Digital transformation in the South African mining and metals industry is a critical enabler to increased productivity and mining outputs – yet most organisations still shy away from the prospect, according to a recent EY study.
The digital disconnect is defined as the gap between an organisation’s potential derived from technology adoption, and the poor track record of successful digital implementations.
The digital disconnect in the mining industry can be attributed to perceptions of unaffordable technology advancements and high IT-related costs, as well as unsuccessful past system implementations.
It is not about a total lack of engagement from the mining sector, commented Wickus Botha, Africa Mining and Metals leader and Wim Hoogedeure, Africa Advisory Mining and Metals leader at professional services firm EY, quoted by Mining Review.
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The EY’s industry-focused global report, ‘The digital disconnect: problem or pathway?’ illustrates the divide: only 31% of the respondents prioritise digital transformation of their mining operations.
The report found that enabling digital technology in mines can significantly address operational and safety risks, improving productivity and ensuring preventative safety measurements for workers.
Examples include the use of digital radio technology to monitor slope failures and notify mine operators when and where slope failures are likely to occur and establish evacuation procedures; and equipment tracking capabilities to optimise utilisation and minimise bottlenecks.
As the mining industry continues to play a vital role in the South African economy, it becomes imperative for its players to recognise the need to operate successfully in today’s digital age.
Mining operations can start by adopting a digital roadmap and taking advantage of cloud-enabled transformative solutions to drive growth, solve critical issues, and focus on productivity across the end-to-end value chain.
Resolve Immix’s software provides extensive exploration, Mining, and Mineral Process (xMMP) solutions for key mining requirements, including functionality required for the Total Life of Mine (LOM).
Microsoft Dynamics AX serves as the platform for the xMMP product suite and is a world-class global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution used by over 20 000 businesses across the globe.
xMMP
Contact Resolve Immix and speak to one of our experienced Microsoft Dynamics ERP consultants if you would like to see how an ERP system can help your business.