An Australian company is providing a truly unique service to makers of mining equipment by providing them with a competitive edge through information. Paula Wallace reports.
GROUND Breaking Innovations’ (GBI) productivity data systems can provide manufacturers and operators of mining equipment with information which can lead to improved product design and new standards of efficiency.
“As an example, you’ve got a manufacturer who’s making a loader and makes it for a mine in Australia. We can tell them how this product, or a similar piece of equipment, is operating in Australia, Chile or North America,” said CEO of GBI, Graham Lumley. He told Manufacturer’s Monthly, “…for manufacturers who have an after sales focus this data is really valuable.”
So far, GBI have spoken to a small group of selected manufacturers and have a solid record of partnerships overseas, including CAT in South Africa.
“They are actually surprised that the information exists, quite surprised that someone has the depth of knowledge that we have…they can get information on their own equipment but not that of competitors,” said Lumley of GBI’s manufacturing industry clients.
GBI started in 1999 when Lumley saw an opportunity to provide productivity data about how machinery operates in different environments. The business now counts all Australia’s major mining companies as clients as well as markets overseas.
Prior to 1999, only five per cent of BE1370W draglines achieved over 100 tonne payloads. Since then GBI has provided mining companies with equipment productivity data making them more aware of what is achievable. Now, the figure is more like 51 per cent of these draglines achieving 100 tonne payloads.
“Even for the big players in the industry, they still don’t necessarily achieve best practice within their group. Best practice may be found with a contractor or a small mine somewhere doing something that is completely innovative,” said Lumley.
Its initial focus on giving miners the “inside” knowledge has allowed GBI to build up a formidable database which can give manufacturers insight into how their own products perform in the field and compare this against GBI’s industry benchmark.
The confidentiality of all clients is maintained in GBI’s data, but through the comparative power of the data Lumley describes how it can provide manufacturers with a means to differentiate their product in the market and build relationships.
“We are trying to set up a tripartite partnership, between manufacturer, end user and us and that hopefully becomes a strong relationship on the mine site.”
“Many companies do their own reporting, but every single report we produce has comparison to best practice…nobody else can do that,” said Lumley.