This summer, a team of subject matter experts from a company that provides intelligent industry solutions visited one of the largest mining sites in the world. The team's goal was to deliver to this mining operation new intelligence by actionable pumps and systems data using Web-based technology—the Internet of Things (IoT). After arriving at the site for their project kick-off meeting and gathering with key stakeholders, the team recapped the project objectives: energy savings, reduced downtime, optimized workflow and increased product profitability. As in most meetings of this nature, the jackpot question was raised: "How much savings will you deliver us? We have already accomplished a lot. We've installed all possible flow meters, pump controllers, SCADA automation and have everything perfectly under control. We really don't have any problems."
What Is the Internet of Things?
Like those of many other operations, these stakeholders were relying on the use of flow, pressure and water level sensors to monitor their mines and the performance of critical equipment—hardly a new idea to the mining industry. New technologies and the use of the Internet, however, are streamlining this process and making it more advanced than ever. To convince this particular mining operation to consider the Internet of Things (IoT) as the latest generation of sensing technology, the team had to address the question, "What is the Internet of Things, and how will it add value to our operation?" In a no-nonsense industry focused on cost-effective production, facts are key, and the technology to support actionable data is currently on a fast track that can be summarized in a few points.- The cost of sensors, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) we see today used as SMART tags, decreased to a point that they can be used routinely for one-off disposable functions.
- The cost and difficulty of installation—including integration into full monitoring systems—also decreased.
- Mass sensing and monitoring are now integrated with data to provide powerful insights into facility and equipment operation in intuitive graphical displays.
- Sensors and information can support multiple monitoring applications and users.
- With collaboration and security, technology enables different teams to work together efficiently.