operational performance by rigorously analyzing constraints across the value chain—from exploration and mineral extraction to crushing, milling, concentration, and the port. The approach consists of a structured framework: 1. Understand the constraints across the entire value chain. 2. Check the root causes and perform OEE analysis to identify gaps versus the budget and benchmarks. 3. Validate insights on the field (going to the gemba) with operational experts. 4. Apply targeted innovation (involving technology, processes, and people) to close the gaps. 5. Measure performance and ensure continuity. The cornerstone of the method is the first step: identifying systemic bottlenecks. According to the Theory of Constraints, a system with local optimums is highly inefficient, and any hour gained at a non-bottleneck is a mirage (Goldratt & Cox, 2004). To operationalize this principle, the data architecture integrates automatic and manual inputs from sources such as PI System, Dispatch, and MES into a centralized SQL database, which feeds visualization dashboards. The digital platform acts as a dynamic Value Stream Map, allowing leadership to visualize the workflow horizontally, overcome traditional vertical silos, and accurately measure where the true constraints lie. Figure 11 - Flow of the methodology 4. RESULTS By adopting a macro-level perspective and emphasizing the identification of bottlenecks, the data-driven methodology prevented the company from making isolated improvements that do not affect the bottom line. For example, the platform visualized specific fleet constraints, tracking OEE performance at 64.7% against a 23.5% budget restriction, while visualizing idle times and non-programmed maintenance. Armed with this data, operational leaders validated insights in the field and applied targeted innovation exactly where the flow was interrupted. Over a three-year period, this constraint-focused automation enabled the prioritization of efforts and the successful execution of more than 300 initiatives. The comprehensive transformation program achieved significant quantitative results in productivity, safety, and overall operations, effectively solving technical complexity while ensuring that every innovation effort directly contributed to the company's throughput.
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