Haultrax: Making Fleet Management System available for all

Haultrax’s FMS includes the FleetOps module, a solution which uses GPS tracking and intelligent algorithms to compile operational data to enable miners to measure, report and improve on key metrics.
FleetControl module is a dispatching tool which can be layered with this. It compounds the value of FleetOps by allowing the user to act on their data, manage mine plan execution and time, material, and activity tracking.
The solution is a lightweight system that currently only requires an interface for equipment operators.

Shyamal Sharma, Managing Director, said a key differentiator for the company is making its FMS affordable for mining companies of all types and sizes.

“The software-as-a-service (SaaS) model cuts out the requirement for expensive and complex IT infrastructure onsite, and FleetControl and FleetOps modules have built-in store and forward capabilities, which remove the need for expensive wireless connectivity,” he told E&MJ. “Our team members all come from a mining operational background. We understand the mining business, operations, its people, and processes and we’re using that to implement technology that delivers value for end users. Our apps are designed around the front-line users, supervisors, operators and dispatchers, and our FMS is built with today’s technology.”

The systems are designed with simplicity and usability in mind. Sharma said it takes only 15 minutes to train any user to operate the app, and reports can be viewed on a phone, tablet, or computer. FleetOps also leverages automation, requiring no operator input and frees up employees for other activities. He added that Haultrax’s ability to swiftly customise the solution allows the FMS to fit each operation, rather than the operation having to change its ways of working to fit the FMS.

“New functionality can be added flexibly and quickly,” said Sharma. “In the past 18 months, we have been working a lot to add new tailored features to our customers.”

Alcoa’s Willowdale site, located near Waroona in Australia, was Haultrax’s first reference for the FleetOps reporting system, and the full FleetControl FMS has now been successfully rolled out across the site. Prior to this, the mine relied on manual management processes which provided little visibility of team members and assets. Data availability was slow and limited, making it difficult to visualise production rates from a short-interval perspective. For planning and budgeting, inaccurate or deficient data meant that assumptions had to be made and costs would often be over or underestimated.
With the FleetOps deployment, Alcoa has been able to achieve accurate mine plan management and real time productivity accounting, while FleetControl adds value through analysis of production data and insights as to why targets are or are not being met.

Change management was an important part of the implementation process, hence the staggered approach to the technology deployment. This allowed the Willowdale team to adjust to the new system and address any challenges before the next level of technology was introduced. Haultrax said the result is that Alcoa has seen benefits in transparency, efficiency and accountability through time, material and activity tracking as well as digital pre-starts for equipment.