As mining operations strive to meet best practice safety requirements, the implementation of Proximity Detection Systems(PDS) technology is becoming increasingly important. Booyco Electronics, a leader in PDS technology, highlights the significance of managing the ‘people aspect’ to ensure successful adoption and utilisation of the technology.
Anton Lourens, CEO of Booyco Electronics, emphasises that the success of any technological implementation depends greatly on the effectiveness of the organisation’s change management strategy. He explains that the change management process should involve not only the workers but also key stakeholders such as management and executives to ensure a comprehensive understanding and seamless integration across the organisation.
“Employees’ willingness to adopt new tools in their day-to-day operations plays a key role in the overall success of the technology. It is important for people who use the technology to understand its purpose, benefits, capabilities and expected outcomes. This understanding increases buy-in and user adoption, which are crucial for overall project success,” he says
Booyco Electronics’ change management process is designed to help mines get the most value out of their PDS investments while keeping personnel engaged and motivated. The process begins with a technical readiness assessment to understand how the technology will impact the mine. This often involves extensive engagement with the engineering and mining departments to explain the capabilities of the technology—what it can and cannot do.
Once the technological capabilities are defined and aligned with the mine’s risk assessments, Booyco Electronics provides detailed training for employees to help them understand why the mine is investing in the technology and how it works. In addition, Booyco Electronics offers continuous refresher training courses based on the identified needs of the mine. Feedback from the mine is used in a continuous optimisation process to support the ongoing success of the technology.
By emphasising the human factor, Booyco Electronics guarantees that PDS technology is not only deployed but actively embraced and effectively used, enhancing safety and efficiency in mining operations.
