You’ve been tasked with developing a digital Trigger Action Response Plan to improve operations at the plant. Do you build it in-house or buy an off-the-shelf solution? With tight budgets, you need to weigh the pros and cons objectively. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when deciding whether to build or buy digital TARP software. From development costs and timeframes to customisation and vendor support, we have everything you need to make an informed decision that delivers the operational improvements you’re after. Stick with us as we break it down – buying versus building isn’t always a straightforward choice.
What Is a Digital Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP)?
Digital TARP is software that allows you to configure a minimum set of actions required by workers in response to a deviation from normal working conditions. It monitors your mineral processing operation in real-time and can initiate pre-defined action plans to optimise production, reduce variability, and meet production targets.
How Does It Work?
The software connects to your existing control system to access live data on key metrics like throughput, recovery and grind size. You determine target ranges for these metrics and the actions to take if they go out of spec. The Digital TARP then monitors 24/7 and automatically initiates a response plan that guides your team to take actions such as adjusting cyclone feed density or mill load to get your production back on track.
Why Do You Need One?
Mineral processing is complex with many interconnected components. Small variations can ripple through the system and drastically impact production and recovery. A Digital TARP helps stabilise your plant and reduce variability through constant monitoring and rapid response. The key benefits include:
- Meeting or exceeding production targets: Quick adjustments keep your plant running at maximum efficiency.
- Improving recovery: Tight control of variables like grind size, reagent additions, and flow rates optimise recovery.
- Reducing unplanned downtime: Early alerts allow you to fix small issues before they become big problems.
- Optimising energy usage: Careful monitoring and minimising excess use of energy-intensive equipment.
- Decreases reaction times: Reduce the cognitive load on your operators, and provide consistent responses – even when the most experienced staff aren’t on shift.
A Digital TARP is a powerful tool for any mineral processing plant looking to boost productivity, increase recovery, minimise costs, and improve predictability. For maximum benefit, work with an experienced systems integrator to develop a customised solution tailored to your plant’s needs.
Build or Buy?
There are pros and cons to both building an in-house TARP system and buying an off-the-shelf product. An off-the-shelf Digital TARP has the advantages of proven software, dedicated support, and rapid implementation so you can start achieving the benefits of automated control quickly. However, a custom build may better suit operations with unique needs or a preference for highly customisable systems.
Evaluating build vs buy for your Digital TARP ultimately comes down to your operational needs, timeframes, and available resources. Both options can be effective, so analyse them objectively based on your requirements and priorities. The right choice will depend on your specific situation.
The Pros and Cons of Building a Digital TARP In-house
Building your own Digital TARP solution in-house certainly has its benefits. Your team will have full control and flexibility over the system design and functionality. You can tailor the software to your exact needs and processes without compromise. However, developing a robust and scalable system requires considerable time, money and expertise which many operations may lack.
Customisation
An in-house build gives you free rein to create a system designed specifically for your operational requirements. You can incorporate proprietary data, logic and automation that suit your needs. The system can evolve as your needs change. However, configuring and maintaining a bespoke system demands skilled software and control engineers which come at a cost.
Data security
Keeping data and systems in-house avoids the security risks of sharing information with external providers. But you alone are responsible for protecting that data and system from cyber threats which requires investment in security measures, monitoring and regular auditing.
Cost and resourcing
Developing software in-house is a lengthy process requiring funding and allocation of skilled engineers. While this investment may pay off in the long term, it is a risk, and costs can easily spiral out of control. Using an external provider outsources this work and risk but may end up more expensive if licenses and services fees are ongoing.
Flexibility vs expertise
An in-house team will know your operations intimately but may lack the expertise that a technology company can provide. External providers specialise in Operational Technology systems and software, with pre-built components and modules to speed up deployment and ensure a robust solution. They see a range of applications and remain up to date with the latest technologies.
In summary, while an in-house Digital TARP build offers unparalleled flexibility and security, developing and maintaining the software requires substantial investment and expertise which needs to be weighed up against the benefits of outsourcing to a specialist provider. The solution that is right for your operations depends on your needs, capabilities and risk appetite. The ideal scenario could be a hybrid model, using a provider’s platform with in-house customisation.
The Pros and Cons of Buying an Off-the-Shelf Digital TARP Solution
Off-the-shelf digital TARP solutions allow mineral processing operations to hit the ground running.
Cost-Effective
Purchasing a pre-built solution means lower upfront costs since the vendor has already invested in developing the technology and software. They can also spread costs over many customers, allowing them to charge less. You’ll avoid the high costs of building a custom system from scratch.
Fast Implementation
With an off-the-shelf solution, the system is ready to go as soon as you sign the contract. The vendor will have a standard implementation process to get you up and running quickly. This means you can start reaping the benefits of improved operations and efficiency almost immediately.
Continuous Enhancements
Reputable vendors are constantly improving their solutions based on customer feedback and new technologies. They release regular software updates and patches to fix any issues. This means you get access to the latest features and innovations without having to build them yourself.
Limitations and Customisation Costs
The flip side is that generic solutions may not perfectly fit your plant’s unique processes and workflows. Extensive customisation could be required, adding unforeseen costs down the line.
Integration Challenges
Integrating third-party software with your existing systems and data sources can introduce compatibility issues. You may need middleware or a data reformat, increasing complexity.
Lack of Control and Flexibility
With an off-the-shelf product, you lose some control over the software’s roadmap and development priorities. Your specific needs may not be the vendor’s top focus. Customising the core functionality is also limited.
While a custom solution may seem appealing, purchasing an off-the-shelf digital TARP solution from an experienced vendor offers many benefits for mineral processing operations looking to optimise quickly. The lower costs, faster implementation, continuous enhancements, and industry expertise provide a compelling case to buy over-build. Focus your time and resources on adopting the solution rather than creating it.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Build vs Buy for a Digital TARP
When determining whether to build or buy a Digital TARP, weigh up the pros and cons of each option based on your operations’ unique needs.
Cost
Building a custom TARP requires significant upfront investment in software, hardware and resources which can be risky. Buying an off-the-shelf solution like Mipac’s Digital TARP is often more budget-friendly, with lower initial costs. However, customised-built solutions may have lower ongoing licence and support fees. Analyse the total cost of ownership of each option over 3-5 years.
Timeframe
If you need a Digital TARP urgently, buying is typically faster to implement. Developing a custom build can take 6-18 months. Consider your timeframe and how long you can operate without a TARP system.
Customisation
A custom-built TARP is tailored to your exact specifications but requires time for scoping, development and testing. An off-the-shelf product can be configured to suit basic needs but may lack advanced functionality. Assess how much customisation you require for optimal plant control.
Resources
Building a TARP in-house requires software engineering and IT resources which can be difficult to source and manage. Buying leverages the vendor’s technical expertise and support. Evaluate whether you have the skills and capacity to develop and maintain a custom TARP.
Risk
With a custom build, the risk of going over budget, delays and technical issues rests solely with your operations. Reputable vendors like Mipac assume much of the risk and responsibility to deliver a working TARP solution. Determine how much risk and uncertainty your operations can tolerate.
Industry Expertise
Vendors like Mipac specialise in digital TARP solutions for mineral processing and have deep expertise in the mining industry. They understand your specific needs, terminology, and challenges. Their solutions are tailored to the mining process environment with relevant KPIs, reports, alerts and automation built in. You don’t have to figure everything out yourself or reinvent the wheel. Tap into their specialised knowledge.
By analysing these key factors, you can determine whether building or buying a Digital TARP is right for your mineral processing operations. The option that aligns closest with your cost, time, customisation, resource and risk requirements will enable the greatest operational efficiency and productivity gains.
How Digital TARP By Mipac Can Help
Digital TARP provides an automated solution perfectly suited to the needs of mineral processing operations. It can handle the complexity and variability in your plant to optimise production, reduce costs and minimise risk.
Reduce Production Variability
Digital TARP continually monitors critical process variables in your operation and detects even subtle changes that could impact production. The system then automatically notifies relevant stakeholders and prepares a pre-agreed plan that guides teams to stabilise the process. This minimises fluctuations in throughput and quality, reducing the impact of deviations.
Optimise Operations
Digital TARP can recommend optimised control strategies to improve energy efficiency, resource utilisation and overall equipment effectiveness. This allows operators to focus on the actions that maximise production and decrease labour costs.
Reduce Risk
In summary, a Digital TARP system like the solution offered by Mipac empowers teams to make quicker and better decisions when things don’t go to plan. It provides the sophisticated automation and optimisation capabilities needed to overcome the significant challenges of mineral processing operations. It helps you achieve your production goals in a safe, cost-efficient and environmentally responsible manner. The benefits to your bottom line and operational excellence are substantial.
In the end, you need to weigh all these factors for your unique situation. If time-to-value, expertise, or budget are driving your decision, an off-the-shelf Digital TARP product may suit you well. But if customisation or complex needs are a priority, building your custom solution is probably your best bet. The good news is, either way, a Digital TARP can help boost your operational efficiency and performance.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The pros and cons of building versus buying a Digital TARP system. At the end of the day, only you can decide what’s right for your operation and team. Think carefully about your capabilities and appetite for customisation before jumping in. Whatever you choose the potential benefits of implementing Digital TARP are clear. Improved efficiency, consistency and insights are within your grasp. Just don’t forget the basics – involve your team, validate assumptions and plan for change management. Do that, and you’ll be well on your way to hitting your targets. Now it’s over to you. The power is in your hands to take the next step on your Digital TARP journey. Choose wisely and reap the rewards.
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