Finnish industrial machinery company Metso has partnered with Rockwell Automation to develop a range of new IoT solutions for the mining industry.
The company has chosen Rockwell to develop and deliver a global Internet of Things platform that’s capable of connecting, monitoring and performing analytics on its industrial equipment and services.
The platform, it says, will help its mining and aggregates customers to boost efficiencies and profitability. It’ll also improve the running of everyday operations, the company claims.
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Secure solution
When launched, the digital solution will provide Metso with a secure way to collect and store data from its global network of industrial machinery. The platform will cater for both new and existing equipment.
Metso customers that use the platform will be provided with predictive analytics, preventive maintenance and facilitate remote asset monitoring. The service is built on the Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Cloud platform, which is powered by Microsoft Azure.
Rockwell and Microsoft have worked together on solutions for industrial digital transformation in the past. Metso said its new solution is a result of these efforts.
Just last year, Metso set up a specialist programme to accelerate the company’s digital capabilities and to become a technological leader in the big industry sector.
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Data is crucial
Jani Puroranta, chief digital officer of Metso, said in a statement: “For our mining and aggregates customers, access to real-time data enables higher uptime, faster and safer shutdowns, and ultimately more tonnage processed at lower cost.
“Enabled by an industrial IoT platform from Rockwell Automation and global coverage with Microsoft Azure’s data centers, Metso can deliver analyzed equipment data into the hands of its customers for advanced decision-making.”
Metso has been working with Rockwell on this project for a few years now. In 2015, the firms launched a pilot project, remotely monitoring an African-based mining crusher from a location in Wisconsin.
The company was able to collect data in a bid to identify opportunities for improvements in machine performance. Metso said that the support offered by Rockwell is what gave it the confidence to rollout an industrial IoT platform on a global scale.
Blake Moret, president and CEO of Rockwell Automation, said: “Metso has an inspiring vision to deliver powerful analytics and information solutions in mining and aggregates that will drive business results for customers.”
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