It may seem simple at first glance for managers to make decisions on a quarry.
The old way had quarry managers perched on a viewing platform in the heat and harsh conditions or spending hours patrolling the site to check operations. It was hard work that was also open to human error.
This is why Komatsu developed Smart Quarry Site, previously Komatsu iSite. The platform uses real-time machine data to take the guesswork out of decision-making.
Quarry sat down with Komatsu Australia’s national business development manager, Tony Clear, to discuss how Smart Quarry Site can get the most out of machines, keep operators safe and optimise operations.
The system features a suite designed to make the working day of machinery operators, site managers and quarry owners easier than ever before.
The Smart Quarry Site is a fleet management tool that is brand agnostic, able to be fitted across a mixed fleet of machinery regardless of manufacturer.
Unlike the old days, Clear said Smart Quarry Site would enable managers to confidently make data-driven decisions rather than being stuck on a viewing platform using guesswork. On the system, they can manage the path of trucks, ensure load points are being used efficiently, and track cycles and passes to inform decisions.
“With this tool, they now have complete sight over the quarry’s operations at any time to help them make decisions,” Clear said.
More than ever before, a site supervisor’s role is not just about truck performance. It is making sure each worker returns home safely.
The quarrying industry has recently been focused on improving safety across the board through safety detection and prevention.
Komatsu understood the importance of safety to quarries and implemented it into Smart Quarry Site.
Site supervisors can improve safety on-site by using the system to record pre-start checks digitally and set speed limits around the site. Smart Quarry Site can instantly alert operators, maintenance managers and supervisors of any faults while keeping a digital record showing quarrying authorities.
Speed limits can be set to ensure loader operators safely perform their roles and keep their colleagues safe on-site. The intelligent system can consider loaded or unloaded machinery and inclines and declines to adapt to the required safety levels.
“It enables a driver to see when he is overspeeding, and it also notifies the site supervisor instantly, which can help address the issue on-site and keep everyone safe,” Clear said.
Aside from helping management, Smart Quarry Site is designed to work for all users. Whether site supervisors are looking to analyse analytics or operators seek a loading guide, the fleet management system encompasses all users.
“We are trying to help those who know they need to use the technology because they will benefit from it, and they will, as well as those who want to go into the data analytics,” Clear said.
“They’re going to be able to benefit even from just using the system at its base level because of the features we have provided.”
Komatsu spoke to several machinery operators to gauge their needs in the Smart Quarry Site system. While many recognised its benefits, they wanted to be enabled to focus on operating machinery and not be burdened by doing that and data input.
This operator-led feedback enabled Komatsu to tailor the fleet management technology to the needs of machine operators.
Smart Quarry Site lets the loader operator see the payload meter on the dashboard. This allows them to see the centre of balance on the truck, the tonnes loaded per pass to accurately load the truck the first time.
“We added these features to help the loader operator who was guessing how much to put in the truck and the centre of gravity to give them the tools to know these things exactly in real-time,” Clear said.
These factors, plus the ability to record pre-start checks digitally to increase convenience, have proved popular with clients looking to improve efficiency.
According to customer feedback, this includes remote service, which has been a solid addition to Komatsu’s aftersales service. While 82 per cent of all maintenance requests are on the phone, the support team can remotely dial into any customer’s Smart Quarry Site platform and troubleshoot problems.
Komatsu has a strong support team with two technical advisors in each state and a customer technology advisor to support quarries.
This layered approach exemplifies how Komatsu ensures customers can optimise their sites from product delivery to operation.
“We’re leaning into to support our customers whereas some clients lean away from it, sometimes they even outsource it to another company,” Clear said.
“If you compare our offering to customers to our competitors, it is a completely different experience.”•
For more information, visit komatsu.com.au
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