Rio Tinto Iron Ore has a diverse operational and development portfolio that is asset-intensive and presents opportunities related to asset data and digital management. To deliver value, the company needs to develop a digitally competent workforce, better connect with legacy systems, and strengthen its understanding of risk.

Rio Tinto recognized the opportunity and value of improving asset data and digital solutions in 2012. It also acknowledged that the opportunities would be best realized through partnership to enable greater access to world-class digital talent, technology, and pragmatic expertise to operationalize and sustain the improvements.

Twelve years on, Nick Swart, Superintendent of Fixed Plant Master Data, will reflect on the journey that has led to Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Cyient creating a sustainable partnership based on a shared commitment to value, trust, and aligned ways of working.

In particular, Nick will outline how this has been achieved and some benefits delivered.

• Phase 1 Start - Seeking complementary skills.
• Phase 2 Growth - Aligning goals, and practices while building trust.
• Phase 3 Improvement - problem-solving, digital simplification.
• Benefits - Productivity improvements, process cost reductions, access to industry-relevant experience and capabilities.

Key lessons/takeaways:

• Quantify the added value of asset management teams managing asset data and digital solutions.
• Recognise that you don't need to be good at everything - bringing in skills is often better than building them.
• Take a long-term view when building partnerships - sometimes you can give a little to get a lot.