Oh Snap. You're 3/4 Through Your BI Initiative and the Data Was Wrong: Part 2

I hope you didn't think I meant you would have to wait weeks for part 2.

This is too important; this could be the one thing that turns it all around for you!

If you haven't read part one --> Part One Here

I must warn you not doing so might result in that feeling you get when you kick your toe on a cold winter morning...

Yeah, it will be that bad.

Ok, let's get into the field...

Jump in the Cruiser or Hilux, F-150, hell, even a UAZ Patriot will do! We are going to see what's "really real".

Stop One: Sub Cycle Measures

Let's start with spot time. Your reports all said that crew spot time was a whopping 66 seconds.

I wonder if that's real. Let's go to the digger and check.

First, you need to learn a highly complex protocol - the Temporal Interval Calibration Protocol (TICP).

It's going to really nail the exact time.

Here is the process.

When a truck leaves its spot point to start spotting, start counting, "One Mississippi, Two Mississippi" and so forth until the first bucket.

Now write the final number down and repeat five times.

Done. You have an approximate spot time.

Harry, you plead, that's not enough time to really know anything.

Ahh Grasshopper, I am not going to use that as an assumption; I am simply going to see what the FMS recorded for them.

I would almost drop dead if it was correct...if it is, kudos to all involved.

So why would there be a difference?

In my experience, it will likely be two things:

1. Radius issues where the radius to detect spot start (or geofence) is too large/too small.
2. Interpretation rules, sometimes your Power BI guru has no idea what the data really means.

The important thing is, now you know there is an issue.

So you can start to fix it, or at a minimum know how far it is out.

Also measure queue, hang, load time, swing time, travel empty, and travel full as well. You will be surprised...trust me.

Ok, now I'll assume you're feeling sad, we need a little pick-me-up.

Let's check those payloads vs. what we see with our actual eyes. Surely that will be ok.

Stop Two: Payloads

They look great!

Sorry, I lied. Just to make you feel better, that's a screen shot from my site... your payloads off...my bad 😉

So, YOUR report is saying YOUR payloads are off by 12%.

You know what I am going to say, don't you?

Let's go have a look.

Ok we are here... oh wow, you couldn't fit another handful of dirt on that truck.

The next one is bigger, the next one is bigger still. WTF is going on?

Oh wait, it's the white coat effect. They are loading them up because you're there...watching...very creepily.

Stop, it's quite discomforting, to be honest.

Next time, be more subtle. Keep your distance and watch carefully.

Another one! Fully loaded, MAXED. The next SUPER MAXED.

Ok...something is off.

Now this one is a little harder to solve. Let's discuss the two main causes.

1. Calibration: The payload systems need calibration. Regularly. Either strut pressures or load cells. Often neglected IMO.
2. Less common, it might actually be your target payload or expectations that are off. You need to make sure the weight target takes tray volume (and material density) into consideration.

Again, if it's off, at least you know, and you can get to the bottom of it.

A load study may even be warranted, where you bring in mobile scales and know for sure.

That's actually a good practice, worth considering.

Stop Three: Delays

I won't lie this time; you know it is going to be bad if you have read this far.

I'll rapid-fire these.

1. Excessive bench clean-up --> Check the digger operator isn't just scratching around due to being under-trucked.
2. Amazingly short shift change window, but low volume --> First truck is on time, then hang time until the rest show up. AKA two people drew the short straw.
3. Same goes for hot swap. It's great to get a hot swap done, as long as there is more than one truck; otherwise, the benefit is minimal.
4. Wait on dozer seems really great --> It's easy to optimise your wait on dozer when one is shared between face and dump, so you do your own clean-up with the load unit.

Side note: I have even seen a digger operator jump out and run their own face dozer...it's hard to win like that.

All these have one thing in common - an operator that is trying to do their best in a tough situation.

All I ask in these cases is to explore, talk with the operator and understand the root causes.

This is much better than steaming off, data in hand, ready to rain down hell on anyone involved.

Final Word: Trust but Verify

FMS's have come a long way...that is a fact.

However, my approach is to ALWAYS verify what you are seeing with your own eyes.

It has some amazing side benefits as well, along with fresh-air and sunshine.

Getting into the field means you see your operation with your own eyes and can begin to understand the challenges involved.

Your people will notice as well, and if you have an open and transparent approach, they might actually respect you for it.

See you for Part 3 - Phone a Friend, or maybe even an enemy.

P.S - The data reports are from our Connected Mine product - www.inapl.com - Information Alignment check us out if you want to release yourself from data hell 😁