FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS mine technologies deliver greater control , yes , but they also create synergies and enable more robust insights than are possible otherwise . The contextual data about equipment behavior that comes from an FMS allows these other technologies to make much more accurate decisions around ore / waste determination ( and , therefore , enable selective mining ) and predictive maintenance . It works both ways as well . With the FMS serving as the orchestrator for in-pit operations , data from high-precision and asset health systems gives dispatchers and mine controllers the ability to act on deviations that occur within a shift . For example , access to messages and events from third-party systems allows our FMS to make smarter assignments , such as diverting a truck that was in the process of being loaded when a ground-engaging tool alarm was generated away from the crusher .”
HCM is of course a a powerful parent and partner - Wenco is creating ConSite Mine for Hitachi Construction Machinery ( HCM ) on a digital IoT platform , to be delivered this year , with the intention of integrating Wenco , HCM , and third-party technologies into solutions that deliver the best results for customers . Ligthart states : “ Of course , this platform will ultimately integrate Wenco FMS capabilities with advanced technologies from Hitachi and other ecosystem partners . The digital IoT platform being created by Wenco on behalf of HCM is designed to serve as a one-stop shop for capture , storage , processing , exchange , and analysis of data through an open architecture and with common interfaces .” But he adds : “ This digital IoT platform is not only intended for our current customer base of Tier 1 and Tier 2 mines , but also for customers in markets such as quarries , construction , and beyond who understand the efficiency gains possible from digital technologies . There is huge demand from these sectors for an integrated , cloud-based fleet management solution that isn ’ t tied to a specific location . This platform will be able to deliver certain cross-functionalities that are difficult to establish with single purpose on-premises technologies , while also bringing capabilities normally reserved for top-tier mining companies to a whole new series of customers . It also offers new ways to scale and manage FMS functions in a much more tailored way , so our customers can invest discretely in solutions that really drive their operation forward .”
Finally , how can long term existing Wenco FMS customers benefit from the latest functionalities – how easy is it for them to ‘ upgrade ’ or is it effectively like putting in an entirely new system ?
Given comments : “ We ’ re very careful about ensuring our long-term customers can take advantage of our latest functionalities . It ’ s top of mind for us as we build our new solutions , including our digital IoT platform . Our philosophy is to make the transition to our new platform as seamless as possible as we gradually release new capabilities . We know the impact a hardware replacement can have on our customers , so we ’ re very careful about designing our technology to avoid cases where a hardware upgrade is required to derive optimal value . We obviously strive to avoid the change management requirements that come when a new solution is implemented . As such , our pathway to a new platform is much more evolutionary , rather than revolutionary .”
Modular Mining and opening up the market with APIs
In May 2020 , Modular Mining Systems Inc , itself part of Komatsu Ltd , announced the launch of its Modular Mining Public Application Programming Interface ( API ). The new API is designed for superior integration and increased openness among third-party technologies and Modular Mining ’ s IntelliMine ® portfolio , including the DISPATCH ® Fleet Management and ProVision ® Machine Guidance systems . Through the Public API infrastructure , bi-directional data sharing is possible among the industry-leading DISPATCH and ProVision systems and third-party programs , helping to increase productivity , operational efficiency , and overall value to the mines . The main APIs are shown in the attached table .