One of challenges that mining practioners face, no matter their role, is ensuring that the data they are using in models, analytics, schedules and reports is the right data. It sounds simple, but, unfortunately, it isn't.

Data at mine sites is typically held by individual users, on their desktops, or on numerous servers. Access to this data is not always controlled, and because information transfering/sharing is usually a manual process, there are usually no mechanisms in place to prevent data overwrite and corruption. There are often few, if any, standardized backup procecures to protect the data.

By using database technology to centralize data storage, data integrity and effective security can be introduced. Database systems, such as Microsoft SQL Server, can be used to assign individual users access to specific types of data, and can lock data that is in use, preventing overwrite. With the abilty to audit data transactions, record modifications and additions can be tracked back to the user and the date and time.

Learn about Data Management and Gemcom's GEMS system.