Mining Cargo Control – Skytrack – Fleet Management through GPS trackers

Mining Cargo Control

Intro

Mining is a highly specific industry relying greatly on large equipment for its operations. Despite being rather distinctive and dealing with the issues that other industries do not have to, mining companies can manage their daily activities seamlessly thanks to technology. GPS tracking devices will help meet the challenges that mining industry is facing today and, at the same times, will prevent unwanted expenses and complications.

Challenge

In mining industry, there are numerous challenges at various stages of the business cycle. Logistical ones include requiring transport to move heavy equipment and transporting mined products as mining sites are usually located in remote areas. Remoteness is a serious issue. At mining sites and in vast territories surrounding them, conventional radio means might not be available, i.e. none of cellular networks (2G, 3G or 4G) can be used for communication. Meanwhile, Iridium satellite network covers the entire Earth surface giving a unique possibility to transmit data. Ineffective management can quickly cause high and unnecessary costs. By tracking the loaded vehicles, companies make sure that time is not wasted on the road and to minimize the costly risk of theft. Cargo needs to be monitored all the time – starting from the mining site to its final destination. Only under such conditions it can be delivered safely. The key to effective planning and organization of daily operations is to get information continuously and without delays, e. g. the location of vehicles even when the GSM signal is unavailable or lost. This way, a company will never lose the track of its fleet and will properly update its delivery chain that involves different kinds of transportation. All this allows reaching the ultimate goal – to deliver cargo on time. Besides, it is important to possess an accurate data of the loaded cargo. Otherwise, there is a risk of mistakes in accounting and – what is even more significant – a part of cargo can be stolen without even knowing it. In mining industry, where large quantities of products are constantly circulating, theft prevention is a very relevant issue indeed.

Solution

Skytrack GPS tracker FMB640 provides you with the most accurate tracking data. By having such information at hand, you can make up-to-date decisions and save time needed for cargo delivery. As a result, more deliveries can be accomplished in the same period of time.

Additionally, when GSM network is not available, Skytrack satellite terminal TSM232 can be used to transfer data to server via Iridium satellite network. From North Pole to South Pole – it is the only network system to work at each and every corner of the globe. Hence, the information will be available without interruptions letting you always be in control of your fleet.

Getting accurate data of the loaded cargo is possible by using load sensors that measure weight. This functionality will help both keep precise accounting records and prevent theft. If somebody tries to steal a part of cargo, the operator will get information on cargo weight difference.

Also, to protect a cargo, setting vehicle geozones is a must, i.e. marking manually a virtual fence or a perimeter of a physical location. Vehicle will be allowed to be operated in a certain zone only. In case of trespassing a geozone, an instant notification will be sent.

Another safety measure is enabling driver identification, so that only the authorized person can ride a vehicle. As for keeping drivers safe, in case of danger, a panic button can be pressed to request for immediate help.

The functionality of fuel monitoring is used to read vehicle’s fuel level and consumption. Thus, mining companies are able to use their resources more efficiently and save costs.

FMB640 is a tracker for professional applications with external GNSS and GSM high-gain antennas. They are especially suitable for mining equipment and can secure a high-quality network connection. Otherwise, in case of trackers with internal antennas, GPS and GSM signals can be easily blocked by the solid metal surfaces of the vehicle.

FMB640 is designed for complex solutions where one device can do multiple tasks. Features like FMS CAN data (J1939), fuel CAN data (J1708), satellite terminal TSM232 connected via RS232, Dual-SIM, possibilities to identify driver with iButton or RFID via 1-wire will maximize your fleet’s efficiency.

Topology

Benefits

  • Efficient cargo delivery – made possible by having accurate tracking data and instantly getting information even when the GSM network is unavailable so mining companies can maximise a fleet efficiency.
  • Protecting cargo to the fullest extent – using geo zones to make sure that cargo does not leave the specified territory and always knowing the exact weight thanks to weight load sensors.
  • Keeping drivers safe – panic button allows reacting fast in emergency situations.

Why Skytrack

FMB640 (2G) is Skytrack’s professional tracker that helps to manage daily operations in mining industry. It has numerous useful functionalities for utilizing the company’s fleet much more efficiently. Trackers FMC640 and FMM640 are available for LTE CAT1 (4G) and CAT-M1 networks, respectively. Besides, these devices can be perfectly applied in more industries, such as international logistics, agriculture, construction, security and emergency services, etc.

Featured Product: FMB640