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Why is system reliability even more essential for mine contractors?

More and more mine contractors are finding value in digital technologies. But, even as these technologies see wider adoption, the considerations of adopting technology for contractors is still different from an owner-operated mine. While the goals are the same, contractors with thin margins need to consider priorities beyond cost and benefits claimed. For many of them, reliability needs to remain top of mind.

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Contractors spend hours collecting data each shift. Is machine guidance the answer?

Contractors spend hours collecting data each shift. Is machine guidance the answer?

Many mine contractors don’t see the value of an FMS built to optimize dispatching and material movement. But, they can still reap huge benefits from accurate data about their processes. What can they do? They can use high-precision machine guidance.
Rework destroys mine profitability. Here are three ways to fix it.

Rework destroys mine profitability. Here are three ways to fix it.

Three key factors are fundamental to making rework at mines an occasional slip-up instead of business as usual.
Why Mining Companies Should Take Note of the Gartner Industrial IoT Platform Magic Quadrant

Why Mining Companies Should Take Note of the Gartner Industrial IoT Platform Magic Quadrant

In October, Gartner published its 2020 Magic Quadrant for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Platforms report, in which it recognized Hitachi as a Leader in the market. Hitachi's placement in the Leaders quadrant of the 2020 Magic Quadrant for Industrial IoT ...
Not ROI, but rate of ROI key to profitability in 2020

Not ROI, but rate of ROI key to profitability in 2020

The global economic instability caused by the pandemic has frustrated industry forecasting. In both cases, the outlook for the next couple of years is hazy at best. So, what can mines do to maximize their long-term profitability?
The secret of world-class mine performance

The secret of world-class mine performance

World-class mines no longer think in hours. They don’t even think in minutes. They think in seconds. Want to know more? Manager of the Wenco Centre of Excellence Hal Galbraith is hosting a webinar called A Matter of Seconds: How to Extract More Value from Your Mine ...
How e-learning can bridge the mining skills gap caused by COVID-19

How e-learning can bridge the mining skills gap caused by COVID-19

Travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted mines to upskill staff already on site. Training workers from a distance may sound complex, but e-learning technologies greatly ease the process. 
Wenco Emphasizes 'Work Hard, Play Harder' Culture

Wenco Emphasizes 'Work Hard, Play Harder' Culture

Wenco leverages the high morale of its workforce to push forward the mining industry through the latest technology: the internet of things, data analytics, and autonomous machines all contribute to the company's mission of making the mining process as safe, effective, ...
ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 — Wenco's Commitment to Standards of Quality

ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 9001:2015 — Wenco's Commitment to Standards of Quality

This summer, Wenco International Mining Systems successfully completed recertification for two ISO standards: ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems. These certifications form a major part of Wenco's ...
64-Bit Architecture, New Filters, and Wenco Drill Integration — The Most Essential Updates in Wenco System 6.1

64-Bit Architecture, New Filters, and Wenco Drill Integration — The Most Essential Updates in Wenco System 6.1

In version 6.1, Wenco advances the performance and scalability of System 6 with a more powerful architecture, improved data filters, and enhanced system integration. Read on to learn more about the latest updates to Wenco solutions that make mining simpler, smarter, and safer.
Why Open Standards are Essential to the Mining Industry's Future

Why Open Standards are Essential to the Mining Industry's Future

To change to a demand-driven, customer-centric model, mines need to integrate their operations and their systems — from planning to pit to plant to port (or "pit to port", for short). With the advent of automated systems across the pit-to-port spectrum, mining companies are ...
How Small to Medium Mines, Quarries, and Contractors Drive Improvements with Data Technology

How Small to Medium Mines, Quarries, and Contractors Drive Improvements with Data Technology

Mining technology has made significant jumps in recent years, offering Digital Mining solutions that can help any scale of operation — not just ones that can handle extensive infrastructure, overhead, and upkeep. Many small- to medium-size operations are finding significant ...
System 6 Spotlight #2: How Wenco handles mining data to extract more unrealized value

System 6 Spotlight #2: How Wenco handles mining data to extract more unrealized value

Today, we go under the hood to explain how the updates in System 6 handle your mining data differently, extracting new value from analytics and laying the groundwork for autonomous mining.
System 6 Spotlight #1: How Wenco reimagines mine monitoring and control

System 6 Spotlight #1: How Wenco reimagines mine monitoring and control

With the release of System 6 last week, Wenco lays a path to next-level performance for modern mines. Years of research and development in partnership with forward-thinking companies has resulted in this comprehensive suite of solutions one that resets the bar ...
Wenco's Vice-President of Research and Development Discusses Advancements in Mining, Predictive Maintenance, and Data Analysis

Wenco's Vice-President of Research and Development Discusses Advancements in Mining, Predictive Maintenance, and Data Analysis

Wenco's Vice-President of Research and Development sat down with Hitachi America last month for an in-depth discussion around challenges and opportunities to uncover more value from mine systems data.
NEXT 2017 Recap: The biggest unveilings from Hitachi's annual innovation showcase

NEXT 2017 Recap: The biggest unveilings from Hitachi's annual innovation showcase

Last month, Wenco participated in NEXT 2017, Hitachi's annual showcase of technologies and innovations advancing the digital revolution. Hot on the heels of the event, we sat down with our two delegates — Andrea B. and Leo J. — to talk about their experience, their biggest ...
How Hitachi and Wenco join forces to revolutionize the mining industry

How Hitachi and Wenco join forces to revolutionize the mining industry

Sure, you know Wenco is a major innovator in mining technology. You know our fleet management systems (FMS) are one of the easiest ways to rein in your mine's cost of production. You know our latest solutions employ leading-edge technology that continues to raise mine ...
The importance of excellent employees

The importance of excellent employees

In light of our 30 years in business, we thought it would be fitting to show off one of our many wonderful employees. Linton Gormley, our Senior Technical Support Analyst, has been with us for 10 years.
Sneak Preview: The most revolutionary updates coming in Wenco System 6

Sneak Preview: The most revolutionary updates coming in Wenco System 6

Our latest version of the Wenco Mine Performance Suite — Wenco System 6 — has gone into beta testing. Now — for the first time — we're pulling back the veil to give you a sneak preview of the biggest advancements coming later this year to Wenco's flagship solution, ...
Can cloud computing work for mining?

Can cloud computing work for mining?

As in other industries, cloud computing can bring big advantages to the extractive industries. Using cloud-based technology lets all your mines — whether in Alberta or Angola — connect to the same integrated systems as your office. Mines can input their data and generate ...
4 wild innovations Deloitte thinks will change mining forever

4 wild innovations Deloitte thinks will change mining forever

Deloitte published its annual Tracking the Trends report a few weeks back and it's chockful of predictions for the industry's coming year. For 2017, it makes one thing crystal clear: Technology and automation matter more than ever. Computers and other technology have been ...
Iron ore — a holiday surprise for the mining industry

Iron ore — a holiday surprise for the mining industry

One commodity is seeing a turnaround and giving mines a welcome holiday surprise — good, ol' iron ore. A lot of miners had written off iron ore years ago, thinking only the lowest grade material still sat in the ground. But in a sharp surprise, iron has taken off in late 2016, ...
Think tire temperature matters most? Think again.

Think tire temperature matters most? Think again.

With tires forming one of mining's top costs, of course mines are careful to track tire temperature. But, what if tracking tire temperature matters less than mines thought? Tire specialist Adam Gosling thinks just that. He represents TyreSafe Australia, a consulting firm that ...
New technology to solve old problems, like mine productivity

New technology to solve old problems, like mine productivity

It's an old issue, but it's one mines are always looking to address. How can they make better use of their current equipment? How can they move more material in less time — without spending big bucks? Technology has always put forth solutions.
Why most corporate training stinks

Why most corporate training stinks

Earlier this month, Wenco released its latest mine performance solution, Wenco Learning. This online learning system was built in conjunction with corporate training consultants PRIME Learning. We sat down with their director of corporate development, Alanna Dean, ...
How Other Mines Stay Excellent — Even in a Down Market

How Other Mines Stay Excellent — Even in a Down Market

It's little surprise that Deloitte's annual Tracking the Trends report says operational excellence is the industry's top issue for 2016. As most mines have exhausted their quick wins, they need to eliminate any lasting inefficiencies to stay profitable.
3 Surprising Ways Integrated Machine Guidance Makes Your Whole Mine Smarter

3 Surprising Ways Integrated Machine Guidance Makes Your Whole Mine Smarter

Don't underestimate the benefits that come with integration. With an integrated system, all your equipment stays in sync. Each unit works from the same database so they share information easily, whether they're shovels or dozers, loaders or light vehicles. There's no need to ...
Dozer push — the machine KPI your mine forgot about

Dozer push — the machine KPI your mine forgot about

Dozers, scrapers, graders — every site has them, every site needs them. But while managers are closely monitoring the haul cycle, tracking these other machines can fall by the wayside. It makes sense. These units don't contribute directly to the bottom line. Still, dozers ...