LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill.,
Oct. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/
-- Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a
global leader in solutions and services that provide real-time
visibility into organizations' assets, people and transactions, and
KNS Communications Consultants, a provider of high-end technical
solutions for wireless implementations, announced today that the
Zebra wireless local area network (WLAN) AP 7161 access point is
being deployed by Westmoreland Coal Company, the fourth largest
coal mining operation in the world and the oldest independent coal
company in the United States.
Westmoreland's Wyoming Kemmerer mine, which is the oldest open
pit mine in the U.S., with over 70 pieces of mining equipment
spread across 13,400 acres all needed to be reliably and constantly
connected to the mine's WLAN network. Westmoreland wanted to
improve the efficiency and profitability of the Kemmerer mine by
enabling remote monitoring and maintenance, connecting the
equipment and fleet management system, and extending internet
access to all on-site workers and contractors.
KEY FACTS
- Improved data collection – the AP 7161 can be installed on
vehicles such as shovels and backhoes that can pull information
from the equipment and improve day-to-day management.
- Dramatic reduction in shovel repair costs – engineers can
perform most repairs remotely in less than an hour, compared to the
average of two to three days.
- Substantial increase in equipment uptime – the real-time data
collected from the equipment has allowed maintenance engineers to
perform timely programming upkeep to optimize operations and
prevent equipment breakdown, saving millions of dollars.
- Added mine production – streamlined processes and increased
equipment availability translate into reduced idle time and
movement of more loads per shift.
- Increased equipment lifecycle – timely maintenance and the
ability to monitor and manage how operators treat equipment helps
extend the life expectancy of the equipment.
- Improved wireless network utilization – network administrators
can monitor all users and traffic on the wireless network to
prevent unauthorized use and pinpoint which access point and mobile
device are involved.
SUPPORTING QUOTES
Don Rily, Kemmerer IT director,
Westmoreland Coal Company
"We take pride in
deploying state-of-the-art technologies to maximize equipment
utilization, production, operational efficiencies and worker
safety. We chose KNS Communications Consultants and Zebra for their
experience and the reliability and superior bandwidth of the WLAN
solution. It was the best option available for a rugged
environment, and we are extremely pleased with the performance and
cost savings offered by this solution."
Imran Akbar, vice president,
Enterprise Networking Communications, Zebra Technologies
"We
are delighted to be working with KNS Communications Consultants to
provide Westmoreland with increased visibility into their
operations at the Kemmerer mine. Our WLAN infrastructure has
improved the mine's operational efficiency, productivity and
profitability, and it has given their mobile workers increased
connectivity needed to excel in a tough environment."
Sue Thomas, president, KNS
Communications Consultants
"The reliability, ease of deployment and power of the AP7161 is why
this solution was the perfect fit at Kemmerer. Additionally, the
predictability and support we get from Zebra is why we use it in
many of our worldwide deployments."
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
Website: Zebra
Technologies
Facebook: Zebra Technologies
Twitter: @ZebraTechnology
About Zebra Technologies
Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) makes
businesses as smart and connected as the world we live in. Zebra
tracking and visibility solutions transform the physical to
digital, creating the data streams enterprises need to
simplify operations, know more about their businesses, and empower
their mobile workforces. For more information,
visit www.zebra.com.
Media Contact:
Bill
Abelson
Zebra Technologies
Phone: +1-631-738-4751
bill.abelson@zebra.com
Industry Analyst Contact:
Carolyn Buerger
Zebra Technologies
Phone: +1-224-316-0066
carolyn.buerger@zebra.com
Zebra Technologies, Zebra and the Zebra logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation and are
used under license. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the
property of their respective owners. ©2015 Zebra Technologies
Corporation. All rights reserved.
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SOURCE Zebra Technologies Corporation