The VIP Module is actually a Data Logger, CPU and Wireless Bridge in a single unit, and forms the heart of the on-board VIP system

The ImPact Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) is an enabling technology that simplifies data transfer to and from equipment. VIP is a vehicle monitoring and control system that can allow on-board Payload and Engine Diagnostics monitoring to be seamlessly transferred in real-time to enterprise or mine management systems.  Combined with tracking, utilising the same digital infrastructure, VIP becomes an even more powerful management and productivity solution.

Mining companies are realising the value they can unlock from existing business through having access to relevant Real Time Information. Real Time Information fed to appropriate management systems enable end users to automate operational decision making. An automated decision making process can be faster and more accurate when compared to reliance on human data input and/or decision making that is prone to a multitude of errors and biases. In addition, human decision making is reliant on the individual being available at the appropriate time.

Real-time monitoring of underground equipment location & performance will contribute to more productive mining

A simple example can be found in the common practice in the industry where large capacity haulage trucks are doing continuous duty all day to carry accumulated wet ore that sticks to haulage area and is never cleared. Not only does this lead to the trucks having reduced payload but also leads to higher energy costs due to continuously hauling tonnes of material that is never discharged. Real Time monitoring of payload information from trucks can ensure that businesses unlock these lost efficiencies, which will yield higher throughput.  In coal mines the VIP module (data logger and wireless bridge) can be installed on continuous miners, shuttle, load centers, etc to monitor and upload data in real-time, with far more reliability and accuracy than using power line modems.

MST’s ‘Vehicle Intelligence Platform’ (VIP) is a cost effective step in addressing needs such as the one discussed before. The VIP solution transmits production and diagnostics related data such as payload, location, vital vehicle diagnostics etc to mine management/ERP systems through wireless Ethernet communication. The VIP solution provides real time diagnostic data that enables predictive maintenance to be performed and real time, accurate production monitoring and management.

Reverse Tracking

The ImPact Wi-Fi tags are an asset tracking solution offered by MST to generate information that enables individual personnel and vital machinery to be located instantly. By simply placing Self Contained RFID Tags at strategic points in the mine, such as draw points, ore passes etc, then true location of a machine is always known. This methodology has been used effectively overtime by MST and has become to be known as “Reverse Tracking.” Benefits, such as grade control, can be more easily combined with payload data and cycles times to provide accurate real time information on mine production. The information should also ensure those end of month reconciliations are a much simpler process.

Hence solutions such as VIP and the ImPact Tracking tags provide benefits that directly impact Asset Availability that in turn provide a greater Return on Assets (ROA).

The amount of data flow in a mine has increased exponentially due to the increased level of remote monitoring and automation being used in modern mines. Condition Based Monitoring techniques have made advanced maintenance methods such as predictive maintenance a reality in other industries. However the mining industry is still lagging in terms of realising those benefits. The main limiting factor has been due to generic industrial networks not offering the same level of reliability as those required in the mining industry.

The VIP Platform information collected from the various onboard vehicles, trucks and underground vehicles systems is stored on a dedicated SQL Database. This information is
then made available on the MST VIP Application Software.

The information provided includes:

Payload: Weights, cycles, individual and total fleet loads, daily, weekly
Engine & System Diagnostics: Engine, Transmission, Operator usage, Alarms
Alarms: System Alerts, Pre Set Alarms
History: Historical Reporting data records
Multiple Systems: The VIP User interface facilitates the ability to combine multiple vehicles and multiple vehicle manufacturer systems into the one application screen.
Enterprise API’s: The VIP User Interface provides seamless integration into external Mine Management, Enterprise and Reporting Systems via generic API’s.
Remote Access: System Viewer available for Remote Access via web browser.

Brochures:
Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP) .pdf
MST Product Line Brochure .pdf
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