Data analysis paves the way to improved profitability

The influx of digital tools on the market goes to show the value that data holds, but data for data’s sake is of little use. Only when something is understood can someone learn from it. It was this premise that drove the development of Bruks Siwertell’s latest advanced digital tool, Siwertell Smartview.

Awareness is essential; it is impossible for us as individuals and as businesses and organizations to know everything, but when we have a better understanding of something, we become able to make evidentially based decisions. These ‘smart’ opportunities are valuable to operators because they have the potential to drive higher levels of efficiency, productivity and profitability. 

Data adds clarity

Starting this year, Siwertell Smartview is a cloud-based industrial Internet of things (IIoT) system planned for phased integration into Siwertell technology. Developed as part of an ongoing research and development (R&D) project, it is designed to offer a better understanding of operational and component performance through enhanced data visualization and analysis.

Originally, the tool was specifically designed to provide an accurate overview of unloading operations, helping customers rapidly identify any potential bottlenecks and therefore improve operational efficiency and equipment availability. However, it was soon realized that the IIoT system and its capabilities could be expanded to include much more.

Initially for introduction on new equipment deliveries, Siwertell Smartview will collect data during unloading and loading operations, which will provide detailed analysis of equipment performance, availability and reliability. In due course, the tool will be available for all Siwertell technology such as ship unloaders, including port-mobile and road-mobile units, and ship loaders.

Expertise on demand

The tool can monitor real-time operational parameters such as tons of material handled, average capacity, tons of material remaining in the vessel’s holds during unloading, and the overall duration of operations. All information can be simply accessed through a personal computer (PC), tablet or smartphone.

A significant element of the new tool is its ability to generate a number of different reports, which not only enhances operational awareness, but also brings Siwertell expertise directly into the terminal as and when it is needed. 

Automated report functions also ensure that operators are able to make the most of any information gathered, including operational performance data, individual vessel reports, and details about equipment availability, highlighting any downtime. Component-level data collection and reporting are also features of the new system.

Siwertell Smartview is able to identify areas that can be improved, leading to widely achievable enhances in efficiency and therefore a terminal’s potential profitability. Furthermore, equipment IIoT-enabled with Siwertell Smartview means that other parameters can be analyzed including historical performance. 

Historical data analysis is incredibly useful as it enables performance studies over different vessel types and sizes or commodities. By reviewing the performance of different shifts, it may also be possible to identify possible training needs. All these factors enable the ongoing, continuous improvement and optimization of our customers’ terminals.

Far-reaching opportunities

As well as operational optimization, Siwertell Smartview will be able to provide comprehensive information about maintenance requirements. This includes everything from monitoring service intervals and remote support with assisted fault-tracing, up to a full service update. Also, as the tool tracks component-level data, it is able to analyze which parts need service attention and when.

This scalable remote service support will result in quicker response times, lower service costs and more readily accessible Siwertell expertise.

When looking at the combined capabilities of this IIoT system, the future looks very promising in terms of harnessing an operator’s own data to the benefit of its terminal. It is all in the interpretation and visualization. Siwertell Smartview is able to take complex data sets and present them in such a way that they can be simplified and understood, empowering terminal operators with much greater in-house knowledge and awareness, and all on demand.

Siwertell Smartview: key benefits

•    Increased productivity 
•    Enhanced in-house awareness
•    Rapid identification of operational bottlenecks
•    Detailed automated reporting for servicing and operational performance optimization
•    Training opportunities identified through shift performance review