AECI Mining - A Drawing Office Data Repository that Works

The AECI Mining Drawing Office (DO) utilized Autodesk software that for the most part enabled the departmental deliverables as highlighted and prescribed by, for the most part, internal customers. With a more focused departmental drive to improve the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and providing customer projects with improved On Time In Full (OTIF) capabilities, it became apparent that the Autodesk software employed at the time and the utilisation of said software would need to be reviewed and amended to better archived departmental objectives.

The aspect of strategic alignment was also highlighted as a major concern because, at the time, there was very little synergy with DO internal operations in being aligned to the overall company strategy. This strategy being a reduction in defects, improved overall delivery timings on equipment manufacture and delivery, improved drawing quality with quality measurements that were in line with Six Sigma.

The DO faced many internal challenges as well and these had to be addressed as well. Efficient utilisation of the software in the design area as well as the data repository were also scrutinised. Internal Gap and SWOT analyses were carried out to identify focus areas, which could then be leveraged to implement a process of high impact changes that would evaluate CSI and OTIF objectives whilst at the same time initiate the transition phase of improved software utilisation, data management and Do functioning that would allow for alignment to overall Company strategy.

A Drawing Office Consolidation of Software and Data File Repository that works and provides enhanced project delivery and management of data enabling heightened project delivery and customer satisfaction. An overall solution that enables the integration of engineering design functions and data management into a fully functional quality Management System that is compliant to AECI Mining’s ISO 9001 listing through the British Standards Institute.

Implementing the revised strategy of software consolidation and data management was highly successful with improvements in relying on 2D drawings and utilising a more 3D based system enabled the DO to engage with customers on a level previously vacant. The process of designing with a different mind-set where the designs could be shared and reviewed with customers enabled the DO to streamline internal processes and improve on lead times to delivery of projects.

The mover from Autodesk Vault Basic to Autodesk Vault Professional enabled a robust system of ensuring the concept of “One Version of the Truth”. This was a major issue before the strategy was implemented and with the assistance from Modena Onesolve the adoption of the new repository changed the management of data completely.

Through numerous iterations and consolidation of software, the DO has been included into the AECI Mining ISO listing and in as much has implemented a fully functioning Quality Management System. In terms of draughting and file storage, the consolidation of these and the move from Autodesk Vault Basic to Autodesk Vault Professional has allowed for much improved efficiency and the achievement of CSI and OTIF objectives. The department now consistently achieves scores of above the targeted 85% in both areas.

As a final aspect of the enhancements achieved, the DO has now been able to re-educate customers in terms of how the processes employed for when design work is carried out and the creation of data packs is achieved. The ability to view 3D models has resulted in much more customer involvement where reviews are conducted within a cross functional team and the understandings of what is being designed are far more easily understood than when the reviews were carried out in the 2D environment.

Considering the Return On Investment for license costs and subscription fees the DO has achieved financially acceptable levels within the accounting structure of the company. The DO is well on its way to becoming a profit centre versus the current status of a cost centre. It is envisaged that by end Q2 of 2024 this will be achieved.

The DO can therefore, categorically state, that without the extensive input and assistance provided by Modena Onesolve, the turnaround with in the DO and its ability to deliver services to customers above the 85% efficiency rate would not have been achieved.