Software development advances in order to meet the growing demands of mining engineering professionals, amongst all the other disciplines. Everyone is aware that electronic devices are becoming more and more powerful, with phenomenal number-crunching ability, and wonderful graphical displays. With hardware development, software developers must constantly update their products in order to truly unlock the modern efficient systems. Whilst the need for pen and paper will always be present, the digital realms of data storage and ease of data transformation means that technical aspects of a greenfield exploration site through to an existing mining operation can be visualized clearly. The capturing of detailed digital data from the field is common, enabling on-the-spot checks and displays, and the equally rapid transfer to databases, or export to any of the numerous software suites.
People within the industry know the main players regarding software development. And most of the software programs or suites are considered 'industry standard', dependent of course, in which particular geographical location you are based. Being familiar with, and an extensive user of such software, it is apparent that nobody is (possibly) fully delivering the one-stop industry standard solution. Hardened professionals or recent graduates need to become proficient in two, three or even four mainstream suites or highly specialised programs in order to deliver within the industry. And no sooner do you become competent in one package, then a change in location or even employer may see you starting on a steep learning curve with another 'industry standard' package. The mine design and planning environment follows accepted and rigorous standards and norms, yet in order to constantly add value, we must operate in a dynamic fashion and software must be able to promote this. Of course, vice-versa is also true. The planning engineer, is now not only a recognised professional in their field, but also a digital-miner and technical draughting specialist - using hands-on knowledge coupled with electronic graphics to display and use data efficiently, correctly and thoroughly.
Of importance, is the enhancement of the design and data handling packages to include built-in or add-on modules for mine design, evaluation, scheduling and time-motion study capabilities. It is evident that there is a big push from software vendors to strive for the one-stop solution. An all-encompassing package that allows for database storage of geological data, and then ease of use of this data for mine design. And why not strive for such. If the data resides within files suitable for one program, why should we complicate matters and export it to a further package. I wish to work on my data 'here', not 'there'. However, some software suites are falling short of the mark. Whilst they may do certain tasks with ease, others can be somewhat complicated and cumbersome, resulting in the user exercising personal choice and moving then onto what they deem a more suitable package for further down-the-line work. It is unfortunate that most professionals thus utilise software which is often only adequate for the job, perhaps good at most. Rarely ideal or perfect; or would efficient be a more correct term to use. The author does acknowledge that most software programs available are sturdy and robust, and that reference to being only adequate for the job refers to certain key data tools or a particular process within the design or scheduling phase. But being an experienced user, I wish for all the best tools, right now, in one program.
Every professional has their particular preference with respect to software. And due to many constraints, they usually have to make-do with what boots up each morning. However, all will admit and discuss aspects of a particular package that is exceptional or great to use, and in more times than not, people agree on exactly the same item. The more that such excellent dynamic tools combine into one package, the more efficient we can become.
With most software packages, the user can clearly display a fully-sequenced design, with associated topographical surfaces made up from satellite imagery, and dependent on the hardware could easily show the resultant 'movie' in 3D. I can see it now, boardrooms filled with people wearing peculiar glasses. Whilst it may raise a smile or two, it is from a presentation viewpoint quick, cheap and simple virtual reality. Mining is 3D, software works in the 3D environment and we design in 3D. Shouldn't we also be viewing it in 3D? So another aspect that software must be able to handle and deliver. It's straightforward now for the user to create a 3D-viewable file, it's just not the norm presently. It is probably not a distant pipe-dream that this norm will be addressed, more rapidly than we realise.
Intelligent software, or software capable of learning, is widespread. As long as our data is clean and meets standards, there is no reason why it can't self-organise to a greater or lesser degree. All mine designers are familiar with available program tools which automate the design processes. User input is still required throughout, but with data that learns, then design tools could also learn. Parameters based on experience can be constructed, and design scenarios run. Solutions generated within those scenarios can be presented and evaluated. By not accepting the solution proposed, software can learn not to head down the same route again during its successive calculations or design. With many tools or additions available today, this is happening; but only within the particular step or process. Integration to other processes remains a manual interruption. Efficiency at risk perhaps.
It is perhaps unlikely that the accepted and best tools will find their way into one or maybe two really great software packages. And at the end of the day, will organisations and companies wish to invest heavily to develop a particularly good tool that to all intents and purposes replicates someone else's? Probably not. However, there is a huge scope for software vendors to offer very versatile and friendly options that are simpler, quicker and better than the opposition. It seems certain that some of the 'industry-standard' specialist software will remain at the forefront, and it is unlikely that it will be superseded by another group's efforts. So, software vendors will perhaps focus on developing tools that use data from this other source in a more advanced and intuitive way. It's certainly something that I look for in all packages, and will help swing my vote.
