Downer:
Blockchain Workforce Management
A blockchain-powered workforce management and claims platform for large-scale mining shutdowns — replacing manual spreadsheet reconciliation with an automated, tamper-proof ledger shared between Downer and their clients.
Stack
BlockApps STRATO, React, Azure, Kubernetes
Role
Design, Development & Project Management
Scope
Full Delivery, Infrastructure, Integrations
The Mission
“To modernise and digitise workforce claims management for large-scale mining shutdowns — replacing manual, spreadsheet-based workflows with a blockchain-backed platform that automates shift tracking, discrepancy resolution, and claims preparation.”
Core Objectives
- Immutable shared record of workforce activity across Downer and client systems
- Automated detection and resolution of shift data discrepancies
- Streamlined claims preparation cutting hours of manual reconciliation per shutdown
- Secure, compliant infrastructure within Downer's enterprise environment
The Challenge
Downer's Facilities & Asset Services division manages hundreds of workers across complex, multi-week shutdown cycles at remote mining sites like BHP's Pilbara operations. Reconciling shift data between Downer's internal FAS SQL database and client records was done entirely through spreadsheets and emails — an error-prone process that led to financial disputes and delayed payment cycles.
All blockchain infrastructure had to be hosted within Downer's D2MSE (Downer Defence Managed Security Environment), requiring complex coordination with Downer Defence and third-party IT provider DXC. Project managers changed three times during the engagement, demanding rigorous documentation and knowledge transfer at each handover.
What We Built
Downer Ledger — Blockchain Core
A private BlockApps STRATO blockchain network with all nodes owned and operated by Downer, providing an immutable, auditable record of shift data and workforce activity.
Time Discrepancy Engine
Automated detection of discrepancies between Downer's FAS database records and client shift data, surfaced through a clear web interface for rapid review and resolution.
FAS Integration Layer
Structured SQL view queries pulling live shift and workforce data from Downer's legacy FAS database and Work Order Management System, keeping the blockchain in sync with ground truth.
Enterprise Web Application
A full-featured management interface with Microsoft SSO (Active Directory), claim preparation workflows, and Kubernetes-deployed infrastructure across dev, staging, and production on Azure.
Technical Architecture
Private permissioned blockchain (BlockApps STRATO) deployed entirely within Downer's D2MSE secure environment on Azure — Kubernetes across three environments, with Microsoft SSO auth, SQL integration for live FAS data ingestion, and a React web app for shift oversight and claims generation. Delivered under a waterfall methodology with formal SteerCo governance and weekly highlight reporting.
Real Impact.
Labrys delivered a multi-phase, enterprise-grade blockchain platform that replaced manual spreadsheet reconciliation with an automated, tamper-proof workforce claims system for Downer's large-scale mining shutdowns.
- Blockchain Network
- Private
- Delivery
- Multi-Phase
- Security Grade
- Enterprise
- Infrastructure
- Azure
