Since the 1990s, fleet management systems (FMS) have enjoyed ceaseless innovation, from infrared beacons to ever more agile, smaller sensors. The advent of automation, cloud computing, data analytics and AI – perhaps some of the biggest developments of modern times – are ushering in an era of improved safety and enhanced operational efficiency with the likes of real-time optimisation and predictive maintenance among their capabilities.
“Connectivity via the IoT [Internet of Things] provides precise monitoring capabilities, while integration across systems ensures seamless communication and improved efficiency,” says Jarym Kowalchuk, Hexagon’s head of product, load and haul.
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Other relatively recent developments are fatigue management and collision avoidance systems (CAS), which are now increasingly common despite still being seen as emerging technologies just five to seven years ago, according to Kowalchuk.
“CAS is in the main adoption phase now in mining, and at numerous sites today entry is not permitted unless you are in one of the operation’s vehicles with CAS fitted,” he claims.
These technologies have huge value – making mines safer and more efficient than ever before. However, they come with additional hardware and sensors – a prospect that Hexagon is finding customers are less keen on. Responding to their wishes to declutter, the company says it is removing duplicate hardware where it can; for example, by combining its operator alertness system with CAS, when customers are comfortable to do so.
That desire to rationalise stretches to on-site infrastructure too. Touted as revolutionary, taking FMS into the cloud-based domain is a goal that many mine owner/operators and the supply chain are striving to achieve.
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By GlobalDataBenefits of cloud-based fleet management systems
By reducing the need for physical infrastructure and IT maintenance, cloud-based FMS provide scalability and cost-effectiveness.
“They enable remote access and real-time data processing, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making. They also help cultivate collaboration via centralised data and support integration with other cloud services,” says Kowalchuk.
He stresses the importance of collaboration between mines and suppliers when embarking on that journey. This is critical in ensuring that the reliability and security of data and production systems are not compromised. “Many smaller mine operators, particularly those that use scaled down or ‘lite’ versions of FMS, are moving directly to the cloud for their deployments,” he says, which is why support from experts is crucial.
In contrast, larger, more complex operations requiring a comprehensive, feature-rich solution should move to the cloud in stages. “For these operations it would be unacceptable for the FMS to become temporarily unavailable because of latency issues or lost connection with the cloud.”
Instead, Kowalchuk encourages larger mining operations to take their cloud transition “one step at a time”; for example, using it for data analytics first, then identifying the services cloud can next deliver.
Will Batty, Geotab’s APAC associate vice-president of business development, says that adopting cloud-based fleet management in mining is “a strategic move” that requires clear goals and cross-functional planning from the outset, and a strong integration process. “Choosing a platform is just the start; success depends on how well it is implemented, supported and aligned with business needs,” he advises.
Integration and connectivity: key considerations for cloud-based fleet-management
Taking a mine’s FMS to the cloud can be a complex process, with two – but not exclusively – key elements that are particularly demanding: integration and connectivity.
Integration is a challenge due to existing, local (on-site) systems that may comprise older technologies.
If these considerations are addressed properly, the transition to cloud-based FMS offers considerable physical benefits including decluttering the mine and even individual vehicle cabs, making installation easier with far less cabling.
Connectivity is also an “important consideration”, according to Kowalchuk. In Australia, where mines are often remote and hard to access – both physically and conceptually – connectivity is already an obstacle. So, reducing local hardware to instead rely on cloud-based platforms can be fraught with risk.
This is something Batty is particularly aware of. “Connectivity is one of the most critical elements in mining fleet management,” he says, “especially in remote Australia where lack of network coverage can directly impact safety, compliance and operational visibility.”
Telematics, which Geotab specialises in, are now not just a “nice to have”, they are a critical part of modern mining operations – and not just for tracking vehicles. “What began as basic GPS tracking has evolved into a powerful data platform that touches nearly every part of an organisation… It is an essential tool that enables mining operations to stay competitive, compliant and safe in one of the world’s most challenging operating environments,” says Batty.
Addressing network pressure
As mines become more digital with the likes of telematics, CAS and other capabilities, it puts greater bandwidth pressure on the network. For example, nearly all mines using an autonomous haulage system are using an LTE or 4G network.
“As FMS become more capable, they are often used together with CAS, fatigue management and other technologies, which places demands on the network to run effectively,” explains Kowalchuk.
Hexagon is not alone in recognising the dangers posed by poor connection in an industry where safety is paramount and data is fast becoming a vital commodity.
“In telematics, when the signal drops, so does your real-time visibility,” Batty says. “For vehicles operating in remote regions where network coverage is inconsistent or unavailable, this can pose a significant safety risk to drivers and create operational blind spots for site managers.”
Having the ability to store and then upload data and to track vehicle location without network access are technologies that will likely usher in the adoption of the ‘hybrid cloud’. As its name suggests, the hybrid cloud employs a mix of local storage with private and public cloud platforms, offering greater efficiency, easier cross-platform integration and enhanced security features.
Saurabh Daga, project manager at GlobalData, says the rapid evolution of cloud computing, particularly hybrid and multi-cloud models, allows organisations to scale quickly and address the complexities of today’s digital landscape. “Consequently, there is a fundamental shift in how businesses leverage cloud technologies to optimise performance and reduce operational costs.”
Tips for moving to serverless FMS
Mining companies considering cloud-based platforms should first clearly identify the specific operational problems they face and the required system functionalities, then engage with experienced technology partners, says Kowalchuk.
“Scalability is important to accommodate future operational growth, along with an evaluation of data protection measures and regulatory compliance for security,” he continues.
Batty stresses another area that may sometimes be overlooked but is often critical to successful adoption: training.
“As more mining businesses adopt connected platforms… It is not just about putting technology in place, it is about ensuring the people using it are equipped to unlock its full value,” he says.
Mining operations need to ensure staff understand how to use technologies like telematics platforms, how to interpret vehicle and driver data, and how to make informed decisions that support safety, efficiency and compliance. Without the right skills, Batty warns, return on investment can be severely limited.
“The mining operations that are successful in implementing technology are those that invest equally in people and platforms, enabling their teams to grow with the technology and extract the full value of digital transformation,” he says.
With a new era of FMS upon us, Kowalchuk notes that more advanced sensors, radar, onboard intelligence, telematics and edge computing mean that mines can start to move away from that traditional model based on the centralised management of fleet because “you now have more smarts and intelligence on the machine itself”.
The potential for cloud-based systems in mining
Cloud-based FMS are becoming increasingly utilised, heralding significant advantages – but can mines implement them to gain the greatest benefit and address the integration and connectivity concerns? The simple answer is they can, but the approach needs to be one where all parties, both at the mine and in the supply chain, leverage their knowledge.
As unique as every mine and its environment is, so too is its migration to the cloud. Using a mix of on-site storage and a hybrid cloud solution can deliver greater cost-efficiencies, improved mine safety, enhanced data security and elevated data insights. This means that although the move to cloud-based fleet management is a complex one, the journey is worth taking.
