Digital solutions provider specialising in website-content management systems Flux has launched the MobiFlow flexible software system to assist mining operations with safety and training, vehicle inspections and production data.
The locally developed technology has been used by two mining operations this year.
“MobiFlow helps mine managers receive more accurate real-time information from underground, while addressing safety compliance challenges,” states Flux MD Werner le Roux.
“The technology is based on multina- tional software corporation Microsoft’s .Net cloud-based platform, with a mobile application for graphical interface operating system Windows and the mobile Android system for touch-screen mobile devices,” he states.
Le Roux adds that the rugged devices are used to capture data, do inspections, measure results and take pictures in the field or underground.
“The rich data is then synchronised back to the server to generate management reports. IRich data is fed from the devices using connected WiFi or GPRS to the cloud,” he says, adding that examples of compliance are the Department of Mineral Resources’ (DMR’s) required shift supervisor logbook, the safe declaration form and incident investigation, as well as mini risk assessments.
Le Roux explains that, in the mining industry, safety and training are linked concepts and if there is nonconformance or an incident occurs, the staff involved are sent for corrective training and reassessed in the workplace, with the assistance of MobiFlow.
“MobiFlow technology logs the non- conformance, documents the incident, conducts an on-the-job assessment after the training intervention and creates a report and audit trail of the whole process,” he notes.
Meanwhile, Le Roux adds that MobiFlow was this year used in the inspection of 70 mine vehicles for production and safety purposes, prior to each vehicle’s three daily shifts.
“Vehicle inspection is paper-based, requiring 200 printed forms daily that have to be recaptured to get the data in the management information system. MobiFlow automated the process by conducting the checklist on rugged handheld devices,” he explains, adding that savings were achieved not only in the time spent capturing data but also in printing costs.
In addition, MobiFlow enables com- panies to rapidly create, deploy and delegate work to fieldworkers, mobilise workforces quickly and easily, design forms and mobile work and route tasks to fieldworkers’ handheld devices, he points out.
“The software can define outcomes, tasks and resolutions, based on mobile data, to streamline operations, improve responsiveness and save costs,” he states.
Le Roux notes that the technology allows for better visibility and responsiveness by enabling and mobilising fieldworkers at a mining operation.
“Work is carried out in the field using handheld devices, with predefined work routes and business forms, and information is sent back to a central system. Information is accurate, standardised and captured only once in a paperless environment. Business rules and workflows are automated to streamline operations and detailed collaborative reports are available when you need them,” he says.
Le Roux points out that the software is used as a platform and, compared with typical point solutions, has rapid deployment, transformative mobility and is scalable with a broad range of mobile applications.
“It also has lower total cost of ownership, can be configured by business and adapts to various business needs. It is a powerful, easy-to-use, flexible platform that enables business users to rapidly design, build and deploy process-driven solutions to mobilise your workforce,” he concludes.