FPO User Manual

Mining Fleet Productivity Optimization

Version 2 - 22 October 2004

Table of Contents
Nomenclature 1. Program Installation
1.1. Installation Requirements 1.2. Software Versions 1.3. Regional Date Settings 1.4. Installing the Program

3 4
4 4 4 5

2. Running FPO for the first time 3. Importing data into FPO
3.1. TPMS files 3.2. Reading VIMS database from FPO software

9 11
11 12

4. Interpretation of pressure traces

4.1. Double peaks counting 4.2. RACK and BIAS spikes for the one haul road feature 4.3. Interpretation of PITCH data

14
14 15 15

5. FPO control charts

5.1. Strut Pressure and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.2. Composite Strut Pressures and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.3. Composite Strut Pressures and Ground Speed vs. VIMS Time 5.4. Haul Road Condition index 5.5. Ground Speed vs. Actual Gear 5.6. Instantaneous Fuel Rate and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.7. Cumulative Fuel Rate and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.8. Throttle position and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.9. Brake Temperature and Engine Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.10 Brake Temperature and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.11 Brake acceleration and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance 5.12 Brake Temperature and Actual Gear vs. Haul Distance 5.13 Strut Pressure vs. Time: Loading phase 5.14 Composite Strut Pressures vs. Time: Loading phase 5.15 Cumulative Payload and Loading Cycle Time vs. Loader Pass

16
17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24

FPO User Manual

1 of 32

Version 2

6. Customising FPO control charts

6.1. Limit lines 6.2. Coping graphs to the Clipboard 6.3. Tile graphs functions

25
25 26 26

7. FPO Frequently Asked Questions

7.1. What is Fleet Productivity Optimisation (FPO)? 7.2. When should an FPO Report be carried out? 7.3. What can FPO do for us? 7.4. How much does this cost? 7.5 What are the benefits by using FPO?

27
27 27 27 27 27

8. Appendix
FPO V1.5 Release Notes

29
29

NOTE: This document should be read in conjunction with the FPO Application Manual located in the Guides/Tools section of the Caterpillar Knowledge Network Community: Mining Project Managers Toolkit. For those Cat/Dealer staff with a Corporate Web Security logon, visit:

https://kn.cat.com/guides.cfm?id=6232

FPO User Manual

2 of 32

Version 2

Nomenclature
Abbreviations LF: Left-Front position RF: Right-Front position LR: Left-Rear position RR: Right-Rear position Definitions Machine Bias: Calculation based on pressure from all suspension cylinders.
(Left Front + Left Rear) (Right Front + Right Rear)

This indicates the angle or level the machine is positioned and to which side the load is positioned. It can also be used to indicate high dynamic loading due to off-camber corners. Effects on Components Increased stress on A-frame bearing, dog bone assembly, front and rear suspension cylinders, wheel bearing, final drives and tyre wear. Machine Pitch: Calculation based on pressure from all suspension cylinders.
(Left Front + Right Front) - (Right Rear + Left Rear)

This indicates if the machine is weighted forward or to the rear. Since the calculation is front minus rear, and the rear carries 66% while loaded, the calculated pitch value is ALWAYS a negative number when the truck is loaded. The primary characteristic of interest is pitch spikes and the location they occur on the haul road. The load position can affect weight distribution. Ramp angles will also show increases of weight distribution while travelling loaded up hill or down hill. Effects on Components Increases loads and stresses on wheel bearings, suspension cylinders and tyre wear. Machine Rack: Calculation based on pressure from all suspension cylinders
(Left Front + Right Rear) - (Right Front + Left Rear)

This indicates that the chassis is twisting when the diagonal suspension cylinders are travelling in opposite directions. Effects on Components Increased stresses on the chassis, suspension cylinders and mounting bearings, tray chassis, tray pivot points, and Aframe bearing.

FPO User Manual

3 of 32

Version 2

1. Program Installation
1.1. Installation Requirements
FPO requires a Personal Computer (PC) running Microsoft Windows 95 or later. FPO has not been tested under Microsoft Windows XP, however some reported problems have been corrected by running FPO in Windows 2000 mode. To do this, right click the FPO executable file (setup.exe), select Properties, Capability, and then select to run in Windows 2000.

1.2. Software Versions

FPO was originally released as ASA version 1.1. This version was upgraded later to version 1.4, by installing support additional (upgrading) files to the former version. ASA version 1.4 is simply an executable file update for version 1.1. You must uninstall ASA versions 1.1 and/or 1.4 completely from your computer before installing FPO version 1.5. However, you can keep your working files from previous ASA versions.

1.3. Regional Date Settings

Figure 1 Regional Settings location in Control Panel screen It is important to note that the program may experience difficulties in importing data from TPMS and VIMS if the date format specified in Windows Settings, Regional Settings is not as shown in figure 2.

FPO User Manual

4 of 32

Version 2

Figure 2 Required short and long date formats Access the Date format to check and/or change short and long date formats before importing files into the FPO program.

1.4. Installing the Program

1. Start Windows, and close any other applications that might be running. 2. Locate the zip file containing the FPO version 1.5 executable files. It might be named FPO V1.5 Installation .zip. 3. Either double-click the file, or right-click and select Open with WinZip, which will display the window shown in Figure 3.

FPO User Manual

5 of 32

Version 2

Figure 3 WinZip window showing FPO files 4. Double-click the Setup.exe file. The dialog box shown in Figure 4 should appear.

Figure 4 WinZip Install dialog box 5. Click Ok to commence FPO setup. 6. Read the Welcome screen, close any other application that may be running, and click OK when ready (Figure 5).

Figure 5 FPO Setup Welcome Screen 7. Read the Choose Destination Location screen (Figure 6). To install the software in the default destination folders, click the icon, otherwise click Change Directory to choose another location.

FPO User Manual

6 of 32

Version 2

Figure 6 Choosing directory location 8. Review the Select Program Folder screen. Type a new folder name or select an existing one from the list. Then click Continue (Figure 7).

Figure 7 Select Program Folder screen 9. The software will automatically start extracting and coping FPO files in your computer (Figure 8).

FPO User Manual

7 of 32

Version 2

Figure 8 Extracting files screen 10. Setup will copy files to your computer. When it is complete the dialogue box shown in Figure 9 will display. Click OK to complete the installation.

Figure 9 Setup Complete screen 11. FPO will be installed in C:\Program Files\ASA directory by default (Figure 10). It is recommended to create a short cut in the desktop of file asa.exe, then rename the short cut to FPO V1.5.

Figure 10 Default destination for FPO executable file

FPO User Manual

8 of 32

Version 2

2. Running FPO for the first time

Run the FPO executable file (or shortcut) and click the Accept button if you agree to the terms and conditions related to use of the software (Figure 11).

Figure 11 - FPO launch (Splash) screen The first time you run FPO, the following box will appear, asking where you want to keep your FPO/ASA working files as default location (Figure 12).

Figure 12 Default working directory It is strongly recommended you devise a file structure that allows you to find site information quickly. Figure 13 provides an example.

FPO User Manual

9 of 32

Version 2

Figure 13 Suggested directory structure for Working Files

FPO User Manual

10 of 32

Version 2

3. Importing data into FPO

3.1. TPMS files
Real-time TPMS data will typically be stored in the TPMS directory (for example, C:\TPMfiles). The format used in data files by the TPMS is: R1234567.prn (Example file name) Where: 123 is the truck id, 45 is the month, and 67 is the day the data was collected.

If this is the case, FPO will readily accept this file if you look for it. Select Create New File in the Work Files tab and the screen showed in figure 14 will appear.

Figure 14 TPMS import file window By choosing TPMS in the Display Files location, all Rxxxxxxx.prn files will be displayed, and can be selected and dragged into the Files Chosen for Import box. Hit Import Files and all files in the 'Files Chosen for Import box will be available for graphing.

FPO User Manual

11 of 32

Version 2

3.2. Reading VIMS database from FPO software

Once data has been successfully downloaded and stored in the chosen VIMS database, start the FPO program and specify the path to the selected VIMS database (figure 15).

Figure 15 Specifying the location of VIMS database FPO will automatically display a message acknowledging that the connection to the VIMS database has been completed successfully. Then, FPO is ready to read the information recorded in dataloggers from the selected VIMS database.

Figure 16 Graph screen for selected VIMS database

FPO User Manual

12 of 32

Version 2

Hit the Graph tab and select the VIMS database option (figure 16). FPO will automatically retrieve truck fleet definition from the selected VIMS database showing Truck Id and stored dataloggers for the selected truck. It is highly recommended to update the VIMS database before being accessed by FPO.

FPO User Manual

13 of 32

Version 2

4. Interpretation of pressure traces

To assist in ensuring consistency in the interpretation of FPO data, the following conventions are suggested to establish a consistent interpretation of pressure traces.

4.1. Double peaks counting

It is quite common for an undesirable haul road feature to result in a high pressure reading (spike) that peaks, diminishes and then peaks again within a short distance. Whether this double peak should be counted as one, or two spikes has been open to interpretation. Where a pressure spike peaks above a significant pressure value (be it the Management, Warning or Action limit) then drops only to peak again, the peak shall be counted as a single spike unless the value reduces below the associated limit before rising again.

Figure 17a Double peak counting

Figure 17b Single peak counting

For example, lets consider a series of spikes from a 793C truck with a starting value below of 8500 kPa, then increasing above 12 000 kPa, then drops below 8 500 kPa, peaks again above 12 000 kPa, and finally dropping below 8500 kPa (Figure 17a). This condition shall be counted as two spikes for rating in the HRC index. If the peak stays above 8 500 kPa, in this example, the peak shall be counted as a single spike (Figures 17b).

FPO User Manual

14 of 32

Version 2

4.2. RACK and BIAS spikes for the one haul road feature
It is also quite common for an undesirable haul road feature to result in a high pressure reading (spike) which shows up as both a high RACK and high BIAS spike. Where these spikes both exceed Management, Warning and Action limits, they shall be counted as two spikes for rating in the HRC index (Figure 18).

Figure 18 Spikes counting whether by Rack or Bias peaks

4.3. Interpretation of PITCH data

Machine Pitch data is occasionally interpreted as an undesirable haul road feature, yet typically this is a result of a positive or negative slope on the haul road. Due to the formula used to determine PITCH readings, no allowance is made for the fact that the rear of a truck carries about twice the weight as the front. This explains why the PITCH trace in Composite Strut Pressure charts is a negative number and often runs below the Management Limit for the machine. Unless severe forward to rear PITCHING is common on your site it is recommended that the PITCH trace be used as confirmation of where the truck is on the haul road rather than a reportable parameter.

FPO User Manual

15 of 32

Version 2

5. FPO control charts

Interpreting FPO control charts to make meaningful recommendations to customers is not difficult, but takes practice. FPO analysis can be complemented with analysis of VIMSpcs Datalogger reports, which can plot and export additional operating machine parameters and provide information that may clarify findings reached using FPO. The FPO process may also help confirm finding identified using VIMS Datalogger analysis. General comments are also provided in this section for each of the control charts as additional reference material. It is highly recommended to read the latest version of the document titled FPO Application Guide in conjunction to this section. The FPO Application Guide is located at the Caterpillar Knowledge Network Mining Project Managers Toolkit Community, under the Guides/Tools section. Figure 19 shows the FPO Control Chart selection screen. Numerical identifiers have been added to the PFOs standard screen to list and highlight the available charts in this section. There are 15 control charts (graphs) that can be displayed using version 1.5. When more than one control chart is displayed, use Ctrl+Tab keys to flip between Control Charts. Most of the charts have distance along the horizontal axis. This helps find the exact location of a road defect that is identified by the traces. .

Figure 19 FPO Control Chart selection screen. Numerical Identifiers have been added for clarification .

FPO User Manual

16 of 32

Version 2

5.1. Strut Pressures and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 20 - Strut Pressures and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance Shows individual strut pressures for each of the four suspension cylinders and ground speed. These are the individual pressure traces the composite traces are calculated from. Individual maximum and minimum strut pressures can be used to assess strut condition.

5.2. Composite Strut Pressures and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 21 - Composite Strut Pressures vs Dist This is often the most useful trace as it pinpoints the location where strut pressures exceed Management, Warning and Action limits. It shows the distance on the horizontal axis and ground speed where the events occur. FPO version 1.5 allows the user to select whether the Machine Pitch trace will be plotted or not. If Machine Pitch pressure trace is needed, a separate selection box is provided (Figure 19).

FPO User Manual

17 of 32

Version 2

5.3. Composite Strut Pressures and Ground Speed vs. VIMS Time

Figure 22 - Composite Strut Pressures vs Time Similar to Composite Strut pressure control chart, except it plots VIMS Clock Time on the X-axis instead of distance. This chart allows users to synchronise a video camera clock with VIMS and use video footage to highlight areas of concern to customers. FPO version 1.5 allows the user to select whether Machine Pitch trace will be plotted or not. If Machine Pitch pressure trace is needed, a separate selection box is provided (Figure 19).

5.4. Haul Road Condition index

Figure 23 Haul Road Condition index evaluation FPO version 1.5 evaluates the Haul Road Condition index using the logic provided in the FPO Application Guide. The number of spikes over Management, Warning and Action limits are counted and shown in the table.

FPO User Manual

18 of 32

Version 2

5.5. Ground Speed vs. Actual Gear

Figure 24 - Speed vs. Gear This Control Chart gives an indication of road or grade changes that may force the transmission to shift unnecessarily. Generally speaking, a constant grade should not induce gear changes.

5.6. Instantaneous Fuel Rate and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 25 - Instantaneous Fuel Rate and Ground Speed vs. Distance This control chart provides an indication of operator throttle application in terms of injected fuel note in this example the fluctuating throttle across the pit floor (left side of chart) and waste dump (right side), while a constant throttle is held on the uphill grade (centre section).

FPO User Manual

19 of 32

Version 2

5.7. Cumulative Fuel Rate and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 26 - Cumulative Fuel Rate and Ground Speed vs. Distance Provides cumulative fuel used for the loaded haul cycle. This chart is not often as useful as the others from what have been reported from users.

5.8. Throttle position and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 27 - Throttle position and Ground Speed vs. Distance Shows areas of the loaded haul cycle where operators are backing off the throttle pedal because haul road conditions might be poor. This control chart helps to direct support equipment to sections of the haul road that are restricting production.

FPO User Manual

20 of 32

Version 2

5.9. Brake Temperature and Engine Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 28 Brake Temperature and Engine Speed vs. Haul Distance This Control Chart shows engine speed (black), Retarder application (yellow) and Brake Temperatures (dark/light blue, red, green). Used in conjunction with previous control charts to locate engine overspeed events and brake overheats.

5.10. Brake Temperature and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 29 - Brake Temperature and Ground Speed vs. Distance This Control Chart shows Ground Speed (black), Retarder application (yellow) and Brake Temperatures (dark/light blue, red, green). Used in conjunction with previous control charts to locate engine overspeed events and brake overheats.

FPO User Manual

21 of 32

Version 2

5.11. Brake acceleration and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance

Figure 30 - Brake acceleration and Ground Speed vs. Haul Distance This control chart calculates machine deceleration rate in Km/h per second, while braking. The chart attempts to evaluate the severity of brake application. Brake Severity is formulated on the data of Ground Speed, Time and Retarder on application. With this data the program measures velocity of de-acceleration eg change of km/h over time. This is shown in the graph as severity of de-acceleration. The severity is determined on the time taken to decrease to the desired speed. A high rate of brake severity has negative effects on machine components, for example increased brake wear, increased wheel bearing stress, increased stress to rims and tyre components, extra loading on front suspension cylinders, increased stresses on steering components and tyre wear.

5.12. Brake Temperature and Actual Gear vs. Haul Distance

Figure 31 - Brake Temperature and Actual Gear vs. Haul Distance Shows Actual Gear (black), Retarder application (yellow) and Brake Temperatures (dark/light blue, red, green). If brake overheat warnings are an issue, you can determine if trucks are being operated in a gear that is too high for the conditions. Brake overheats (to the red Max Temp Limit line) are more common on downhill hauls

FPO User Manual

22 of 32

Version 2

5.13. Strut Pressures vs Time: Loading phase

Figure 32 - Strut Pressures vs Time: Loading phase Displays individual strut pressures during the loading phase. Ideally, front strut pressures should rise together, and rear pressures should rise together if the truck is on level floor and load is centred.

5.14. Composite Strut Pressures vs. Time: Loading phase

Figure 33 - Composite Strut Pressures vs. Time: Loading phase Displays composite strut pressures during the loading phase. Ideally, Rack and Bias lines should be constant if load is centred and truck is on level floor. Deviation indicates bias loading or poor underfoot conditions. Pitch will decrease as loading continues as the rear of truck takes 2/3 of load.

FPO User Manual

23 of 32

Version 2

5.15. Cumulative Payload and Loading Cycle Time vs. Loader Pass

Figure 34 - Cumulative Payload and Loading Cycle Time vs. Loader Pass Displays VIMS Payload per pass (blue bars) and cycle time per pass (green bars) This Control Chart gives a quick indication of the Loading Tool performance and efficiency. When the truck does not fully stop at the first loading pass, the on-board VIMS module in the Truck usually missed this first pass. This information is then recorded in the Datalogger and shown in FPO. When this event occurs, attention has to be paid to the first pass in this Control Chart for an accurate interpretation of the Loading Tool operation.

FPO User Manual

24 of 32

Version 2

6. Customising FPO control charts

6.1. Limit lines
FPO sets the Management, Warning and Action limits automatically based on machine model number. However, you can customise them for the trucks on your customers site. Management, Warning and Alarm limits definitions can be found in the FPO Application Guide. Alternations to the limits can be done via the Show Properties button at the top right hand corner of each FPO control chart (Figure 35)

Figure 35 Graph Control dialogue box

Depending on truck model, you can adjust Management Limits here Adjust Management Limit line and fill properties (thickness, colour, style) with these drop-down boxes

Add a label to the lines if desired

Figure 36 Graph Control dialogue box Limit Lines

FPO User Manual

25 of 32

Version 2

6.2. Coping graphs to the Clipboard

Hit the Show Properties button in the view graph screen, then hit the system tab on the Graph Control window (Figure 37).

Figure 37 Coping selected graph to the Clipboard Select the Target as Clipboard and then hit Copy.

6.3. Tile graphs function

FPO provides the tile graph function to see more than one control chart in the same screen (Figure 37)

Figure 38 Tile graphs function

FPO User Manual

26 of 32

Version 2

7. FPO Frequently Asked Questions

7.1. What is Fleet Productivity Optimisation (FPO)?
FPO is a software program designed to display haul road conditions and its interaction with OHTs graphically. It uses information from the On Board VIMS data logger or TPMS real time data. When the data logger is running, all On Board sensors and switches collect data every second describing the status of each of these sensors and switches. VIMS stores this in a manner that can be viewed over the period of time the data logger has run (max. 30 minutes) and for individual sensors. FPO converts this data into a graphical report format based on various set parameters. 12 graphs will be produced per cycle per load status (loaded or empty). Each graph facilitates the interpretation of that section of haul road and current operator practice.

7.2. When should an FPO Report be carried out?

This can be done at anytime on any haul road. Most of the time the customer knows the condition of the haul roads but becomes accustomed to what they have unless it can be shown graphically. When a section of haul road is suspected as being a problem and justification to change is required, FPO is ideal tool for the job. Presenting a before and after report will show the improvements to haul roads and changes of severity on truck components. Monthly reports are recommended to keep the high standards of both haul roads and operator practices.

7.3. What can FPO do for us?

FPO produces a graphical report of both haul road conditions and operating practices. With this information, problem areas can be measured and managed. When severity limits exceed Caterpillars operating range, premature failures could occur. This damage does not typically affect the machine at the time but becomes evident many hours later. By carrying out FPO reports and implementing haul road changes to improve conditions or practices, machine downtime and cost can be reduced.

7.4. How much does this cost?

Caterpillar of Australia developed the software called ASA versions 1.1 and 1.4, and FPO version 1.5 to work with the data produced from Caterpillar VIMS On Board Software. ASA and FPO software is no-charge to Caterpillar and Dealer employees. VIMS Off Board Software, to read the On Board Software, is licensed by Caterpillar Inc.

7.5. What are the benefits by using FPO?

Ease of determining current haul road conditions and operating practices. Produces reports to help justify change. Shows exact areas of concern. Aims to reduce operating costs if improvements to conditions and practices are carried out. Aims to extend current chassis life when improvements to conditions and practices are carried out. Improves availability of truck fleet when improvements to conditions and practices are carried out.
FPO User Manual 27 of 32 Version 2

Improves operator comfort when haul road conditions are improved (i.e. rough pit floor, rough tip end, off camber corners) Helps indicate areas of training, for instance, loading practices, truck positioning, tip end cornering and speed limits.

FPO User Manual

28 of 32

Version 2

8. Appendix FPO V1.5 - Release Notes

21/09/2004

1. Changes and enhancements

1.1. Splash Screen
1. Splash screen graphic changed to 797B. New graphic displayed on start up form to provide visual identification of version 1.5.

1.2.

Work Files Tab

2. Work Files tab - VIMS database selection. Provides the user the option to point to VIMS database (VIMS.mdb) to utilise VIMS dataloggers directly rather than having to export ASCII files from VIMSpc. This is intended to save time in generating ASA traces. 3. Error "Runtime error '91' Object variable or with block variable not set". This was occurring on selection of the Graphs tab before any existing work file entries were selected (could occur before any importation of data and creation of a work file). This error should be eliminated.

1.3.

Graph Tab

4. New Graph added: Composite Strut Pressures vs Time (Travel Loaded). This trace is similar to the existing Composite Strut pressure trace, except it plots VIMS Clock Time on the X-axis instead of distance. This is intended to allow users to synchronise a video camera clock with VIMS and use video footage to highlight areas of concern to customers. 5. New graph added: Haul Road Condition Index. ASA Version 1.5 automatically calculates the Haul Road Condition Index. It incorporates the following features: A table is displayed showing the count of spikes above management limits/significant pressure levels Management Limits/Significant pressure levels determined automatically based on trucks model Rating index determined based on the new logic described in FPO Application Guide Version 11.

6. Load vs. Time graph renamed. Legend item "Tonnes/Pass" amended to "Cumulative Payload (tonnes)" 7. Cumulative Fuel Rate / Speed. Left hand axis title amended to "litres" 8. Speed / Brake Severity. Corrected problem with chart not displaying. Issue existed with querying of data for creation of chart - was not returning any data due to function applied to time field held in database. Problem addressed and graph will display correctly for any future work files created or direct access to VIMS data. Past work files (databases) created will still have problem and will not be able to chart data. 9. Throttle Position Sensor and ground speed vs. distance. This graph will allow users to show customers the areas of the loaded haul where operators are backing off the

FPO User Manual

29 of 32

Version 2

throttle because road conditions are poor, and further help the customer to direct support equipment to sections of the road that are restricting production. 10. Switch off "Pitch" trace on composite strut pressure charts. Users in hard rock mines in APD/LACD do not find much value in the Pitch trace on the Composite Strut Pressure graph. An option to switch it off is now available. Users should provide comments to CGM-AP if they will be negatively impacted by this change. 11. ASA in Microsoft Windows Spanish version. Under "Work Files" option - display of Yes/No option under select column for choosing entries to chart. Checked data type held in database and is defined as type of data "Yes/No". Data is stored as one of two values, either -1 or 0 (ie. On/Off or True/False). Display property within data grid has column NumberFormat set to Yes/No. This option is not language based, so should be independent of English.

1.4.

View Graphs

12. Scaling of Y-axis. Auto scaling of y-axis for all Graphs (to ensure labels are round numbers), with exceptions being: Brake Temperature (C) - Left hand axis. Max Temperature Limit line defined at 127, with upper axis scale set to level of 140. This change affects the following charts: o Engine / Brake Temp o Speed / Brake Temp o Gear / Brake Temp 13. Transmission Gear - Right hand axis. Upper axis scale set to level of 8 to account for 797 transmissions. This change affects the following charts: Speed / Gear Gear / Brake Temp

14. Default setting for fonts increased. It now displays larger text for both the scale and the legend. 15. Automatic selection of Management Limit. Management Limits: Are automatically set based on model code. Related axis scale set with management level defined as a major scale level.

16. Saving Images / Copying Images. Options available as items under menu bar option "Image". Also available under keyboard shortcuts as shown in menu (Copy = Ctrl+C, Save As = Ctrl+S). This change is intended to hasten creation of customer reports. 17. Trace Colours - Composite Strut Pressure charts. Default settings updated to improve definition. Final colours are still not entirely satisfactory. Suggestions for a better colour combination are welcome.

1.5.

Create new file

18. Work File Creation Model Input. When creating either TPMS or VIMS files, the code checks on input of model code - forces entry to start with three numbers. This change is intended to allow the software to correctly identify the model code so the management limits and haul road condition index can be calculated correctly.
FPO User Manual 30 of 32 Version 2

2. Enhancements requested, but not actioned

1. Saving personal Properties. The graphics engine used will not allow this change to be made easily. At this point detailed investigation is required to determine if this is actually possible. We have elected, at this time, to discontinue the investigation to allow the other improvements to be released. Users should continue to provide comments to CGM-AP if this is a concern. 2. Generating a Mine Severity Index Table. CGM-AP requested the developer allow the user to input the Payload Severity Index value and have the ASA software provide a Mine Severity Index Table with the combined result plotted on the table. Again the graphics engine used will not easily allow this enhancement to be made. We have elected to discontinue this investigation to allow the other improvements to be released. Users should continue to provide comments to CGM-AP if this is a concern. 3. PDF/Printer Output. Some users requested the ability to select a printer or to generate a PDF report output. This cannot be easily achieved in the current software environment. Having improved the ability to copy graphs from the software we hope is an acceptable compromise. Users should continue to provide comments to CGM-AP if this is a concern. 4. Combining Dataloggers. Some users requested the ability to "paste" together two dataloggers for sites with hauls in excess of 30 minutes. The practicalities of doing this were in excess of the perceived benefit. Combining the data from the files is not difficult, but attempting to match the location the two traces should be joined is difficult, considering the truck will have a different payload (and thus different strut pressure magnitudes), may have payload bias to one side or the other, may be driven by a different operator, or may be in slightly different conditions (road may have deteriorated, weather may have changed). Users should continue to provide comments to CGM-AP if this is a concern.

FPO User Manual

31 of 32

Version 2

3. Further enhancements under consideration for V1.5

1. Deletion of Instantaneous/Cumulative fuel used. We are considering deletion of traces to do with fuel and replace them with traces listed below. We do not believe the field sees value in these traces. Users should provide comments to CGM-AP if they will be negatively impacted by this change. 2. Throttle Position Sensor and ground speed vs. time. In lieu of the fuel traces, we suspect users may find more value in traces of Throttle Position Sensor vs VIMS Clock Time while travelling loaded. This will allow users to show customers the areas of the loaded haul where operators are backing off the throttle because road conditions are poor, and further help the customer to direct support equipment to sections of the road that are restricting production. Feedback on the value of this potential modification is sought from users. 3. Highlight spikes over management limits With the software automatically counting spikes, it may help users if the software can highlight the counted spikes. Feedback on the value of this potential modification is sought from users.

4. Current problems and unsolved issues

1. Running application under Office 2003. One dealer has advised problems with a number of applications (including ASA) under the version of Access supplied with Microsoft Office 2003. The error noted was: ?Run-time error ?380? Invalid property value? on creation of chart (View Graphs button). At this point we are unsure whether Office 2003 will affect this version of FPO. Users with Office 2003 are requested to advise Matt McLeod or Oscar Villalobos if FPO V1.5 fails to operate correctly.

FPO User Manual

32 of 32

Version 2