GPRS remote monitoring solution for construction companies
June 2004
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Embedded Internet Solutions company, Opto Africa, recently deployed a cellular GPRS (general packet radio service) solution for construction company WBHO.
Commonly referred to as M2M (machine-to-machine), the system provides up-to-date information on what is happening on the construction site. A total of 14 x eBox units were installed on WBHO cranes and concrete batching plants at various construction sites throughout South Africa.
Data from the plants and cranes is transmitted via MTN’s GPRS network to Opto Africa’s dedicated web server
The system, called SiteMon, provides, in realtime, information such as:
* Power up - power down cycles.
* Screw conveyor start/stoppages.
* Crane overloading.
* Concrete pour durations.
By logging onto Opto Africa's secure website, the construction company is enabled to generate amongst others, the following reports:
* Plant efficiency.
* Total plant output.
* Average catching time.
* Total idle time.
* Average production.
The system, moreover, provides a simple mechanism to record plant downtime and response from maintenance personnel: If a breakdown occurs, the plant operator pushes a button instantly transmitting multiple SMS messages to various mechanical and electrical standby personnel. The downtime period is automatically cleared once the plant is back in operation.
As the system has a standard Ethernet interface, a network camera was also installed on the construction site for the new R727 million Sibaya Casino development, north of Durban. From the comfort of their offices, management is further enabled to view progress through daily live images transmitted via GPRS.
To view the latest images, visit: http://optoafrica.dnsalias.com/sm/</a> and logon as 'guest', password 'demo'.
Another successful project recently concluded by Opto Africa is the multimillion rand "Weighbridge automated transaction system" for Scaw Metals, where seven unmanned weighbridges are controlled, monitored, and serviced from a central control room via a Virtual Private Network. Regular suppliers' vehicles are tagged with RFID transponders, and ad-hoc drivers are issued with proximity access cards, thus making operator-driven weighbridges unnecessary.
For more information contact Hennie Visser, Opto Africa, 011 792 4886, [email protected], www.optoafrica.co.za
Further reading:
Programmable LED indicators
Turck Banner Southern Africa
Industrial Wireless Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Turck Banner is expanding its portfolio of LED lights with the robust LED indicators of the K100 series. These units improve workflow and reduce downtime through clearly communicated status information.
Read more...
Decoding the world of direct part marks
Omron Electronics
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
OMRON has unveiled its latest breakthrough, the V450-H ultra-rugged handheld scanner. Tailored specifically for industrial DPM reading, this innovative device sets new industry standards for durability and performance.
Read more...
Green manufacturing energy conservation and emission reduction
Dahua Technology South Africa
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
As a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, Dahua is committed to improve its sustainable development capabilities and to make continuous efforts in building a greener and safer digital world by developing innovative solutions that can help conserve energy and reduce carbon emission.
Read more...
Adding value in a Heartbeat
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
This Endress+Hauser technology provides enhanced measuring reliability and safety, higher efficiency in operation, productivity gains and compliance, and fewer unplanned shutdowns.
Read more...
Radio telemetry network
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Remote monitoring specialist Omniflex has completed a system revamp of legacy radio monitoring equipment for Lepelle Northern Water.
Read more...
Versatile problem solving for IO-Link networks
Turck Banner Southern Africa
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Turck Banner’s family of converters is the first step on the path towards full system integration. They are compact, simple add-ons that seamlessly fit into factory applications. They make it possible to take various types of signal and convert them to protocols such as IO-link, PICK-IQ, PWM/PFM and Modbus.
Read more...
Industrial signal conditioning
TANDM Technologies
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Visit Stand B516 to view the range of ClipX modules, the interference-proof signal conditioning system. The ClipX has an accuracy class of 0,01 and an integrated calibration certificate. Available for
...
Read more...
Compact data acquisition module
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
National Instruments’ CompactDAQ systems collect and deliver the data validation needed to meet test requirements at any distance and in any environment. These portable, customisable solutions are comprised
...
Read more...
KPMs rotary consistency transmitter boosts pulp mill performance
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
In today’s pulp and paper-making market place, consistency measurement is one of the most important ways to keep costs as low as possible without sacrificing quality or production throughput.
KPM’s KC/5
...
Read more...
Video AI carrier board for Jetson modules
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
The JetStream is a multi-channel video AI carrier board for Jetson modules. It provides dual HDMI and eight composite video inputs, allowing multi-channel video AI applications to be rapidly developed and deployed.
Read more...
printer friendly version