BHP Billiton forms global 'TechOps' team

BHP Billiton is building a global technology operations and infrastructure team in Perth that will focus on the availability of its critical production systems.

The creation of the ‘TechOps’ team, which is expected to number between 10 and 15 staff, is understood to be part of BHP’s new operating model announced in February, which saw technology functions elevated and greater emphasis placed on globalised support functions.

The miner has been building the TechOps team over the past month, slowly revealing its intended remit.

“The team's purpose is to protect the business against technology failure,” BHP Billiton said.

“We achieve this by ensuring our technology is available when it's required and performing to meet the needs of the business.”

The team’s primary focus is proactive monitoring and event management, as well as providing rapid “break-fix solutions” in the event of outages.

It spans technology domains including fleet management system application support - covering its autonomous haulage and drilling systems and other control systems - routing and switching, and wireless networks ranging from mesh to digital radio. It also contains front line triage specialists.

The miner yesterday revealed it is hunting for a supervisor for the team, which sits in the 24x7 technology remote operations centre (TROC) facility in Perth. Applications close December 19.

Further comment has been sought from BHP Billiton.