Electricity + Control June 2018

Information provided by Endress+Hauser Master mining with IIoT

Take Note!

Data integration has to be aligned along three axes; Horizontally along the value creation chain. Vertically from the field to the control level. Fromplanning tomainte- nance to ensure consist- ent engineering. 1 2 3

The mining industry faces numerous challenges with regards to efficiency, safety and environmental protection. The question is whether or not ‘big data’ can help mining companies master these challenges.

Integration as a first step If you think about it, data is already produced in abundance within a mining operation: process in- formation from the field, inventory values, plant status and market prices to name just a few. The challenge is most of this data is stored and visi- ble in different systems and platforms. So the first step towards IIoT has to be the integration of this data to open up its real potential. Integration has to be aligned along three axes: horizontally along the value creation chain, vertically from the field to the control level and thirdly from planning to main- tenance to ensure consistent engineering. With expert assistance companies can boldly take this first step. Let’s look at the first axis. An exact fore-

cast of consumption based on current inventory values and planned material movements is the key to reducing warehouse stocks and improving the delivery service. Reliable measurement technolo- gy is the basis for this. Endress+Hauser provides a complete range of measurement technology for data communication. Most available fieldbus technologies can plug directly into the smart measurement sensor: in addition the local data transmission unit, Fieldgate, with integrated web server, allows for global data acquisition via private and public communication networks. A standard internet browser is sufficient for enquiring inventory data. Fieldgate not only pro- vides current measured values, but also offers the possibility of monitoring device stations, requesting information and sending data directly to a super- ordinate inventory management software system such as SupplyCare. SupplyCare offers convenient access to the current fill levels in tanks and silos from the comfort of your desk, and offers extensive

12 Electricity + Control

JUNE 2018