The MineSuite fleet management
system  (MineSuite FMS)

The MineSuite Fleet Management System (FMS) is a real-time fleet management system that allows for tracking, monitoring and managing a mining operation’s primary production equipment and related product flow. This takes place via a central control room as well as providing for distributed fleet monitoring and management across the mine-wide network.

MineSuite FMS provides the necessary in-shift control utilities for the central control room operator to manage the load and haul fleet based on the real-time production state, inventory, equipment location as well as equipment cycles and performance. In-shift FMS utilities report real-time key performance indicators with end-of-period results reported via MineSuite MIS.

In instances where a site elects to operate without a central control room, MineSuite can be configured to operate in a manner not requiring any control room intervention and where information is captured in automated fashion and disseminated via the mine-wide LAN

A number of differentiators sets the MineSuite FMS apart from traditional load and haul fleet management systems providing for distinct advantages relating to particular operational scenarios. These unique characteristics include the ability to provide for:

  • the management and synchronization of face and bench activities via the MineSuite short-interval activity management module;
  • an integrated breakdown tracking module resulting in the necessary interaction between production and engineering;
  • a decentralised on-board state engine facilitating out of communications situations;
  • a meshing and decentralized store and forward mechanisms resulting in the equipment acting as data carriers for the communications backbone;
  • seamless integration with WiFi communications and tracking technologies for integrated proximity awareness; and the ability to seamlessly interact with the MineSuite MIS.

Given these unique attributes MineSuite FMS is particularly well suited to and provides significant advantages for the end-user when applied to:

  • Underground mechanized mining environments
  • Surface strip or decentralized mine to plan mining operations
  • Operation not suited to full network communications coverage.

 

MineSuite FMS provides for the latest on-board field computer equipment, with the aforementioned sourced as ‘commercial off-the-shelf’ (COTS) product configured and programmed according to the specific requirements of a mining operation. It integrates seamlessly with RFID, GPS and WiFi technologies for tracking of equipment and proximity awareness functionality towards collision avoidance.

The MineSuite FMS also seamlessly feeds data into the MineSuite Management Information System (MineSuite MIS) for in-shift and end-of-period workflow and MIS reporting. When combined with the MineSuite MIS the solution enables data capturing, processing and the dissemination of information across the boundaries of machine guidance, exposure, load and haul as well as ancillary process and equipment, providing for a single unified information base from a production, engineering, product quality and logistics perspective.

MineSuite FMS provides for various modules and utilities that combine seamlessly with MineSuite MIS. One such module is the MineSuite FMS proximity awareness module. This module is designed for underground operations where the availability of communication coverage is a challenge. It offers one of two options for connectivity between the heavy vehicle and potential collision hazards using powered tags. RFID technology responds to semi-active tags and is recommended in circumstances where a detection range of up to 50 metres is adequate; while the more versatile WiFi technology has a range of up to 100 metres and tags can be integrated into headlamps to enhance the detection potential of underground personnel.

Other examples of modules providing for an integrated FMS application include:

  • Time and activity accounting and management
  • Pre-start check lists and crew validation
  • Production monitoring and product and grade tracking
  • Plan vs actual reporting
  • Shift change and refuel management
  • Short-interval activity scheduling
  • Breakdown tracking
  • Dynamic in-shift and end-of-period reporting and
  • Proximity awareness as described above.

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