Kirtech provides asset tracking and access control technologies for the mining industry. WiFi tags can be used to track assets and personnel in any location.
Kirtech provides systems with robust and portable components that are particularly suited to this task. Kirtech's WiFi solutions are 100% compatible with existing wireless networks. For users with 802.11-based wireless networks, Kirtech can provide a solution without any infrastructure changes whatsoever.
For users with no network in place, Kirtech can set up a complete wireless network, which will not only provide tracking capabilities, but will also enable two-way communications through portable VoIP telephones.
The mining industry offers very specific challenges and requires solutions that will work in extremely harsh environments. Kirtech provides this capability and offers the following solutions:
Personnel and Safety
Kirtech's Ekahau tag (wireless tracker device) is a small battery powered Wi-Fi tag which features a call button. In case of emergency, a miner carrying a Wi-fi tag can push the call button and it will send an alarm as well as its exact location to a remote above ground server.
Other staff using wirelessly-connected computers can also access the location information on internal web pages from within the mines by simply directing their web browsers to the appropriate intranet page. Movement and location of tagged miners is tracked in a database and shown on a visual map on a computer screen.
In the event of a disaster, the last known location of the miners will be mapped, even if the Wi-Fi network has collapsed inside the mine thus greatly improving the chance of their recovery. The LCD display integrated with the new Ekahau T201-B can be used like a pager to pass messages to personnel (either informational or security-related), which may then be acknowledged with the press of a button.
Asset Tracking
It is important to know the location of one’s assets at all times. In the mining industry, there is a long list of assets owned by the company which probably go missing from time to time.
By utilising RFID/WiFi-ID technology, it is possible to track and monitor the asset movement (items of all sizes) in real time and trigger alert if any item leaves a pre-defined area (and potentially, who left with it).
It is also important to keep track of assets from a business perspective to ensure that expensive assets are being fully utilised and not a wasted resource.
Access Control
Kirtech offers a comprehensive access control solution. Through the use of Ekahau smart WiFi badges, both personnel and visitors can be accurately tracked, with sensitive areas being made inaccessible to those not authorised.
Should non-authorised personnel wander into restricted areas, alerts may be triggered both to the security staff and on the visitors tags. Personnel within the vicinity may also be alerted in order to escort the person from the restricted area.
Kirtech can make it possible for a miner to use a WiFi tag to clock on for their shift, enter a specific shaft, start / stop underground locomotives and other equipment and then clock out as well.