Abstract
Traditionally, geotechnical personnel collect in-field data through hand-written notes or individual spreadsheets, synthesize information on a desktop, and distribute information through email communication. The adoption of mobile devices and installation of network infrastructure at underground mines has allowed for the possibility of streamlining the data collection and communication processes through mobile applications. The authors would like to present an approach through which the geotechnical personnel have collaborated with an application development team for the development and deployment of a custom solution at Vale’s North Atlantic Operations. This approach has allowed for agile responses to business requirements and a steady focus on the effective communication of geotechnical information.
The presentation will introduce the audience to the problem definition which results in the need for digitization of internal processes. Agile project management methodology that includes the team composition, routines, project management tools and management of change will be introduced along with a demonstration of the proposed final product.
The initial response of the pilot stage users has provided very positive feedback. Key benefits of the solution that have been identified include:
- Reduced efforts in data collection: Digitized tools with a structured backbone database supported by automated business process flows enable in-field technical personnel to collect data effortlessly, eliminating transcription or loss in translation.
- Streamlined communication: Collected data is uploaded automatically to the database which then feeds pre-configured reporting or communication templates. Governing the quality of communication is managed with an automated internal review and approval process.
- Data quality and consistency: One centralized application for all mines facilitates consistency across the operations. Controlled (yet configurable) dimensional data allows for consistent data capture. Preconfigured communication templates with dynamic content share key information between departments.
This geotechnical data solution can potentially be applied to other hard rock underground mine operations.