Accessibility to critical data plays a vital role in the mining industry, as it enables efficient strategic and operational decision making. In this article, we explore how to improve accessibility to this data by implementing centralized, easy-to-use platforms. Learn about best practices that can streamline decision making and improve operational efficiency in mining.

Centralization of information: Optimizing access to critical data.

Centralization of information is a key strategy for improving accessibility. One of its advantages is that it brings together all relevant data into a single, centralized platform, eliminating the need to search for information scattered across different systems and sources. This provides an efficient solution, saving time and effort. A constant pain in the mining industry is precisely the centralization of data. On the one hand, many companies have local information servers, which is one of the first barriers to access optimization. We talked to Rolando Jofré Roble CTO of Antara Mining who tells us:

"Many times in mining we talk about the fact that the critical information for the mine site has to be at the site and this presents us with a great challenge, because today we still have to overcome certain restrictions that mining companies have regarding the cloud. Having the information in the cloud means having a double source of data backup. Today the solution is to be able to plan a migration that meets high security standards, with tools that support this high standard. This type of structure (cloud) also allows you to limit access and carry precise information that you want online, so you don't share all the data with the whole world, but only what you need and plan".

Intuitive and user-friendly interfaces: Facilitating navigation and data searching

It is not enough just to have data, but ensuring easy access to them is also essential. At this point it is important to implement intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, so that users can quickly navigate and search for the information they need. A well-designed interface allows a pleasant and efficient experience for users, improving the efficiency of data search and also improving the implementation rate. One of the basic principles that help identify a good user interface is to follow Shneiderman's 8 rules. He designed a system of principles when considering improving usability for the user.

Flexible access: Available anytime, anywhere.

Ideally, data accessibility should guarantee flexible access. This means a platform that is accessible from mobile and desktop devices, anytime, anywhere. This allows users to access the necessary information at the right time, which can make a difference in decision making, making it much more accurate and faster.

Another important point to achieve agility in decision making is to keep data updated. Establishing processes and procedures ensures that information is kept up to date in the implemented platform. In addition, having notification mechanisms in place allows users to be informed of changes or updates to key data, promoting informed and timely decision making.

Security and confidentiality: Protecting key information.

Information security and confidentiality are crucial aspects. Implementing adequate access controls on a platform, which grant permissions according to users' roles and responsibilities, ensures the privacy of sensitive data. This prevents unauthorized access and protects confidential information from possible leaks.

Rolando Jofré tells us about some key aspects of security:

"We have to consider information as a critical asset, therefore today we have to start generating policies that safeguard information. For this there are also steps that we can review, one of the first is that they are within a reliable infrastructure, i.e. world-class servers. On the other hand, we have to make sure that the mechanisms that implement the solution are secure, for example that the application is validated and updated in various aspects of cybersecurity. Finally, that the information can be backed up in case of any inconvenience".

Improving accessibility to the data that have the greatest impact on mining is one of the first barriers to overcome in the industry. This implies following a path towards centralization of information, the use of platforms with intuitive interfaces, ensuring flexible access to data, timely updating of data and information security.

With these best practices, we can ensure a successful technology implementation path and data infrastructure.