Benchmarking Fleet Utilization and Productivity
Published: July 10,2024This project establishes standardized metrics for fleet performance benchmarking using GMG’s “A Standardized Time Classification Framework for Mobile Equipment in Surface Mining: Operational Definitions, Time Usage Model, and Key Performance Indicators”. Key objectives include:
- Identifying inefficiencies in haulage, drilling, and loading operations.
- Developing comparative benchmarks for key assets such as trucks, shovels, and crushers.
- Enhancing data-driven decision-making by aligning companies on productivity KPIs like utilization rates, availability, and operational delays.
BACKGROUND
The mining industry uses similar mobile equipment in similar operating conditions (although it is recognized that these applications vary). The GMG Standardized Time Classification Framework published in 2020 was an important milestone to allow industries and organizations to use a common method for quantifying equipment performance metrics. This creates benchmarking opportunities across similar equipment. The value in benchmarking becomes stronger when the different processes and practices to achieve these results can be discussed and analyzed.
Collaborative problem-solving within the industry can be challenging, but it’s important to normalize and embrace the approach. Industry-wide benchmarking relies on sharing the right data to enable deeper insights and better opportunities. This data should also provide context to ensure a true understanding of both opportunities and applicability.
PURPOSE
Leveraging the GMG Standardized Time Classification Framework, this project will align on a subset of metrics for key production assets that will be used for benchmarking across companies and industries. Benchmarking these metrics can allow companies to quantify improvement opportunities and engage each other to deliver insights into performance-improvement opportunities.
The objective of this project will be to identify where performance of assets differs and determine what opportunities can be leveraged to maximize use of these assets.
This project proposal includes three main objectives:
Establish the why: Define the industry benefit of benchmarking and explain the value of a benchmarking model.
Establish the what: Determine what needs to be benchmarked through:
a. Alignment on measurables from the Standardized Time Classification Framework
b. Alignment on the scope of equipment (i.e., trucks)
Establish the how (Phase A):
a. Define how to benchmark (to ensure trustworthiness of data)
b. Define criteria for measuring benchmarked data
c. Define criteria for providing value for benchmarking
d. Define requirement for anonymity (if information remains anonymous, how are questions raised and uncovered)
e. Define criteria for anonymity (how to remove any meta data that would allow for distinguishing company/mine or data sets)
IN SCOPE
Theoretical/Foundational Scope
- Operation size considerations (i.e., some operators take vacations and have temporary workers impacting data)
- Identify the importance of benchmarking
- Determine anonymity levels and inclusion
- How data will be accessed?
- What is the granularity of data?
- Guidance on data collection frequency (i.e., quarterly, yearly)
- Establish a process for rules of engagement (see below)
- Establish a process for how to benchmark across industry using a few key metrics/examples
- Legal review – OEM perspective, data sharing between sites, etc.
- IDing of data for context
- Evaluation of a benchmarking platform/tool
Data Scope
- Data will be collected and sent in absolute values so metrics can be calculated in a uniform way. Additionally, to segregate between AHT and MHT it is important to include values such as number of personnel
- Distinctions between terms and data
- Categories based on the number of mines and their minerals (i.e., part of the data set constraints – determine what data will be shared)
- Equipment-productivity data
- Surface time usage model (TUM) and specific associated KPIs
OUT OF SCOPE
- Specific company names and models
- Cost metrics
- Expansion to other assets outside of the defined equipment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Under development.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
April 15, 2025: Project proposal approved
Project Steering Committee
Cailli Knievel – AMC Consultants
Lindsey Deluca – Suncor
Lia Walker – Freeport-McMoRan
Get Involved
To get involved contact us at: gmgprojects@gmggroup.org