Mechanic's Stethoscope: A technology transfer model

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 88, No. 994, 1995

Louis Fauteux, Andrew Dasys, Philippe Gaultier, Mine Exploration Laboratory, Noranda Technology Centre Pointe-Claire, Quebec, and Ralph Johnson, Brunswick Mining and Smelting, Bathurst, New Brunswick

This paper outlines the implementation of the Mechanic's Stethoscope from the earliest stages of development to the implementation at Brunswick Mining and Smelting. It details the cooperative efforts of personnel at Noranda Technology Centre (NTC) and Brunswick Mining & Smelting (BMS) during the technology transfer of the Mechanic's Stethoscope. It demonstrates how everyone worked toward a goal of developing a product that is accepted as a useful addition to the work environment. The Mechanic's Stethoscope is an underground vehicle diagnostic system consisting of computer hardware and software intended to assist mechanics in daily tasks. Its tools facilitate quick and easy access to any information required during the maintenance of an underground vehicle. Each tool presents vehicle condition data in a simplified manner. The additional information improves the mechanics understanding of the vehicle condition. The result is a healthier fleet of vehicles and faster diagnosis times. When introducing a computer based system into a traditionally non-computer oriented environment a concern is the acceptance of the system. This concern exists on many levels. Management must accept that a system will have cost associated with the implementation. The supervisors should accept that the introduction of the system will easily integrate with the current system. Most importantly, the end user should accept that a new system will enhance his work environment or make his job easier. During the development of the Mechanic's Stethoscope these factors were given the highest consideration.

Mots Clés: Equipment, Mechanic's Stethoscope, Stethoscope, Underground mining, Diagnostic systems, Computer technology.