Abstract
Blasthole Drills have made profound developments in safety, efficiency and productivity through the benefits that automation enables. With the potential value seeming limitless, we asked ourselves the question of what key factors contribute to unlocking a maximum return on the implementation and optimization of autonomous technology. Whilst those focused on software and hardware are paramount, less direct factors around people and process consistently presented opportunities targets in Automation projects. We challenged ourselves to explore some answers to questions like; What organizational behaviours lead to successful change management during technology implementation? What processes enable a true value chain approach in optimization? and how does automation and data encourage positive long-term change in decision making practices? We find that automation and the data-driven methodologies it exposes, not only yields higher returns from a culture focused on people and process, it also acts to mature it.