Mining

A northern Ontario mining company needed to update its unreliable communications network. Impact Technical Products arranged for a needs analysis, network redesign, solution, and implementation plan using mission-critical RUGGEDCOM products designed for harsh environments. The process included building and configuring a custom solution, testing it in RUGGEDCOM’s labs, and training the mining company’s staff in its operation.

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THE CHALLENGE
 

The communications network of a northern Ontario mining company had become unwieldy over several years with the addition of various products meant to provide quick fixes. Over time, those fixes created problems, including unreliability.

In search of a solution, the client bought two RUGGEDCOM boxes from Impact, and tested them for six months. While they liked the RUGGEDCOM product, the client realized that they had simply introduced another quick fix without analyzing the root causes of their problems. They returned to Impact with a request for assistance to deploy a mission-critical communications network for the harsh mining environment.

mining solutions


THE SOLUTION
 

The Impact team started the process of solution-building by introducing the company to professional engineering consultants who provided analysis and recommendations on how to move forward. “At the end of a week, the client had a network redesign and a list of issues that needed to be addressed in the short- and long-term,” says Impact president and CEO, Dino Mannarino. “They also came up with a list of materials needed to upgrade the network in phases.” Impact took the product order to RUGGEDCOM to build, configure, test and install. Senior mining staff came to the factory to review the network in the lab and train on it. The product was then packed up, labelled and shipped to the mine, where engineers completed the initial installation and integration onsite.

Steps:

• Engineering group analyzed issues and wrote recommendations for solution.

• Products ordered, built, tested; client trained on network.

• Initial installation completed during annual mine shutdown in July.

 

THE RESULTS

For the client—the mining company—the solution has brought many improvements and efficiencies.

These include:

• The RUGGEDCOM network is now running every essential service in the mine, from tracking workers underground for safety, air-handling and controlling seismic activity in the mine to printing paycheques.

• Network management software allows management to view all aspects of the operation digitally.

• A service agreement allows the engineers to link to the facility so they can troubleshoot online.

For the manufacturer (RUGGEDCOM):

Impact has brought a long-term customer to the equation.

 

Impact continues to provide ongoing support and assistance to the mining company.