When Is It Best To Implement An Automated Heavy Haulage System

Making the switch to an automated transport process isn't something you decide to make in a single day. It's costly, complex and may alter how your business operates. 

When the timing is appropriate for automated heavy haulage solutions, it could provide better security, quicker production, and more efficient logistics. It's all about knowing the moment when it's appropriate. It is not necessary for every website from day one. 

Certain sites need to wait until signals are right. If you're thinking about what the best time to jump look at the signs that tell you it's time to put down your manual and get the machine.

If Your Website Expands

The growth of a business changes every aspect. The things that worked on small sites usually won't grow when you're scaling operations. A lot more trucks in the area? 

Increased risk of accidents, delays and bottlenecks. Automation is the solution. Automation can keep the process running without the need for a fresh fleet of drivers. 

If the production figures start increasing quickly or your staff is struggling to handle larger payloads this is a sign of trouble. 

In the long term, it also helps save money because it reduces idle time and wear and tear on the machine. The expansion of the work doesn't mean adding more work, but it's a reason to reconsider the way that work is done.

In Cases Where Safety Becomes A Problem

Mines can be tough places. They're dusty, loud, and shaky. If you're witnessing a spike in close misses, fatigue-related mistakes and too many danger zones for operators to operate, then it's an indication of danger. 

Machines don't get tired. They do not check their smartphones or go to sleep. Utilizing an automated transport system could keep people away from danger. 

Instead of having the human drivers in each truck, you're using an automated system that will follow it every single time with no interruptions. 

If the number of safety incidents keeps piling and you've experienced incidents that were close, It's time to take a closer look at automated vehicles.

If You Are Looking For A Job That Is Hard To Locate

Finding and retaining skilled workers is no longer easy. A lot of companies have high turnover, or simply not enough skilled personnel. 

If you're continually short-staffed or must spend all your time on training, it can affect the productivity of your employees. Automated systems don't require holidays, sick days or shift change. 

After it's setup it will run all day long, throughout the year. However, you'll require people to oversee and manage the system, however, not as many as in the past. 

In Times Of High Maintenance And Energy Expenses Rise

The manual haulage process can consume fuel much faster than you expect when the trucks are sit idle, travel inefficiently or drive excessively. 

Consider the costs for regular maintenance due to wear and tear and the cost can quickly add up. They use planned routes to reduce the number of stops that are unnecessary and avoid overloading the engines. 

If the amount you spend each month on repairs and fuel is increasing and isn't slowing down, automating might be the better option, not only in terms of technology but also financially.

As Production Targets Continue Growing

Higher output typically means greater pressure. If your haulage configuration is already overloaded using human drivers, adding additional trucks could not solve the bottleneck. 

Automation is the time to show its worth. Machines don't need breaks. They can work without gaps. This helps in meeting the demand for additional workers. 

If you're seeing your target numbers continue to go higher, yet your day-to-day figures aren't catching up, it's an indication. Autonomous haulage systems could bring stability as well as rapidity. 

Wrapping It All Up

It's not necessary to automate solely because it's trendy. Automation is necessary when the indicators are evident -- for instance, as your mining business expands. 

It's all in the timing. If the old system you have isn't able perform anymore, it's your signal. Look at your team, your data or your conditions on the site. 

If your site is beginning to get strained, it's time to switch the gears and introduce something capable of handling the strain and taking the strain.