Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/883641
AGGREGATES MANAGER / October 2017 15 Offer ticketing at the scale Provide truck ID to loader Monitor system reports Keep the trucks moving through the plant by offer- ing ticketing at the scale. This eliminates time that would be spent by drivers going into the scale house to get a ticket, as well as the potential for the driv- er to stop and chat. Although it may only be a few minutes each load, the time adds up throughout the day. Lost time could be equivalent to an entire load. Eliminating the need for drivers to exit their vehicle also reduces the potential for them to fall, especially during inclement weather. Traditional aggregates and sand and gravel opera- tions have used a CB to communicate with the loader. However, through the use of a web check-in or radio frequency identifi cation (RFID), the loader operator is able to be more effi cient by knowing when and where to be at a specifi c stockpile. It also enables the loader operator to handle other necessary tasks, such as mixing ag-lime and charging the plant, when no trucks are in the yard, instead of waiting at the pile. Unless the desired material changes, it eliminates the need for the truck to check in every time. Review the detailed reports available with your load- ing and ticketing system. Paying attention to inven- tory is important, but be sure to pay attention to both uptime and downtime to get a better understanding of where there are effi ciencies and bottlenecks or other problems. Look for trends such as a belt repeatedly getting jammed or an overload tripped numerous times to determine what issues need to be addressed. Also ensure that at least a couple plant employees understand all aspects of the system. 2 3 4