Maximising Cost Efficiencies with DataShed5
Embracing automation with DataShed5 means more cost-efficient operations, fewer manual errors, and ultimately, better decision-making.
One of the major benefits of DataShed5 is its ability to boost the efficiency and accuracy of data management through file automation and seamless data integration. By eliminating manual file management delays, DataShed5 ensures that data is current, complete, and accurate, all while reducing operational costs and processing time.
With maxgeo’s automation capabilities, companies can move away from manual processes, leading to significant time and cost savings. This allows teams to focus more on core geological tasks rather than spending time on routine data management. Automated data integration means information is instantly available in the database, enabling quicker, more informed decision-making.
Case Study: Manual Data Entry vs. Automation
In a recent review of a client’s MDS, we found that no automated solutions were in place, and over the past year, around 1,800 Excel and CSV files were manually loaded, along with an additional 1,100 assay files. These files covered data from logging, QAQC, surveys, geotech, and more.
Following the review, we projected potential savings of over $120k across five years by implementing DataShed5’s automation. This projection is based on the current rate of manual data entry (2,900 files annually at a rate of $80/hr) and includes an initial $30k investment for file automation, plus $10k annually for ongoing support and maintenance.
Diagram 1: Estimated projected cost of manual data loading for 2,900 files per year, compared to file automation.
Financial Outcomes
File automation in DataShed5 typically costs a fraction of manual entry, with most files automated for less than $5k. Once system components are configured, subsequent file formats require only template development and testing, further reducing costs.
In this client’s case, the manual loading of 2,900 files per year was estimated to take over 480 hours and cost nearly $40k annually. By automating this process, the company stands to save over $100k in five years, not to mention the reduction in human errors and time wasted on manual imports.
Diagram 2: Estimated total annual cost of manual data loading for 2,900 files per year, relative to estimate hourly cost and time to load file.
Our Automated Solutions: Simplifying Mining Data Management
At maxgeo, we provide a range of automated solutions designed to streamline the mining data management process. These include Auto-Assay Loading (AAL), downhole survey integration, drill plod automation, and general file automation. Each solution is specifically tailored to reduce operational costs while improving the accuracy and completeness of data collected throughout the entire mining lifecycle.
Auto Assay Loader (AAL)
Assay certificate results should be loaded through the automated AAL system to ensure prompt and accurate data integration upon receipt. The lab will send results to a dedicated email address, where the automation system will automatically load them into the MDS. User involvement is only necessary when issues arise, such as significant QAQC failures or missing sampling information. In these cases, emails will be sent to the relevant parties, requesting manual intervention.
Downhole Survey Integration
DataShed5, via it’s automation services, is able to integrate survey data between the ImdexHub-IQ system and the MDS (maxgeo Data Schema) database. This process will automate the retrieval of approved survey data, streamed from ImdexHub-IQ via the Imdex Integration API, enabling seamless integration of approved data into the MDS.
This system can process data from all current tools including TN-14, Sprint-IQ, Omni-X42 and several others. Like the other integration systems, the ImdexHub integration utilises a series of buffer tables to ensure that downloaded data is retained even if required information in the collar, survey or library tables is not yet present. Once present, the polling system will process the buffered data into the survey table.
File and Drill Plod Integration
We recommend implementing file automation for data that is frequently loaded into the MDS or captured in a consistent format. This includes files like drill plod files, which can be automated using the same system. Even complex CSVs with multiple sections can be processed through maxgeo’s automation system. Files are sent directly to a dedicated email address, where they are automatically loaded into the relevant contract and activity log tables.
Empowering Your Operations with Automation
By automating key processes like assay loading, downhole surveys, and drill plod management, your team can focus on critical tasks while ensuring that data is captured seamlessly and in real time. The future of mining data management is here, and it’s more efficient than ever.