Practical truck dispatch - A micro computer based approach

Recent research into use of computers to optimize surface mine operations has produced some esoteric results. Current actual and planned applications include onboard condition monitoring, payload control and record keeping, automatic truck dispatching, even a potential for inertially guided driverless trucks and for satellite based location monitoring. To a large extent, these efforts focus on making the maximum use of computers at the expense of complexity. Typical of early attempts to fit the problem to the solution in the world of computers, many of these systems will fail, or succeed only after long and painful implementation periods. This paper introduces a real time surface mine operations management system designed for ease of use, reliability and results. Designed by mine operators rather than by technical or research staff, the practical results and cost effectiveness should be of interest to all who are in the business of moving excavated materials. PMCS is a system that monitors the surface mine in real time, dispatches trucks to reduce or eliminate waiting time and provides minute by minute decision support for the first line supervisor. It also offers same day performance information for the mine manager and detailed past performance data for mine planners.