Innovation isn’t just a buzzword for Loadtech - it’s the foundation of the company’s identity and growth. As a leader in load cell technology and weighing solutions, Loadtech operates in industries that are constantly evolving. To stay ahead, the company places a high priority on developing new products, enhancing existing ones, and continuously finding better ways to serve customers.
“Innovation is at the heart of Loadtech’s strategy,” says Glen Webster, Operations Director at Loadtech. “It drives product development, customer satisfaction, and market leadership for payload management systems. From developing cutting-edge load cell systems to now launching our data-driven platform ViewIt, Loadtech shows that embracing innovation is essential not just for growth, but for survival in today’s technology landscape.”
“Loadtech leverages feedback from customers, partners, and market trends to guide product roadmaps. This “customer-first” approach helps Loadtech ensure that its solutions remain relevant and valuable,” says Webster.
ViewIT is a product that provides users in the mining industry a competitive advantage as it enables companies to make decisions faster because they leverage data analytics. “The mining industry is increasingly embracing digital transformation, using analytics as a cornerstone to innovate new processes, develop autonomous systems, and even explore AI-driven optimisation,” says Webster. “In a tight and competitive market, this is paramount.”
The Loadtech ViewIt app was launched on 11 October 2024 for Android devices, and on 15 November 2024 for iOS devices. “We started developing this platform late 2023 and had test units in the field by early 2024,” Webster explains.
The ViewIt App introduces Loadtech's AI-powered data intelligence platform, designed to provide businesses with real-time insights through data ingestion, storage, visualisation, analysis, and trend prediction. “The Loadtech ViewIt app took six to nine months to develop. It also incorporates a MQTT message system and AI,” Webster explains.
“The app was developed in-house. Our product support and sales teams ran a project to ascertain what the customers’ needs were, specifically what makes it easier for them to know what is happening with their assets and top end. Most of the app’s early adopters such as Blurock Quarries and Afrimat have seen an increase in profitability since using Loadtech’s ViewIT app,” says Webster. “We can also format and customise the platform to suit any specific needs a client may have.”
The main thinking behind ViewIT
The Loadtech ViewIt app, available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, is designed as a comprehensive data intelligence platform for businesses. The app integrates various data management and analysis tools into a single, user-friendly interface.
It aims to streamline the process of data handling and analysis by offering the following features:
- Data ingestion and storage
It facilitates the collection and secure storage of large volumes of business data.
- Data visualisation
The app provides tools to create intuitive visual representations of data, aiding in better understanding and communication of insights.
- Analytical tools
ViewIT incorporates analytical capabilities to examine data trends and patterns.
- Trend prediction
Machine learning algorithms are utilised to forecast future trends based on historical data.
- Real-time insights
Up-to-date information is offered to support timely decision-making processes.
- Accessibility
ViewIT Ensures that the platform is accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device, promoting flexibility and continuous data engagement.
“By integrating business intelligence, data automation, and machine learning, Loadtech ViewIt empowers businesses to make informed decisions and stay ahead in their respective industries,” says Webster
Satisfying data-driven needs
The surge in data-driven decisions and analytics adoption in the quarrying and mining industry is driven by several intertwined factors.
“Modern quarrying and mining equipment is equipped with sensors that continuously collect data on everything from equipment health to productivity and environmental conditions. This real-time data provides a wealth of information that operators can analyse to improve operational efficiency,” says Webster.
“Advances in cloud-based infrastructure have made it easier and more cost-effective to store, process, and analyse massive volumes of data collected from mine sites and quarries. This has enabled companies to turn data into actionable insights faster than ever,” he explains.
The quarrying and mining industry faces constant pressure to optimise costs due to fluctuating commodity prices and increasing operational costs. “Data analytics help identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and optimise resource allocation,” says Webster. “Data-driven insights allow for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing unplanned downtime. They also enable better planning of drilling, blasting, and hauling schedules, boosting overall productivity.”
Improved safety and compliance
Data analytics supports advanced safety management by identifying patterns that might lead to accidents or health hazards, enabling preventive measures.
“Environmental regulations are becoming stricter. Data analytics enables continuous monitoring of dust levels, water usage, emissions, and more, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of fines,” Webster explains.
“As environmental concerns grow, mining and quarrying companies are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Analytics helps track and reduce energy usage, minimise waste, and optimise resource extraction, aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) targets. By analysing data on energy consumption and emissions, companies can also make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint,” Webster concludes.
