The correct, safe and effective operation of both proximity detection systems (PDS) and collision prevention systems (CPS) can be enhanced through the deployment of field support service teams, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety of people while also enabling the successful implementation of the technologies.

Booyco Electronics says it has more than 200 technicians, complemented by technical support staff to service its clients across South Africa. The company notes that PDS and CPS solutions are critical safety systems in both surface and underground mining environments, particularly related to the risk posed by the operation of trackless mobile machinery (TMM) deployed to work in these environments.

“Given that we work with safety systems, field support service is a critical arm of our business to ensure that all machines fitted with PDS/CPS solutions comply with our Section 21 responsibilities, as specified by the Mine Health Safety Council,” explains Booyco Electronics GM: field services Charl Marais.

The field service teams interface with customers from project execution, including installation, testing and commissioning of new systems, through to complete lifecycle management of the product. Services include scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, breakdown and repair services, auditing and provision of spare parts as well as upgrades to enhance product capabilities or extension services to lengthen product lifecycle.

Services can be tailored to individual customer requirements, considering aspects such as fleet size, system type and maintenance requirements as well as monitoring and data requirements.

“Our maintenance schedules are adapted based on fleet size, system type and level of protection implemented (Level 7, 8 or 9) and typically include a minimum of one full system functionality test per vehicle per month,” says Marais. “For each customer, we have a defined scope of work in accordance with the service level agreements (SLA) in place. For non-SLA customers, we generally have a different arrangement as may be required.”

Booyco Electronics’ branch network encompasses all major mining destinations, namely eMalahleni, Kuruman,  Lydenburg, Richards Bay, Rustenburg, Steelpoort and Welkom, to ensure timely response to breakdowns.

Given the constant, continuous improvements and new advancements in PDS technology, the company asserts that it continuously adapts its field support services to keep up with the pace of innovation. “We constantly advise our customers on the latest PDS/CPS improvements and advancements available on the market to ensure the best fit-for-purpose solutions,” says Marais.

In addition, the company uses existing data from the Booyco Electronics Asset Management System interface to help improve safety and assist customers to increase productivity by, for example, removing bottlenecks in production and optimising traffic management.