Challenge
Mining operations at Prairie State required precise coordination of production activities, equipment allocation, and regulatory reporting. However, existing processes relied heavily on manual data entry, making it difficult to track real-time production numbers, monitor equipment usage, and generate accurate compliance reports.
The lack of a centralized, real-time operational management tool created inefficiencies that impacted productivity. Foremen and supervisors had limited visibility into production metrics, leading to delays in decision-making. Equipment loss and theft also posed challenges, as tracking high-value portable tools relied on paper-based logs and inconsistent record-keeping.
Additionally, regulatory compliance required extensive documentation and reporting, but the absence of an automated system meant that teams spent considerable time generating reports manually. As regulations frequently changed, adapting to new requirements was difficult, requiring external development support for every update.
To address these challenges, Prairie State needed a scalable, user-friendly system that could provide real-time insights, improve equipment tracking, and automate compliance reporting, reducing reliance on manual processes.
Solution
Technology Partners developed the Mine Activity Reporting System (MARS), a web-based application designed to meet Prairie State’s operational and compliance needs. The system was built using an agile development approach, ensuring alignment with business objectives and evolving requirements.
A key feature of MARS was its real-time data capture, enabling mine foremen to enter and access production numbers instantly. This provided management with immediate insights into mining activities, allowing for data-driven decision-making and enhanced production planning.
To tackle equipment loss and tracking issues, MARS integrated a barcode scanning system that allowed teams to monitor the location and usage of high-value portable equipment. This system significantly reduced the risk of equipment misplacement and theft, leading to cost savings and better resource management.
For regulatory compliance, MARS introduced a dynamic form generation tool, allowing administrators to create and modify forms as needed without requiring additional development. This enabled rapid adaptation to regulatory changes, ensuring that Prairie State remained compliant without incurring ongoing development costs.
The system also featured a user-friendly interface, designed to minimize training requirements and promote adoption across departments. Future integration with IBM Maximo for asset management and maintenance tracking was planned, ensuring seamless coordination with Prairie State’s broader operational ecosystem.
Technology Partners managed the entire project lifecycle, including requirement gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support. By working closely with Prairie State’s operations, compliance, safety, and maintenance teams, the solution was tailored to meet the unique demands of mining operations.
Results
The implementation of MARS transformed Prairie State’s mining operations, delivering significant improvements in productivity, equipment tracking, compliance, and user empowerment.
With real-time data entry, mine foremen and management gained immediate visibility into production metrics, reducing delays in decision-making. Equipment loss was dramatically reduced through barcode tracking, improving accountability and preventing financial losses.
Maintenance tracking and preventative maintenance scheduling improved equipment uptime and safety, reducing unexpected failures and enhancing compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, the dynamic form generation feature streamlined regulatory reporting, allowing teams to adapt to changing requirements without additional development costs.
MARS quickly became an essential tool in Prairie State’s daily operations, enabling the company to work more efficiently, enhance safety, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Key Outcomes
- Increased Productivity – Real-time data capture allowed for faster decision-making and optimized production planning.
- Reduced Equipment Loss – Barcode scanning and tracking minimized theft and misplacement of high-value tools.
- Improved Safety & Maintenance – Enhanced tracking of equipment maintenance reduced downtime and potential hazards.
- Regulatory Compliance – Automated reporting and dynamic form generation ensured efficient and accurate regulatory submissions.
- User Empowerment – The system’s intuitive interface allowed Prairie State teams to define and track new operational metrics independently.
