Q & A SMARTOPS SOLUTIONS
LEADING THE digital shift
Mahene Patrice Benzane, CEO of SmartOps Solutions, is an entrepreneur with a unique journey. Starting his career as a geologist, he quickly saw the potential for technology to transform industries such as mining, healthcare and energy. SA Profile spoke to Benzane to find out more.
MAHENE PATRICE BENZANE
Tell us a bit about your journey from geologist to becoming an entrepreneur who enables solutions and efficiencies through digital transformation.
Growing up in Rustenburg, near Impala Platinum, I aspired to be a geologist from the age of 14. BHP Billiton, now known as South32, provided that opportunity. In my role as a geologist, I worked hands-on in mining, gaining insight into the complexities of resource extraction, logistics, and operational efficiency. I also focused on business improvement and mining execution, identifying inefficiencies, safety risks, and data management gaps that were hindering progress both on-site and across the value chain.
The transition to entrepreneurship began when I realised that many challenges in mining and related sectors could be addressed through technology. The industry was ripe for innovation, yet many businesses hesitated to adopt digital solutions due to perceived complexity and cost. This gap motivated me to focus on digital transformation to drive solutions in sectors that rely on manual processes.
How does SmartOps Solutions help the industry / business stay ahead?
The company emphasises agility, helping organisations build adaptable systems to navigate changing market conditions and regulatory requirements. Sustainability is a core value, with efforts aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing waste. SmartOps Solutions provides continuous training and support, keeping businesses prepared for future advancements.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities when working with different industries?
These challenges include strict industry-specific regulations, such as safety and environmental compliance in mining and data privacy laws in healthcare. There ' s often resistance to change in traditional sectors like mining and energy, where legacy systems are deeply ingrained. Additionally, complex infrastructures in industries like healthcare and energy make digital integration difficult.
Opportunities lie in achieving efficiency gains through process automation, using data-driven decision-making powered by advanced analytics, and enhancing sustainability by reducing resource consumption and carbon footprints.
Considering the realities facing industries and the push for achieving Environmental, Social, and Governance( ESG) targets, what role does digitisation play?
Digitisation enables businesses to streamline processes, reduce
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