Diagnose
Establish what the operation requires and what is actually happening.
Examine demand, turnaround, workflow, quality, assets, people, cost and operating constraints.
How We Work
Start with the decision, not the equipment
Mining operations require reliable information to make decisions. Sirius therefore works backwards from the decision the operation needs to make.
Mining decision to decision confidence
The laboratory is part of the information-production system.
- 01Mining Decision
- 02Information Required
- 03Sample Received
- 04LIMS Registration
- 05Sample Preparation
- 06Analysis
- 07QA/QC
- 08Validation
- 09Reporting
- 10Decision
- 11Performance Data
- 12Continuous Improvement
The digital information system runs through the physical laboratory workflow so that samples, results, quality controls and management information remain connected.
Diagnose → Model → Design → Build & Implement → Operate → Improve
The Sirius Method
- 01
Diagnose
Demand, workflow, quality, cost, resources and constraints.
- 02
Model
Capacity, turnaround, staffing, equipment and scenario options.
- 03
Design
Operating model, workflow, information architecture, infrastructure and resource plan.
- 04
Build & Implement
Infrastructure, equipment, methods, people, quality systems and LIMS.
- 05
Operate
Commission, stabilise and manage the complete laboratory system.
- 06
Improve
Use performance data, QA/QC and management controls to improve the system.
From requirement to sustained performance
Model
Quantify how the system behaves.
Model sample demand, capacity, equipment utilisation, workforce requirements, bottlenecks and alternative operating scenarios where required.
Design
Define the operating configuration needed to meet the requirement.
This may involve workflow, equipment, staffing, shifts, layout, analytical methods, information architecture including LIMS, or operating-model changes.
Build & Implement
Turn the agreed solution into working capability.
Build and implementation can include laboratory development, transition, equipment, methods, systems, recruitment, training and commissioning.
Operate
Make the complete system work in routine operation.
Stabilise sample flow, analytical work, quality controls, information management, reporting and operating responsibilities.
Improve
Make performance visible and act on it.
Monitor capacity, turnaround, productivity, quality, assets and cost so emerging constraints can be identified and addressed before they become persistent operating problems.
Method in practice
The laboratory is the how. Decision confidence is the why.
Chingola shows this approach through the development of operating capability. Bisha adds prior leadership experience in changing an operating model and strengthening control.