MST Global’s HELIX Dispatch is more than a fleet management system – it’s part of an ecosystem that gives mine operators actionable insights for optimising their assets.
The mining industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with technology playing an increasingly critical role in improving efficiency, safety and productivity.
MST Global’s HELIX Dispatch is one technology at the forefront of this evolution, offering an advanced FMS (fleet management system) designed to provide real-time visibility into underground mining operations.
By integrating automation, data analytics and precision tracking, HELIX Dispatch has the potential to reshape how mines operate.
“At the core of the HELIX platform is a real-time location system offering position technology agnostic tracking,” MST Global product manager Nick Rebeiro told Mining.
“HELIX Dispatch automates the data capture of production and development activities, which improves data accuracy while minimising distractions for equipment operators.
“In addition to tracking and managing the vehicle fleet as a typical FMS would do, HELIX Dispatch tracks the activities and availability of mining locations, which is key to be able to manage the shift plan effectively.”
This automation is a potential game-changer for mine operators looking to optimise their workflows and extract maximum value from their assets.
One of the key strengths of HELIX Dispatch is its seamless integration with MST Global’s HELIX platform, a modular system that connects all data sources into a single, interoperable ecosystem for tracking, monitoring and managing operations.
“HELIX Dispatch integrates with the tracking and 3D visualisation capabilities of the HELIX platform,” Rebeiro said.
“This means that HELIX Dispatch is also positioning-technology-agnostic and will make use of next-generation tracking technology as it is supported by the HELIX platform.”
This integration allows operators to make data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency and safety in underground mining environments.
In an industry where every second counts, the ability to respond to operational challenges in real-time is invaluable. HELIX Dispatch provides control room operators with up-to-date information on fleet movements, equipment utilisation and task execution.
“With access to real-time data for the entire fleet, HELIX Dispatch empowers the control room to monitor and manage the execution of the shift plan in real-time,” Rebeiro said. “Mine operators can respond to operational upsets with confidence knowing that Dispatch is providing the most up-to-date reflection of underground mining activity.”
This level of insight can enable mine operators to mitigate disruptions, optimise workflows and ultimately improve productivity.
The system not only tracks vehicles but also monitors the availability and activities of mining locations, with the aim of ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
“Utilising fleet management and productivity solutions like HELIX Dispatch is the new status quo in underground mining, ensuring that mine operators can maximise material extraction,” Rebeiro said.
Implementation of HELIX Dispatch is designed to be straightforward, with minimal disruption to existing operations.
“Customers can start reaping the benefits of HELIX Dispatch almost immediately,” Rebeiro said. “Real-time visibility into production and development activities occurring underground will help customers make smarter, data-backed decisions.
“After running the system for two to three months, customers will have collected enough data to start discovering valuable insights that will help them shape and refine their mining processes ensuring improved productivity.”
Rebeiro emphasised the fact HELIX Dispatch can quickly become a mission-critical system.
“Our customers love collecting data with ease and utilising powerful tools to assign and manage tasks for the entire fleet,” he said. “After reaping the benefits of HELIX Dispatch for a holistic view of mining operations, our customers can’t imagine going dark again.”
MST Global provides robust support to assist with software upgrades, hardware integration, and troubleshooting as the technology continues to evolve.
“We offer a tiered support system in multiple regions globally,” Rebeiro said.
“In addition to offering software and hardware support, MST Global also offers assistance with software upgrades to help customers get the most out of the solution.”
This commitment to support aims to ensure companies can fully leverage the capabilities of HELIX Dispatch from day one. The ability to collect and analyse data in real-time provides a competitive edge, so operators can fine-tune processes and optimise performance.
Looking ahead, MST Global has ambitious plans for the continued development of HELIX Dispatch and the broader HELIX platform.
“MST Global is focusing on providing more tools within HELIX Dispatch that will help our customers unlock additional value as a direct result of customer feedback,” Rebeiro said.
“Further integration to the groundbreaking HELIX platform is on the roadmap to enable further automation and to streamline user workflows, saving valuable time.”
As the Australian mining industry continues to evolve, technology-driven solutions like HELIX Dispatch will play a pivotal role in ensuring efficiency, safety and profitability.
With its real-time tracking, automation capabilities and seamless integration with the HELIX platform, HELIX Dispatch is setting a new standard for fleet management in underground mining.
MST Global’s drive to innovate and support its customers is part of its commitment to ensuring the Australian and global resources industries have the tools needed to navigate the challenges of modern mining successfully.
