10.08.15
Zebra Technologies and KNS Communications Consultants announced that the Zebra wireless (WLAN) AP 7161 access point is being deployed by Westmoreland Coal Company. Westmoreland Coal is the fourth largest coal mining operation in the world, and the oldest independent coal company in the U.S.
Westmoreland’s Wyoming Kemmerer mine, the oldest open pit mine in the U.S., has more than 70 pieces of mining equipment spread across 13,400 acres all needed to be reliably and constantly connected to the mine’s WLAN network. Westmoreland wanted to improve the efficiency and profitability of the Kemmerer mine by enabling remote monitoring and maintenance, connecting the equipment and fleet management system, and extending internet access to all on-site workers and contractors.
The AP 7161 can be installed on vehicles such as shovels and backhoes that can pull information from the equipment and improve day-to-day management. It can lead to a dramatic reduction in shovel repair costs – engineers can perform most repairs remotely in less than an hour, compared to the average of two to three days.
“Our WLAN infrastructure has improved the mine’s operational efficiency, productivity and profitability, and it has given their mobile workers increased connectivity needed to excel in a tough environment,” said Imran Akbar, VP, Enterprise Networking Communications, Zebra Technologies.
Westmoreland’s Wyoming Kemmerer mine, the oldest open pit mine in the U.S., has more than 70 pieces of mining equipment spread across 13,400 acres all needed to be reliably and constantly connected to the mine’s WLAN network. Westmoreland wanted to improve the efficiency and profitability of the Kemmerer mine by enabling remote monitoring and maintenance, connecting the equipment and fleet management system, and extending internet access to all on-site workers and contractors.
The AP 7161 can be installed on vehicles such as shovels and backhoes that can pull information from the equipment and improve day-to-day management. It can lead to a dramatic reduction in shovel repair costs – engineers can perform most repairs remotely in less than an hour, compared to the average of two to three days.
“Our WLAN infrastructure has improved the mine’s operational efficiency, productivity and profitability, and it has given their mobile workers increased connectivity needed to excel in a tough environment,” said Imran Akbar, VP, Enterprise Networking Communications, Zebra Technologies.