Run a More Intelligent Operation with a Mobile-First “Mine-Set”

mining companies need to deal with so many elements. But, there are solutions that are evolving to meet the needs of mines that are changing for the better.

SAP Business ByDesign, a single, cloud-based ERP solution for fast-growing, mid-market companies much like small and midsize mines, provides built-in mobility capabilities that are essential for a developing business. Whether you’re using iOS or Android smartphones, tablets, or desktop devices, SAP Business ByDesign’s mobile apps will provide you access to many of the main functions of the system. Regardless of your position in the firm—management, site manager or a member of the operational team you have access to mobile capability. The apps are role based and the list of benefits they provide to your organization are continually evolving: easily record labour hours worked; record machine hours; approve requests while you’re on-the-go; access reports; connect with contacts via email or phone; manage work schedules; and, so much more.

Why mines need to be more connected

Mines can be unpredictable, but with the wealth of data available and the right technology, you can help make mines safer and more productive and responsive to the market. While mining continues to be a complex industry with challenges under every rock, mines are getting smarter every day by digitizing operations and unlocking the power of the “connected mine” to improve efficiencies and ensure maximum productivity. This means they’re realizing the importance of connectivity at every stage to collect relevant, rich data – quickly, efficiently, and in real-time.

With a connected mine, decision-making capabilities, based on accurate, transparent, and quickly accessible information in real time, are vastly improved. Mining is increasingly seeing use of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT) - through which connected devices relay information - which have brought about a dramatic increase in efficiencies.

In order to benefit from these capabilities that the connected mine offers, companies are looking for ways to leverage modern tools and platforms to facilitate this.

One of these platforms is mobile technologies.

Why mobility in the field is an attractive option

Mobile technologies allow immediate access to information and decision making while on the move, and in particular, Mining Mobile apps also provide a user-friendly easy-to-use interface encouraging all employees on the mine to track and record relevant data. These apps enable tracking and approval of individual miner’s or crew time on site, the recording of equipment time and usage, the collection of daily production statistics, as well as the receipt of goods and services on the premise.

With built-in mobility and collaboration capabilities, SAP Business ByDesign is a single, cloud-based ERP solution that is cost effective. It’s designed for fast-growing, mid-market companies much like small and midsize mines. Engineered with the benefits of large-scale business management applications, without the need for a large IT infrastructure, Business ByDesign can scale and evolve according to a mine’s specific needs, quickly and effortlessly, and as it grows. It unifies every functional department and process, from accounting and finance to manufacturing, supply chain management, human resources, and more.

With SAP’s state-of-the-art, in-memory computing technology known as HANA and Illumiti’s IP, a mining operation can bring all the parts of its business into a state-of-the-art database and gain invaluable visibility into its operations:

• Track compliance, production, maintenance, equipment and other resources
• Process approvals
• Track key performance indicators
• Create and manage leave requests
• Create and track activities
• Run business critical analytical reports

Tracking your mine site’s performance and controlling your capital expenditure can now happen from anywhere and at any time. The Illumiti apps connect you to SAP Business ByDesign, allowing you to run key reports and execute key tasks directly from your preferred mobile device.

Want to discover more about how to connect every facet of your mining operation with real-time analytics and tools? SAP Business ByDesign is a comprehensive business suite tying together your company’s functions, services, and processes while avoiding important capital, infrastructure, and resource investments.

About the Author

As a graduate of the University of Ontario’s Institute of Technology, Andrew Howell has focused his career on becoming a senior-level innovation leader and business process engineer in the SAP ecosystem. Andrew currently focuses on transforming businesses by leveraging revolutionary, intelligent technologies which ultimately digitalize their organizations.