What is Conformance to Plan?

Conformance to Plan, or Compliance to Plan (CtoP), is a measure applied in many industries from building and construction to broad project management, urban planning, operations and even call centers. In mining, the phrase ‘Conformance to Plan’ is common and used interchangeably with Compliance to Plan, Plan or Schedule Adherence. In Lean frameworks and Last Planner Systems (LPS) it is called Percent Plan Complete (PPC).

It measures how well field execution, operations or processes align with the goals and schedules of the plan. In a mining context, CtoP examines what work was completed (activity type), where (spatial/geographic location), and when (scheduled shift, plan vs actual). Put simply, it compares results to objectives.

All mining operations aim to maximise net present value (NPV) throughout the life of mine (LoM). This is calculated based on the mine plan ye  actual value realised hinges on successful execution.

The Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy explains: implementing a CtoP approach improves both the quality of mine plans as well as the understanding of reasons for non-compliance. Measuring and managing compliance attempts to improve the results of execution against the plan.

Measuring and tracking plan vs actual is not a new idea. Pull planning philosophies like Short Interval Control (SIC) and LPS drive accountability. These principles prioritise reliable, short term commitments at the frontline of mining operations.

What sets top tier operations apart is the ability to close the gap between planning and execution in pursuit of operational excellence.

Compliance to Plan: a priority in the boardroom and on the ground (or underground)

CtoP is not a narrow operational KPI. This measure converts plans at varying horizons into sustainable value. Fixing compliance lifts productivity, reduces cost and risk, and protects long-term value. CtoP connects strategy to planning and execution. 

Compliance to Plan and Technology

Modern mining operations increasingly rely on digital MOS (Management Operating Systems) and technology tools to measure and improve compliance in real time. With CiteOps, mining operations combine frontline commitment processes and near-real-time data.

Commit Works case studies show improved shift-level compliance and downstream benefits when weekly schedules are linked to shift plans and SIC. The result is a continuous feedback loop, from plan to execution and back, that strengthens operational discipline and business performance.