MSSO Version 9.3 is a quick follow-up to V9.2, which allowed users to specify haul-road period availability. The scheduler automatically picks alternate haul routes that lead to optimal schedules if certain roads are unavailable. Block model scheduling allows users to import a range of blocks from a block model and aggregate them into full-bench scheduling units or smaller scheduling units by defining the number of blocks in each direction. Planners can generate schedules by importing blocks from the model and obtain a more accurate cycle time from a block to each destination. Scheduling results can be written back to the block model for validation and downstream production scheduling and operations.

V9.3 includes a standalone package option that includes a MineSight Project Viewer that users can employ to visualise geometries and scheduling results, and select or digitise a ramp, lead line, road, and point.

Hexagon describes MSSO as its go-to product for short, medium, and long-term planning.

The group delivered 10 releases of MSSO in 2015, with about 30 new features, in response, it says, to customer feedback.

Next year promises to be just as busy, the company said.