Electronic detonator technology has been under development for the last two decades. Currently, there are a number of systems commercially available with several others still under development, each with its own unique features. This technology can offer a significant advantage to the drill and blast engineer through their ability to initiate an explosive charge at the planned' time. This new technology has created huge interest within the drill and blast community and also raised their expectations to produce better blasting outcomes._x000D_
In many cases, specifications (or even expectations) of desired blast results are not properly defined. Interaction between the input variables (rock mass characteristics and blast design) and results (fragmentation, throw, damage, ground vibrations, etc) and their mechanisms, or relationship to one another, are not very well defined or understood. That is why rock blasting is still considered by many as an art rather than science. With one of the few remaining variables (cap scatter) now controllable, today's blaster finally has the ability to apply science to his trade._x000D_
Even though electronic detonators are available and becoming more commonly used, current field practices are not always conducive to extracting or deriving the maximum benefit from this new technology. In the author's opinion, the following need to be understood to derive and sustain the maximum value: clear definition or specification(s) of desired outcomes from a given blast; impact of different features in an electronic detonator system (precision, accuracy, flexibility, reliability, etc) and their impact on the desired blasting outcomes; interaction of blast design variables (energy, energy distribution, timing, blast geometry) and their impact on desired outcomes; impact of rock mass variability and quality of blast implementation on the desired blasting outcomes; and critical need to utlilise appropriate tools and systems in order to measure and quantify benefits._x000D_
In the author's opinion a scientific implementation process is the key to derive the benefits. This paper analyses the industry's preparedness to derive the benefits from this technology and proposes a scientific methodology to understand, evaluate and sustain the value from this technology.