Gemcom HUB™ FAQs
How is Hub optimised for secure remote collaboration?
Exploration and production data is often extremely large and difficult to transfer between sites. Hub has been designed to overcome this challenge. It enables exploration, production, and related large files to be transferred securely over low bandwidth and intermittent Internet connections.
Hub makes it easy to locate exploration and production data without the need for arcane file naming conventions or expansive folder structures. Users can locate data without knowing specifically what it is called or where it was originally used.
What are the key benefits of centralised data?
There are many benefits of centralised data. Chief amongst these are security of data, accessibility of data in a timely fashion, data backup, and robust audit trails for reporting and compliance. In short, Hub overcomes the data chaos not uncommon to many companies and operations where thousands of files exist in multiple locations.
What types of applications and files does Hub manage data for?
Hub will work with virtually any application that outputs files that can be saved to desktop computers and servers. This includes the vast majority of exploration, mine planning, and production software used in the industry. It also includes other popular software used by exploration and production professionals such as Word®, Excel®, AutoCAD®, and image files.
Will Hub really reduce the need to travel to sites?
Yes. Hub enables the fast and reliable transfer of data between locations over even slow, interrupted, and intermittent Internet connections. This makes it possible for users to collaborate on projects without the need to travel to site.
Why is version control over data important?
Knowing what the latest version of the data is – and who has it – can be vitally important. When the latest version of the data is always known, regardless of who’s working on it anywhere in the world, rework and wasted effort is eliminated.
Can I search for data in Hub?
Yes. Hub offers intuitive searching capabilities, enabling you to find data without knowing what it is called or where it is located.
Are there any advantages Hub offers over storing data on shared network drives on servers?
There are many advantages Hub offers over shared network drives. If you are storing data on shared folders, you likely have to give files arcane names to define any sort of meaning for other users who need to access them. If users don’t know specifically what they are looking for, chances are they will not find it. With Hub, users can easily find the data they are looking for without knowing what it is named or where it is located.
Without a real data management solution, it is possible to easily overwrite, misplace, or delete data. With Hub, you never have to worry about any of these serious issues.
What advantages does Hub offer compared to document management systems?
Document management systems are great at managing the type of data they were designed for – office documents. Unlike Hub, they are not optimised for exploration and production data, which can grow to gigabytes in size, making it difficult to transfer data to offsite locations. Nor are they designed to work outside corporate networks with typically high levels of reliability.
Is there a difference between Hub and Gemcom’s other data management solution found in Gemcom GEMS™?
GEMS incorporates either a Microsoft® Access® or SQL Server® database which manages the geology, surveying, and engineering data produced during use of the software. Hub is application independent.
Does Hub require IT expertise to install and maintain?
Absolutely not. In fact, we have designed Hub to be maintained by end users such as geologists and engineers because we understand that not all sites and offices have dedicated IT personnel. However, if IT staff are in place, Hub provides a low impact on their managed environment to avoid the need to disturb a SOX or ISO compliant environment.
Will users have to take training to learn how to use Hub?
Hub has been designed to be incredibly intuitive and easy to use; in fact, many new Hub users are up and running with the software without any training at all. Gemcom will, however, provide training if it is requested.
Is Hub Scalable?
Yes. Hub grows with changing needs and can support small teams at individual locations to global workgroups.
