The iSURE software is designed to be used with Sandvik’s i-series of face drilling rigs.

It aims to deliver tunnelling, construction and mining drill and blast process control while providing data to optimise drilling and blasting applications, remaining bespoke for specific user requirements.

iSURE 8.1 includes an advanced metrics toolset that covers production and schedule data analysis.

Sandvik aims to use the metrics to improve drilling production, future project planning and to raise awareness when problems or challenges occur with face drilling.

The updated software also includes a built in three-day training program to cover both simple and advanced underground rock excavation activity.

This builds off iSURE 8.0, which added template-based drill and blast plan generation for rock blasting, tunnel quality and explosives usage.

“The new and existing features found with iSURE 8.1 are designed to improve the entire drill and blast process through data collection,” Sandvik stated.

iSURE 8.1 also notifies operations for rig adjustments or suspected rig misuse, while displaying changes in rock mass drilling, drill steel consumption, drill face shape, potential operator deviation from the drilling plan.

Other existing features include counters of a drill rig’s production, data on drilling performance versus the plan and measure while drilling data, with the aim of optimising the drill rig’s behaviour and providing a learning tool for operators.

“iSURE 8.1 is not the final development of this leading solution from Sandvik,” the company stated. “New improvements and developments are planned based on further sharing of knowledge and experience with customers and drill and blast professionals globally.”