I have advanced knowledge of Envirosys, but even when I don’t have all the answers myself, the Envirosys team is there to help work through the solution. It’s that connection between what the industry needs and what the software can do that makes the difference. I enjoy being the link between customers and the product, helping ensure solutions are configured in a way that delivers real value.”

Day to day, Megan’s work spans historical data migration, customised user training delivered online, and supporting Envirosys implementations, including configuring monitoring programmes, schedules and the Activities, Obligations and Compliance (AOC) extension.

A six-month reconfiguration project with a major mining company

Megan managed a large-scale reconfiguration of a major mining company’s AOC extension, covering more than 150 licences, permits, approvals and management plans across six sites.

“It was a significant project,” Megan said. “We needed to review commencement and expiry dates, confirm that requirements were still current, and verify that assessments were configured correctly, including whether they were manual or automated, scheduled appropriately, and triggering the required alerts. A project like that had never been done on this scale before.”

With no existing template or established methodology to work from, Megan developed a structured process to support the review.

“We developed a methodology and templates to streamline the cross-checking process, then built a matrix as a guide so each site knew exactly what configuration to use for every requirement,” she said.

Effective coordination was critical to keeping a six-month, multi-site project on track.

“Having a clear project lead on the customer side was important,” Megan said. “My contact at the mining company coordinated with each site, providing a single point of contact, which led to effective project management.”

Because many components of the AOC extension are linked to other elements within Envirosys, the review also identified anomalies elsewhere in the system. These were addressed as they were discovered, improving the overall integrity and consistency of the system.

Following the reconfiguration, the company now uses the AOC extension as intended, strengthening their ability to effectively manage the licences and permits that support ongoing compliance.

Advice for future Nova Network Partners

Megan’s advice for consultants considering the Nova Network is to embrace the variety and flexibility that comes with the work.

“One of the great things about Nova Network projects is the diversity of opportunities globally. Depending on a customer’s needs and resources, engagements can range from longer-term projects spanning several months to fast-paced initiatives delivered in just a few days or weeks. Being adaptable and responsive will set you up for success. It’s also helpful to have a clear project lead on the client side, as strong coordination helps keep projects running smoothly and efficiently.”

Interested in joining the Nova Network?

The Nova Network gives Envirosys customers access to a pool of accredited information management experts, and gives independent consultants like Megan a way to grow their business.

Find out more about becoming a Nova Network Partner, or get in touch to discuss how the network can help your business.