The latest iSURE, version 8.1, uses the new tool to better quantify rock blastability, tunnel profile quality target and explosives used, said the company.

The "design wizard" functionality tool enables the selection of ready-made drilling templates for drill and blast plan creation.

The planning option also gives rig operators the capability to easily edit results based on the feedback of the drill and blast process.

The company has also added advanced metrics designed to helps the user increase knowledge and reveal points of improvement in face drilling rigs usage and in tunnel excavation.

"The new and existing features found with iSURE 8.1 are designed to improve the entire drill and blast process through data collection," said the company.

"The system will also hint if any rig adjustment is required, or if rig misuse is suspected. It shows the change in rock mass drillability, drill steel consumption, face shape after blasting and scaling, any operator deviation from the plan whilst drilling, and based on scanner data, the realized profile and production volume is shown".