HIGH PROFILE
The aftermarket service solution offers a variety of support options , centred on the three pillars of successful technology implementation : automation , competence and operations
Automation and availability
Autonomy brings a whole new set of structures , systems , processes and even components to a minesite . Plus it needs to be supported to ensure it reaches its full potential . Paul Moore spoke to Sandvik about its new AutoMine ® Lifecycle Support Solutions offering
In June 2024 , Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions announced the introduction of AutoMine ® Lifecycle Support Solutions , a scalable service designed to , the company said , ensure comprehensive aftermarket technology support for existing and new AutoMine customers , improving uptime and providing continuous process optimisation .
AutoMine Lifecycle Support Solutions is backed by Sandvik ’ s global network of service centres , “ offering flexible , scalable and customised solutions tailored to meet a customer ’ s unique automation needs .” The scalable solution “ accelerates return on automation investment , reduces automated production process downtime , improves productivity and develops operator competence while providing lifecycle support for business-critical automation processes .”
To get more insight into what support for autonomy means from a practical point of view and most importantly from the customer point of view , IM Editorial Director Paul Moore spoke at length to Sandvik ’ s Niel McCoy , Director Global Aftermarket Automation at Sandvik .
He said : “ What makes this part of our unique value proposition is that these are services that are focused on ongoing support for our AutoMine products post commissioning .”
He added : “ If you look at the stack that the customer gets from us , you have the base machine and then the mechanical services for that machine . On top of that you have the automation software but above that you have a layer that supports the software and the execution of the AutoMine system .”
AutoMine operators sit at a supervisory station .
The station has the automation supervisory system on it , which is the operator ' s user interface . They are the real supervisor of the automated operations so they must be supported as well .
McCoy : “ AutoMine Lifecycle Support Solutions exist to support the automation system . This includes the operator station , the associated software - whether running locally at the station or from a server - and any network components supplied and delivered by Sandvik , all of which we support . Additionally , we cover field components , such as tools that ensure the autonomous operations area remains isolated and safe while equipment is in operation . Lastly , our responsibility extends to any onboard devices directly related to autonomy that interface with the automation system . The delineation of responsibility on the machine itself lies between the automation controls , which we manage , and the mechanical controls , handled by the mechanical team .”
Niel McCoy , Director Global Aftermarket Automation at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Benefits to the customer plus options and flexibility
So what are the benefits for the AutoMine client in the period following from installation ? McCoy : “ The support is essentially there to enable customers to get the most out of their productivity platform . Acquiring an AutoMine system is just the first step ; to effectively use that technology you have to have the right skills in place ; not only from an operator point of view but also from a technical support point of view . In addition everyone involved in managing the autonomous operations needs to understand how it works and what impact it has on their systems and processes . The third key element involves designing all work practices - specifically , all systems and processes - to effectively support the autonomous technology and make sure it is successful .”
These are all core elements McCoy said have been based on a McKinsey study that showed the most important aspect was ensuring you have the right people in place with the right skills in place that are able to execute the AutoMine system correctly and effectively . This facilitates everything from the implementation stage and associated change management , through to the ongoing support to get the most out of the system .
Are there different types of automation related contracts , that can include the Lifecycle Support Solutions or not ? And if they opt for it does it involve Sandvik staff being onsite for a period of time and a standard delivery and training phase ? “ We offer a diverse range of options and our packages are designed to be as flexible as possible to meet the evolving needs of our customers throughout their automation journey . By that I mean it ranges from reactive to proactive types of services – which can be delivered and supported either onsite or remotely . Plus it may include aspects like optimisation services , components development , building training programs and providing training tools . We look at the packages holistically – by that I mean that we design them to be flexible and based on the AutoMine customer ’ s current needs ; then collaborating closely with the customer to map out their future goals for their automation systems . We also consider their interest in expanding the scope of their operations , and we work with them to strategically plan and implement the necessary scaling of support .”
Horses for courses
There are many variations of models that Sandvik customers choose to implement when it comes to the use of their AutoMine systems . “ It can be
52 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024