CLIENT OVERVIEW

Location: North Vancouver, BC

Industry: Bulk Commodity Handling & Marine Terminal Operations

Experience: 50+ Years

Facility Type: State-of-the-Art Marine Bulk Handling Terminal

Services: Handling, Storage & Distribution of Bulk Commodities

The client is a leading bulk handling facility located in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The company operates a state-of-the-art marine terminal that specializes in the handling, storage, and distribution of a wide range of bulk commodities. With over 50 years of experience, the terminal has established itself as a trusted partner for global producers, traders, and shippers. The facility is strategically positioned on the West Coast of Canada, providing convenient access to major shipping routes and enabling efficient transportation of goods to international markets.

The terminal boasts extensive storage capacity and advanced handling equipment, allowing for the efficient and safe handling of bulk cargoes, including coal, potash, sulphur, and fertilizers. Equipped with modern facilities, the port offers a comprehensive range of services, including vessel loading and unloading, rail and truck logistics, quality control, and warehousing.

Safety and environmental stewardship are top priorities for the terminal. The company maintains rigorous safety protocols and adheres to strict environmental standards to ensure the well-being of its employees, the local community, and the surrounding ecosystem. By implementing advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the company strives to minimize its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The terminal is committed to providing exceptional customer service and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. The company's experienced team of professionals works closely with customers to understand their requirements and deliver efficient, cost-effective, and reliable bulk handling services.

In summary, the terminal is a leading bulk handling facility in North Vancouver, renowned for its expertise in handling and storing bulk commodities. With a commitment to safety, environmental sustainability, and customer satisfaction, the company continues to play a vital role in facilitating the efficient movement of goods and supporting global trade.

THE CHALLENGE

The customer required an Operating Equipment Efficiency (OEE) report in Power BI, where data needed to be curated from an existing SCADA-based data collection method using a data historian. The equipment for this report was conveyor system metrics at a material handling port facility.

Addressing these challenges required collaboration between OT vendors, data engineers, and domain experts to implement data integration, preparation processes, and intuitive visualizations to facilitate effective OEE analysis and decision-making.

Common Challenges:

Data Integration
Data Cleansing and Preparation
Data Granularity and Aggregation
Complex Calculations
Time Synchronization
Performance and Scalability
Real-Time Data Streaming
Visualization and Reporting
Data Security and Access Control

THE SOLUTION

QCA Systems implemented an efficient data integration process to transfer SCADA-collected measurements from the on-premises data historian to a cloud data warehouse, enabling real-time OEE reporting in Power BI.

By adopting a holistic approach to design and management, leveraging appropriate monitoring methods, and providing ongoing support, QCA Systems ensured the reliability, security, and performance of the solution. This enabled the customer to optimize their operational processes, enhance efficiency, and achieve their desired outcomes.

Here's how QCA Systems supports customers in this area: