Productivity optimization software

Let us start with an analogy. Before there were smartphones (Example iPhone), there were plain button operated mobile phones (Example Nokia 3310). For this “step up” in integrated technology a mind shift change was needed for both the developers and the consumers. For most of the population it would be unthinkable now to go back to button operated mobile phone.

Digitalisation is the integration of digital technologies into everyday life. Its purpose is value creation – using technology to generate new ways of thinking.

Smartphones are the result of digitalisation of mobile phones. It is the hardware integration of a mobile phone, a GPS, a camera, a touch screen interface, an internet modem, biometric interfaces etc. paired with software applications that allows for an extraordinary amount of functionality that most of us cannot live without.

We see SMPO as the best available tool for true digitalisation of underground coal mining.

SMPO is a fully functioning, commercially available fleet management productivity optimisation system that utilizes mobile machine monitoring and smart device communication, connected to powerful software in control rooms, on desktops and on smart phones that allows for short interval control of an underground coal production sections, as well as being an enabler for longer term strategic decision making.

The vision is continued integration until the entire mine is monitored and managed through a single point, but in a modular setup allowing modules to operate independently and as an integrated unit. We aim to remove uncertainty. We want to build a digital ecosystem and through the monitoring of specific data points we can realise usage-based maintenance of assets.

There are many variables affecting the ability of production sections to operate at optimal efficiency. Their eventual impact on the output may be hidden or unknown.

In terms of section efficiency – we want the most time available for production activities; for equipment to be available and functioning optimally and we want the process of load, haul and offload to be as efficient as possible. To get to this ideal state we want:

• Teams to start as early as possible and finish as late as possible against set start and finish targets.
• Spares and consumables in the section to prevent unnecessary downtime.
• Teams to be available and competent to operate and maintain machinery.
• Teams to have the best real time information about their current setup available to them as they operate.
• All SCs are utilized.
• The RB to operate fast enough so that the CM is not stopped because of unsupported faces.
• The CM to sump and shear and load optimally.
• The correct load transfer from CM to SC in the shortest amount of time.
• The SCs to tram the optimal route in the shortest amount of time.
• The shortest possible offload time at the Feeder.

These are just some of the opportunity areas. The SMPO system can monitor and analyse information to the extent that the root causes of inefficiencies can be identified and corrected in the shortest amount of time.

As an example – Reducing the cycle time (CM load time, SC tram time, FB offload time) by 30 seconds can increase production output by 16%. Typical cycle times can range from 250 to 400 seconds based on setups. With SMPO the root causes of inefficiencies can be identified and corrected.

This section covers some unique selling points, as well as the advantages of each. These are advantages that Schauenburg has over competitors. Some competitors are OEM solutions, some do not rely on their own information and some do not have adequate expansion capability to truly digitalise mining.

1. SMPO is OEM independent

• You are not tied to one OEM and their monitoring solution which forces the CM, SCs, FB and RB to be from the OEM to allow the monitoring system to work effectively. OEMs also tend to focus mainly on machine health.
• SMPO can integrate OEM data, but for most Key Performance Areas (KPAs) this is not necessary.

2. Schauenburg has made a significant investment in SMPO in a commitment to become digitalization leaders.

• We have made a bigger financial hardware and software development investment into UG coal productivity than anybody else. This is not just an indication of our belief in the value of the product, but also a show of commitment for continued improvement.

3. SMPO has powerful analytical and predictive software.

• Software was developed over a continuous 2-year period by a team of 4 engineer developers, supported by industry experts and machinery experts.
• Because we monitor several data points, we can predict the root cause of inefficiencies.
• Mines, teams, assets, shifts etc can be configured easily and most potential configurations are already built in. As a result of this the system could be adapted for double header CM setups in less than 2 weeks.
• If you partner with providers that do not have development capability you are at risk of introducing non sustainable solutions.

4. SMPO monitors more data points than competitors.

• Because we monitor more productivity related data points, we can more accurately determine the root cause of inefficiencies. We can monitor electrical and diesel equipment.

As an example –

• We monitor individual SC tram time and offload time, as well as combined figures.
• If the individual offload time at the FB of a SC is slower, it can be an indication that there is something wrong with the SC and not the FB.
• If all the SCs are offloading slower there is an issue at the FB. There may be spillage, or the chain speed is mismatched in relation to SC offload capability.
• The performance of the SC can then be compared to the previous shift to either confirm the individual SC as a root cause or it could then potentially indicate that the specific SC operator is offloading slower.
• The root cause can be addressed quickly.

5. SMPO provides a reliable and cost-effective monitoring solution.

• Hardware provided is practical, reliable, safe, cost effective and non-intrusive. It does not change the way the section teams operate and does not affect equipment reliability.
• Hardware can be positioned to prevent damage and it does not impede operator visibility.

6. SMPO has nearly 100% data recovery.

• Even if your network goes down, data is stored on multiple mobile machines and will be downloaded when the network is online.

7. SMPO provides near real time information.

• We provide a cost-effective wireless connection point to move data from machinery to the mine network. Data is collected and analyzed within seconds every time a SC offloads at the FB.

8. SMPO is locally developed, manufactured and supported.

• Locally developed and supported hardware and software.
• Schauenburg Systems is a sustainable business that has been operating in South Africa in the Mining Industry since 1972.

9. SMPO has significant expansion capability for UG Coal.

SMPO is a modular piece of the full digitalised mine.

• As part of our commitment for the current system we have already developed an Advanced Roofbolter Monitoring System. A POC is underway.
• We are expanding our Faceboss Application. Currently the smart device applications show section KPAs. This application will be expanded to include downtime booking, consumable management and inspections.
• Additional development is possible on the Faceboss Application, which can include cutting sequence monitoring and incident management reporting.
• Integration with SCADA and EMS is possible,
• Solutions to track positioning and utilization of diesel equipment (LHDs, Tractors, LDVs and Busses) can be provided.
• Digital twins of production equipment can be created in the software system. The information could be used to realize usage-based maintenance.

10. SMPO is scalable for application in opencast or plant environments.

• The software solution has been designed to allow expansion to opencast and plant environments. This would allow entire sites to be digitalised and communicate and report centrally.