CRADLE TO GRAVE •
Photos by BME
TECHNOLOGY CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF BLASTS
Xplolog provides the necessary data to track trends and continuously improve the quality of blasts .
BME has released a new version of its popular Xplolog system for capturing and analysing data on blast holes and decks .
Part of Omnia ’ s mining segment , BME developed the system as a powerful tool for mines to monitor their block progress in real time , providing the necessary data to track trends and continuously improve the quality of blasts .
The focus in developing this next-generation system has been the detailed guidance by users , according to Christiaan Liebenberg , company product manager Software Solutions . This has proved to make the system more user friendly , scalable and streamlined with other BME digital solutions – while also benefiting from improved data security .
“ We engaged our Xplolog users in a highly systematic way to inform us at every step of our upgrade process ,” explained Liebenberg . “ After our first structured interviews with users , for instance , we developed mock-ups and wireframes that we could take back to the user group for further testing . This approach was even taken into the design and prototype stages , ensuring that the system was in many ways actually built by the users .”
With the design and application code built from the ground up , and with a new and upgraded database using Google ’ s Cloud Services , the performance of the system has been enhanced . The capacity of the system can also be rapidly increased , allowing better scalability ; customers can have a site set up within a matter of hours .
“ Security has been improved through a more robust log-in and registration process ,” he said . There are different user access levels in the new version , giving customers more control over who can access information related to their role in the organisation .
“ Users will appreciate how everything is centralised in this version of Xplolog , and how we have improved the workflow for third party blast design uploads in the system ,” he noted .
The look and feel of the system has been revised in line with the progressive standardising of design across BME ’ s Blast
Alliance digital solutions . This makes users feel familiar with the offering , through increased brand identification and continuity of the customer experience with Blast Alliance , said Liebenberg .
“ Another important aspect of our upgrade is that users can easily customise their dashboards , creating a personalised view of block information important to the user ,” he said .
Customised reports can be created and saved , allowing users to return
Christiaan Liebenberg , BME product manager Software Solutions .
to that recurring daily , weekly or monthly report each week or month as required . A summary view of block data is visible to track progress at a quick glance for the user .
“ We have also given users the ability to better visually track block progress , with the creative use of colours and iconography ,” said Liebenberg .
The process of inputting data has been optimised by rationalising the number of steps or actions wherever possible . Importantly , he pointed out that Xplolog ’ s integration with BME ’ s mobile manufacturing units ( MMUs ) has taken account of different regional preferences and conditions around the globe .
“ The system also provides mines with a digital audit trail , so that they can track operator performance during the drilling and charging phases , as well as provide hole loading information per truck ,” he said .
The system is well integrated with other company offerings like its blast planning software Blastmap , and third-party blast software . Integrated with BME ’ s MMUs , Xplolog allows the MMU operator to charge and top-up holes accurately from the source application , which will have the latest blast design updates loaded . The actual charged and top-up values from the MMU ’ s digital panel will automatically be sent back to the system , which will make the data available on the cloud platform for review and analysis .
“ Our new version continues to raise the bar in leveraging digital technology ,” he said . “ Our Software Engineering team continues to add new features and implement continuous improvements as we receive feedback from users of the system in the field – to help mines operate more efficiently , cost-effectively and safely .” These updates are released to all existing customers of Xplolog every quarter at no additional cost . •
Xplolog in a nutshell
• User friendly – as easy to use as any mobile phone app .
• Real-time in-field data capturing and monitoring .
• Enhances quality assurance and quality control in explosives and drilling , especially for higher level management who cannot always be in the field .
• Various reports available to use as analytical tools .
• Optimising productivity workflow
• Helps improve charging accuracy .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • September 2023 • 43