Interoperability? Surely you have already heard this word, perhaps more frequently than usual, especially in the mining industry, where digital transformation has taken on great importance. But what is known as interoperability? According to ISO (International Organization for Standardization), it is "the ability to communicate, execute programs or transfer data between various functional units, so that the user does not have to know the unique characteristics of these units".

Interoperability has gained great relevance in recent times and has become one of the cornerstones in the large mining industry, since it allows to keep interconnected those platforms that facilitate the management and traceability of the production chain. This is where its importance lies, interoperability increases communication and synchrony between systems, allowing the fluid exchange of data, thus increasing the execution capacity of the companies.

The challenge lies in how to optimize these processes. A point that starts from the definition of standards that regulate the interfaces and functionalities of the equipment. In fact, this delimitation brings with it a myriad of benefits such as the reduction of entry problems to new technologies, specialization of suppliers, flexible markets and, in turn, cost reduction in the face of more active competition. 

In fact, in a scenario as digitized as the one we are currently living in, interoperable technologies are those that become more relevant. Even when talking about mining interoperability, we cannot fail to point out benefits such as:

• Information cohesion: By identifying systems that operate in isolation, information is localized for seamless intercommunication.
• Adaptability in crescendo: The systems in charge of capturing data act in an interconnected way, in order to transfer information automatically, always adapting to changes. 
• Productivity and control: The captured data is managed, available and 100% accessible to each user in a simple way. 

Interoperability in mining

In mining, it is essential to create standards throughout the production chain: software, physical components, data, computer systems, among others. This makes automation more efficient, drives innovation and opens the door to the adoption of new technologies. 

"Today, leading in technology also means leading in the knowledge of the mining business and its effective and efficient management. Mining must focus on operations management, get involved in the processes to improve operational practices and achieve control; not only to ensure production at maximum capacity, but also to optimize and make this business profitable in good and bad times" Carlos Carmona Acosta, Executive Director of Interoperability at Fundación Chile.

Thierry De Saint Pierre - Executive Secretary of the Strategic Investment Fund (FIE) stated that "interoperability and digital transformation will make it possible to integrate operational systems with management systems, perform systematic monitoring in real time of what is happening in the mine, and have very relevant efficiency and productivity metrics, as well as anticipate events. This will result in lower barriers to entry, allowing new players to enter the systems as part of the value chain of the solutions. In addition, there will be more innovation, better, more specialized and integrated products."

Now, how do we apply interoperability in mining? It is very easy. Today there are different interoperable platforms, specially created to facilitate mining management. In Antara we have more than 10 years delivering to the large Chilean and Latin American mining industry, a portfolio of solutions, designed with the latest technology for software development and Agile methodology.

We are talking about our Antara Suite, composed of platforms such as Antara MP, which efficiently manages the traceability logistics of the mining product (copper cathodes, maxisacks or bulk) since it is produced and stock is recorded until the shipment in port; Antara TL, which was created to give visibility to the logistics and transportation process of this input, from the source of origin of the sulfuric acid, from the acid terminals, to the mining operations. And finally Antara DGS, software that manages information related to geological samples, analysis results, QA/QC and validation of operational ranges.

Increasing mining productivity is our goal, that's why we are committed with the evolution to walk, driving the industry to the future we want. 

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