Mining & Resources · head to head
UDEC vs Caterpillar MineStar
UDEC
Mining & Resources
Universal distinct element code for mining analysis
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
Caterpillar MineStar
Mining & Resources
Integrated technology for mining fleet management
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: UDEC the UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store; Caterpillar MineStar requires significant capital investment and integration with existing fleet infrastructure
- They diverge on capability: UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Caterpillar MineStar covers Fleet management.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which UDEC and Caterpillar MineStar actually diverge.
| Attribute | UDEC | Caterpillar MineStar |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | subscription | Unknown |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Cloud-based, Remote operation stations |
| Founded | 1981 | 1925 |
Identical on both: starting price (On request), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Mining & Resources).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in UDEC
- Distinct element modeling
- Joint network modeling
- Block interaction analysis
- Support interaction
- Dynamic analysis
- FLAC3D
- 3DEC
- Leapfrog
Only in Caterpillar MineStar
- Fleet management
- Real-time tracking
- Terrain management
- Equipment health monitoring
- Autonomous haulage
- Drill guidance
- CAT Equipment
- Third-party OEM
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
UDEC
- Two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rocknot Caterpillar MineStar
- Assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavationsnot Caterpillar MineStar
- Simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnellingnot Caterpillar MineStar
Caterpillar MineStar
- Fleet optimizationnot UDEC
- Autonomous operationsnot UDEC
- Equipment monitoringnot UDEC
- Production trackingnot UDEC
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
UDEC
- The UDEC product page publishes no price and directs buyers to a quote request or an external software store
- Fluid Flow, Barton-Bandis joint analysis, Creep, Thermal and User Defined Models are optional add ons charged on top of the base licence
- Writing custom constitutive models requires the separately licensed UDM option and C++ programming
- Purchases through the Buy Now route are prepaid annual subscriptions rather than a permanent licence
Caterpillar MineStar
- Requires significant capital investment and integration with existing fleet infrastructure
- Complex implementation requiring specialized training for operators and management personnel
- Primarily designed for large-scale mining operations; less suitable for smaller mines
Pricing, plan by plan
UDEC
On request- UDEC Professional$19000/year
- Distinct element analysis
- Joint modeling
- Block interaction
Caterpillar MineStar
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Caterpillar MineStar review.
Which should you pick?
Choose UDEC if
- You need distinct element modeling.
- You work on Windows, Linux.
- You also want joint network modeling.
Choose Caterpillar MineStar if
- You need fleet management.
- You work on Cloud-based, Remote operation stations.
- You also want real-time tracking.
Questions people ask
- Is UDEC or Caterpillar MineStar better?
- Neither clearly leads. UDEC starts at On request and Caterpillar MineStar at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, UDEC or Caterpillar MineStar?
- UDEC starts at On request and Caterpillar MineStar at On request.
- Does UDEC or Caterpillar MineStar run on more platforms?
- UDEC runs on Windows, Linux. Caterpillar MineStar runs on Cloud-based, Remote operation stations.
- What is UDEC best used for?
- UDEC is most often used for two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock, assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations, simulating fluid flow through rock fractures in mining and tunnelling. Of those, two dimensional distinct element modelling of jointed and fractured rock and assessing stability of blocky rock slopes and underground excavations are not what Caterpillar MineStar is typically brought in for.
- What can UDEC do that Caterpillar MineStar cannot?
- UDEC covers Distinct element modeling, Joint network modeling, Block interaction analysis, Support interaction. Caterpillar MineStar covers Fleet management, Real-time tracking, Terrain management, Equipment health monitoring.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Caterpillar MineStar: Does MineStar work with equipment from other manufacturers?
Yes. MineStar Solutions work with all types of assets and integrate with any brand of equipment, sharing data across existing machines, systems and technologies.
SourceCaterpillar MineStar: What are the main components of MineStar?
MineStar comprises five configurable features: Fleet for equipment tracking, Terrain for haul path optimization, Detection for safety monitoring, Health for equipment maintenance, and Command for autonomous operations.
SourceCaterpillar MineStar: Can MineStar be used for underground mining?
Yes. MineStar Solutions are available for both surface and underground mining operations, with dedicated technology offerings for underground safety and productivity.
SourceCaterpillar MineStar: Is MineStar a cloud-based or on-premises solution?
MineStar is a cloud-based, subscription-managed application that reduces costs of deployment, service, and training by allowing customers to select offerings by role, function, or task.
Source