MOBILE APPS
Swipe for success
In January 2017, Hexagon Mining acquired MiPlan, an Australian tech firm, specialising in mobile apps for the mining industry
Mobile apps continue to leverage the power of smartphones and tablet computers to bring data and data analysis to key individuals on a mining site in real time. Paul Moore looks at some recent examples
High technology means a highly skilled workforce, and a recent Schneider Electric paper referenced an article by the Huffington Post listing the critical skills the workforce of the future will need. Here are some of the most relevant ones for mining and metals: n The new professional will need to know how to“ create new worlds”- knowing how to move, manipulate and create virtual reality environments as working tools n They will need to think holistically- this is especially true when thinking about business and supply chain visibility going beyond their silos, areas of responsibility, and departments n They will turn information into matter and matter into base information on the fly – basically turning real-time information into concrete decisions and the other way around n Many future skills will relate to mindmachine interfaces – Focused on new technologies for better interaction human and equipment n They will all be data analysts and the ability to tell a good story will be valued over spreadsheets, graphs, and data points- one of the main problems in the industry is the flood of data and the difficulty extracting meaningful information from it n Our future workforce must be ready to become“ shallow experts” very quickly on many different types of software, platforms, and services – This will force suppliers to create more configurable tools instead of programming tools Schneider Electric cites another benefit of mobile technology in terms of access to realtime information, alerts or production KPIs.“ Personnel can view real-time plant data from a variety of industrial data sources on their smartphones, smart watches or tablets, and then make instantaneous decisions that will impact overall productivity. This technology can be useful to alert field personal about abnormal conditions up to production managers looking for real-time productivity indicators.”
One option to help automate the workforce is the use of workflow tools. A workflow is an application either partially or entirely to automate an operating procedure. It can also assign tasks to be performed by personnel or execute the tasks automatically.
“ Modern workflow tools are easily configurable and extremely flexible, allowing applications in several business, production or operational processes, to name a few: material receiving and inspections, production orders, escalation of alarms, maintenance notifications, supporting safety and environmental procedures and inspections, electronic
signatures for approvals, working instructions, and quality control procedures. Workflow applications reduce errors and inconsistencies, and they support compliance with regulations and standards while simultaneously reducing paperwork.”
Modern workflow tools also let personnel interaction with these applications while on the move using tablets or smart phones, allowing them to: n Update tasks in real-time, keeping critical workflows moving n Receive useful messages and push notifications on new tasks n Approve or reject a task n Provide feedback via forms n Flag a task based on importance.
There is no doubt that mobile apps play a major role in this revolution of mining workers and arguably, meaningful apps that enhance production roles in the industry are not being developed fast enough. That said there are some interesting options already available.
Maintenance and equipment health
Mining and mineral processing maintenance monitoring and equipment health management has always represented one of the most applicable areas for development of mobile apps. Dingo has developed a new Trakka Asset Health Management App™ that will enable mine operators to access, understand, and act on their equipment’ s condition its says“ anytime, anywhere.“ This innovative new Trakka ® app, built by Dingo’ s award-winning software
Augmented reality is a mobile-driven technology that superimposes a computer-generated image onto a real-life image, often using the camera of a tablet, smartphone, smart glasses, or helmet. The camera recognises what it sees, such as an electrical cabinet, and then pulls data and graphics related to the cabinet, or provides access to related documentation and troubleshooting resources, giving field personnel immediate access to relevant information that can guide and streamline their actions
22 International Mining | MARCH 2018