Internet of Things in Metals and Mining: Use case...
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IDC predicts that spending on the Internet of Things across vertical markets will average 14.7% annual growth rate over the next few years.
The Internet of Things (IoT) supports tremendous change for the mining and metals industry segments. These highly complex industries must navigate remote and sometimes hazardous global operations, far-flung supply chains, and the turmoil of price and demand volatility. Thriving companies strive to continuously adapt and try new business and technology approaches to innovate and achieve efficiencies that support profitability as well as a commitment to sustainability and responsible mining.
The IoT is opening opportunities for mining and metals companies to pursue visibility, safety, and efficiency like never before. There are many aspects of these industries that make them ideal candidates for transformation. These include large physical environments, changing market and environmental conditions, and the massive size and amount of equipment. Additionally, the challenges of assessing asset conditions against maintenance schedules and logistical constraints must be met.
Three top uses cases to consider for Mining and Metals:
Connected Asset Management:
Mining companies know asset uptime and failure prevention are crucial. Companies can perform maintenance before problems arise, using machine sensors to monitor real-time environmental and performance indicators. According to an ARC Advisory Group Strategy
Report, 60% of respondents to a recent survey cited reduced machine or asset
downtime as a primary initial driver for considering an IoT solution.1
Connected Logistics - Vehicle Management and Tracking
Steel company Essar uses the IoT to bring its entire 3,700-vehicle fleet management process online. GPS and RFID systems are used to monitor equipment movement, fuel levels and consumption, and all associated transactions. Annually, Essar is saving 5% on maintenance and 10% on fuel costs.2
Connected Operations – Real-Time Production and Delivery
Usiminas Steel is improving its business process management with a new integrated operations center driven by the IoT. On a large video wall, real-time information enriched with visual key performance indicators gives operators information for the integrated management of production and delivery. GPS tracking of material movements, as well as camera views of production, further improve the planners’ decisions. The video wall provides all production information, including materials, logistics, schedules, and energy, across the plant supply chain.3
Sources:
1. Chantal Polsonetti, Industrial Internet of Things Survey Results Part 1: Motivations and , ARC Advisory Group Strategy Report, August 2014.
