Software can make bad things look good!!
Yes, the basic knowledge of the interface alone does not suffice . Remember a software is a set of algorithms henceforth garbage in is garbage out . One must possess intricate understanding of the subject matter principles before modeling in software . In my experience as a Mine Planning Engineer i have come across projects that demand a solid knowledge base to tailor a solution otherwise you can make an engineering blunder. A practical example is open pit optimization using Whittle software. There is a common oversight of defining a cut-off grade before running optimisation. Using this approach one would be optimizing ore blocks only . Whereas the optimizer (Lerchs Algorithm) will define for you the economic cut-off grade once you set physical and economical constrains. You must have real-time subject matter understanding coupled with cutting edge software application for effective solutions.