Following a series of successful demonstrations at MINExpo International, held in Las Vegas in September, Maptek has officially opened the doors for early access customers to experience its pioneering Maptek Vestrex ecosystem, designed specifically for automation and orchestration in mining operations.
According to Maptek, Vestrex creates extraordinary value by seamlessly connecting a variety of data sources without being hindered by product, application, process, or format constraints. By leveraging data residing in the cloud, Vestrex facilitates collaboration among stakeholders across diverse mining roles and organizations, paving the way for innovative use cases that extend far beyond traditional data applications.
With its automation capabilities, Vestrex significantly streamlines operations by integrating real-time data and processes, thereby enhancing the speed and efficacy of decision-making processes. Meanwhile, its orchestration capabilities build upon robust computational power and automated workflows to extract maximum value from both technical data and mining systems.
Global Strategy Manager James Mackenzie expressed enthusiasm regarding the heightened interest in Vestrex, stating that during interactions at MINExpo, “Everyone we spoke to could immediately think of a way they could apply Vestrex to their organisation. All of the ideas were different and all of them were achievable, because Vestrex enables collaboration on many levels, limited only by imagination!”
Mackenzie elaborated on the user experience, saying, “Customers can expect an effortless data transfer process between cloud and desktop environments, with robust data managed securely from a centralized platform. Moreover, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with Maptek to orchestrate customized processes specifically designed to tackle their unique operational challenges.”
The Maptek Vestrex platform is built on three fundamental pillars – data services, cloud computing, and orchestration – all of which share a cohesive vision for solution integration and inter-process workflows.
At the core of this ecosystem is the Maptek Data Systems (MDS), acting as the powerful integration hub for ingesting data from various sources via open APIs. MDS provides seamless in-app integration with existing Maptek desktop solutions while managing version control and access permissions through Maptek Account.
The second pillar, the Maptek Compute Framework (MCF), is already enhancing machine learning and optimization within Maptek’s scheduling and domain modeling solutions. It allows time-intensive calculations to be conducted on scalable resources, delivering results on demand without delays.
The latest and third pillar, the Maptek Orchestration Environment (MOE), serves as the vital link for unlocking collaborative value, according to Mackenzie, who noted, “Vestrex connects algorithms, executables, and transformations to leverage computational power, scalability, and parallelization across business and technical systems. If you can get your data into Vestrex, Maptek can help transform it into value.”
Flexibility is a key feature of Vestrex, as it allows for the incorporation of ‘human in the loop’ review and analysis at various stages of automated processes, ensuring that the platform can adapt to user needs. The customization of decision trees and giving users the freedom to integrate complex systems means the potential use cases are virtually limitless. Enhanced data security measures, including encryption and backup protocols, safeguard sensitive information to ensure operational continuity.
Mackenzie highlighted Vestrex’s true potential by emphasizing its ability to bind data and computations to create elegant automations that streamline processes and data pipelines, embedding them within overarching business workflows.
To conclude, Mackenzie stated, “Making data accessible and consumable across multiple stakeholders, including non-technical users, at every stage of the mine life cycle fosters collaboration that can discover new and unexpected use cases in a way that redefines industry standards.”
**Interview with James Mackenzie, Global Strategy Manager at Maptek**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, James. Can you tell us what makes the Maptek Vestrex ecosystem stand out in today’s mining industry?
**James Mackenzie:** Thanks for having me! Vestrex is truly a game changer because it breaks down traditional barriers between different data sources, applications, and processes. Our ecosystem is built to connect seamlessly, enabling organizations to leverage the data they already have, regardless of where it’s stored or in what format.
**Editor:** It sounds like a powerful tool for collaboration. Can you elaborate on how Vestrex facilitates teamwork among different stakeholders in mining operations?
**James Mackenzie:** Absolutely. One of the key features of Vestrex is its ability to facilitate collaboration across various roles and organizations. At MINExpo, we witnessed significant interest as attendees realized they could leverage Vestrex to address specific challenges in their operations. The platform’s flexibility allows for innovative use cases, limited only by the users’ imagination.
**Editor:** In your interactions at MINExpo, you mentioned that everyone seemed to have unique applications for Vestrex. Can you give us an example of how a mining company might utilize this system?
**James Mackenzie:** Certainly! Let’s consider a scenario where a mining operator wants to optimize their supply chain. With Vestrex, they can integrate real-time data from various departments—like production, logistics, and finance—into a centralized platform. This integration allows them to streamline decision-making processes and enhance operational efficiency, responding dynamically to challenges as they arise.
**Editor:** That sounds impressive. You mentioned that Vestrex automates many processes. How does this affect the speed and efficacy of decision-making in mining operations?
**James Mackenzie:** The automation in Vestrex is built on robust computational capabilities and workflows, which means data analysis and processing can occur in real-time. Faster access to relevant information leads to quicker decision-making, ultimately driving productivity and reducing downtime. This capability is vital in an industry where every second counts.
**Editor:** Vestrex is built on three fundamental pillars. Can you briefly highlight these pillars and their significance?
**James Mackenzie:** Of course! The three pillars are data services, cloud computing, and orchestration. Together, they provide a cohesive vision for integrating solutions and streamlining inter-process workflows. The Maptek Data Systems (MDS) at the core of Vestrex acts as the hub for ingesting data from various sources securely and efficiently. This infrastructure ensures users have a solid foundation for maximizing the value of their technical data and mining systems.
**Editor:** As you move forward, what can early access customers expect from their experience with Vestrex?
**James Mackenzie:** Early access customers will enjoy a user-friendly experience with effortless data transfer between cloud and desktop environments. Data management will be secure and centralized, allowing for easy collaboration with our team to customize processes that directly address their specific operational challenges.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing these insights, James. It certainly sounds like Maptek Vestrex is paving the way for the future of mining operations.
**James Mackenzie:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited to see how Vestrex will empower mining companies to innovate and collaborate more effectively.
