FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to management systems. The invention has particular application to a management systems for the management of bulk earthmoving operations and reference will be made to such application. However, the invention may have application in other fields.

BACKGROUND ART

Bulk earthmoving operations typically entail many interrelated operations involving elements such as personnel, machinery and equipment, movement, logistics and the like. For example, mining operations represent a specific example of bulk earthmoving operations. Inefficiencies sometimes arise •because prerequisite tasks have not been performed or completed by the preset time thereby holding up the next task and consequently machinery and equipment may sit idle until the prerequisite task is completed. For example, an unpredicted event may occur which upsets planned operations. Moreover, additional time may be required to reformulate the operational plan.

Such idle time and/or rapid changes in planned operations often have other implications downstream in production work flow which can result in lost time and lost opportunity to optimize production. Similar inefficiencies may occur in other operations, particularly operations for civil works and large construction projects and the invention may have application in such operations.

The present invention aims to provide a management system which alleviates some of the problems and/or inefficiencies present in bulk earthmoving operations. Other aims and advantages of the invention may become apparent from the following description.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing in view, in one aspect the present invention resides broadly in a management system for production including: a computer readable operations plan including a plurality of inter-related operational steps; a set of rules determining the inter-relationship of the operational steps; a plurality of mobile communications devices operatively connected for communication with each other and including input means for inputting information relating to said operational steps; updating means for updating information relevant to one or more of the operational steps of the operations plan via at least some of said input means to create an updated operations plan according to the set of rules; and communication means for sending the updated operations plan to said plurality of mobile communications devices.

The operations plan may be comprised of a plurality of operations sub-plans of differing time period. For example, the sub-plans may formulated for a shift, a week, a month or such like.

The set of rules may be programmed into an operations management program operatively associated with, or incorporated into, the operations plan. The communication means may be in the form of output means operatively associated with the mobile communications devices for outputting the updated computer readable operations plan for receipt by the mobile communications devices.

In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a management system including: a plurality of mobile communications devices operable to communicate with each other; a computer readable operations plan accessible by each of the mobile communications devices, said operations plan including one or more operations steps; input means operatively associated with the mobile communications devices for inputting updating information relevant to the one or more operational steps; an operations management program operatively associated with, or incorporated into, the computer readable operations plan and having a set of rules determining the interrelationship of the operational steps for updating the computer readable operations plan according to the updating information input via the input means; and output means operatively associated with the mobile communications devices for outputting the updated computer readable operations plan for receipt by the mobile communications devices.

In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a method of managing civil operations including: providing a plurality of mobile communications devices operable to communicate with one another; providing an operations plan on said mobile communications devices, said operations plan including one or more operations steps; inputting updating information relevant to the one or more operational steps via one or more mobile communications devices for upload to said storage means; updating the computer readable operations plan according to the completion of the or each of the operational steps; and outputting the updated computer readable operations plan for receipt by the mobile communications devices.

In another aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a method of managing civil operations including: providing a computer readable operations plan including a plurality of inter-related operational steps; providing a set of rules determining the interrelationship of the operational steps; communicating at least some of the computer readable operations plan to a plurality of mobile communications devices operatively connected for communication with each other; updating information relevant to one or more of the operational steps of the operations plan via input means of at least one of the mobile communications devices; creating an updated operations plan according to the set of rules; and sending the updated operations plan to said plurality of mobile communications devices.

Preferably, the computer readable operations plan is implemented in or associated with an operations management program incorporating functionality operable to update the computer readable operations plan according to set of rules defining the inter-relationship of each of the operational steps .

Preferably, the operations computer readable operations plan is tailored for each user of the system. For example, an equipment operator may be provided with access to different parts of the computer readable operations plan from, for example, a supervisor, engineer, maintenance person or truck driver .

Preferably, the operations management program provides a plurality of screens for download to the mobile communications devices. In such form, it is preferred that a main screen is provided having operable links to further screens including, for example, a safety screen for managing safety related operations, a tasks screen for managing tasks allocated to users, an activities screen for managing time-dependent or time-lined activities, a management screen for managing the interrelationship between or among the tasks and/or activities, a production screen for accessing numerical or graphical information relating to production, and a reconciliation screen for reconciling performance against targets. The tasks allocated to users may be of different types, including, for example, operational tasks and maintenance tasks. In such form, the tasks screen preferable includes indicia to distinguish between the types of task when shown on the screen.

Preferably, management screen includes access to functionality which permits tasks or activities to be prioritised. It is also preferred that the management screen includes access to functionality which allocates a prerequisite status for some tasks or activities over others. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, a exemplary embodiment of the present invention relating to open-cut mining operations will now be described with reference to the following drawings, and wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates a screen shot of a main screen for an open-cut mining operations management system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a screen shot of a safety page accessible via a link from the main page of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 illustrates a screen shot of the safety input page accessed from the safety page of Fig. 2 with a drop-down menu for referencing information with a text box for entering information;

Fig. 4 illustrates a screen shot of a task page accessible via a link from the any one of the screen shots of Figs. 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 illustrates a screen shot of a management page accessible via a link from the any one of the screen shots of Figs. 1 to 4;

Fig. 6 illustrates a screen shot of the management input page accessed from the management page of Fig. 5 with drop-down menus for referencing information and with a text box for entering information;

Fig. 7 illustrates a screen shot of an activities page accessible via a link from the any one of the screen shots of Figs. 1 to 6; Fig. 8 illustrates a screen shot of a main production page accessible via a link from the any one of the screen shots of Figs. 1 to 7 ;

Fig. 9 illustrates a screen shot of a swings production page accessible via a link from the any one of the screen shots of Figs. 1 to 8 and showing one of two alternative production charts;

Fig. 10 illustrates a screen shot of a payload production page accessible via a link from the any one of the screen shots of Figs. 1 to 9 and showing the second of two alternative production charts;

Fig. 11 illustrates a screen shot of a reconciliation page accessible via a link from any one of the screen shots of Figs. 1 to 10;

Fig. 12 illustrates a screen shot of a reconciliation plan page accessible via a link from the screen shot of Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 illustrates a screen shot of a reconciliation schedule page accessible via a link from any one of the screen shots of Fig. 11 and 12;

Fig. 14 illustrates screen shot of a priority message appearing on the reconciliation page of Figs. 11 to 1514 and

Fig. 15 is a flow diagram showing production performance for the open-cut mining operations managed by the management system illustrated in Figs. 1 to 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following description of the screen shots illustrating the exemplary embodiment ^' of the invention, reference will be made to drop-down boxes, input forms, radio buttons and the like. It will be appreciated that the alternative input to the management system may be provided, and the form selected would normally be based on the nature of the input required, the space available on display screens and such like.

The open-cut mining operations management system 10 illustrated in the drawings includes a main screen 11 shown in Fig. 1 having elements laid out within the typically rectangular boundaries of the screen. The main screen has a jump bar 12 towards the bottom of the screen having seven jump buttons being a safety jump button 13, a tasks jump button 14, a management jump button 15, an activities jump button 16, a production jump button 17, a reconciliation jump button 18 and a home jump button 19. A main screen window 20 is above the jump bar and provides a rectangular space taking up the majority of the main screen.

There is also provided a title bar 21 along the top portion of the main screen. The title bar has two rows of elements. The upper row has a close button 22 and a minimise button 23 next to the close button on its left, the close and minimise buttons being located at or near the top right corner of the main screen. The title bar includes a date field 24 to the left of the minimise button and a time field 25 to the right of the date field. An owner field 26 is below the time and date fields and substantially aligned therewith in the lower row of the title bar.

A screen title field 27 is provided in the left half of the lower row of the title bar. The screen title field has the word "Home" therein to indicate to the user that the main or home screen is being displayed. An icon field 28 is provided in the upper left corner of the title bar. The icon field may function as a button in such manner as may commonly be found for the icon field of other applications. For example, left clicking over the icon may be programmed to provide the same functionality as right clicking over the blank portions of the title bar. In the form illustrated, the icon field functions as a call function to a call centre. The icon is coloured red when this service is unavailable, and green when available, such as during office hours.

At the right hand end of the lower row of the title bar, an emergency function button 30 is provided that if pushed, will switch to a screen to enter location (dragline) , nature of Emergency, and what is requested.

The title bar appears on all other screens along with the elements hereinbefore described, but for the changes necessitated its appearance on the different screens. The jump bar also appears on all other screens, the jump button for the particular screen being displayed being blacked or greyed out. In Fig. 1, for example, the home jump button is blacked out and either inactivated or operable to refresh the home screen.

In the main screen window, a number of coloured flags 31 are provided alongside their text descriptors 32 to 36. The text descriptors have the words "DL1 entry sign" at 32, "DLl Access Road" at 33, "DL1 to key" at 34, "DL2 to block" at 35 and "DL2 to Key" at 36. The flags are coloured red for safety issues or orange for management issues. The flags and their associated text descriptors are arranged in order of priority, the most important one to the top, as well as appearing by exception. The flags are aligned in a column towards the left of the main screen window, spaced inward from its edge. The text descriptors are aligned horizontally to the right of their corresponding flag. A picture function button 37 is provided to the left of a text descriptor if. a picture, drawing or photograph is available. Four performance information fields shown typically at 38 are also provided aligned in two columns. Two performance information fields are provided in the left column under the flags and to the other two in the right column. On the screen shown, month-to-date figures are provided in the right column.

In the example shown, the month-to-date (M.T.D.) performance is also brought to the user's attention if the figures are under a set target, e.g. Coal uncovered under 15% of planned, or production under 10%. On the bottom left, there are alarms for draglines that are not working, for example, a dragline that has stopped for either unknown delay, operational delay, planned Maintenance delay or unplanned maintenance delay and the time will be a continual running time of the delay.

There is an Emergency function button on the top menu bar, that if pushed, will take the user to a screen to enter location (dragline) , nature of the emergency, and what is requested. Two further telephone contact buttons 39 are provided towards the upper right corner of the main screen window .

The safety page 40 shown in Fig. 2 has the same elements in the task bar and jump bar as described with reference to the home page in respect of Fig. 1. Accordingly, the reference numerals have not been included unless required to describe a different aspect of the screen, thereby avoiding cluttering the drawing. The screen title field has the word "Safety" therein to indicate to the user that the safety page is being displayed. The safety page also includes a safety screen window 41 interposed between the title bar and the jump bar and ^' occupying substantially the same rectangular area as the main screen window. A set of six safety flag buttons 42 are aligned one under the other in a column spaced inward from the left hand edge of the safety screen window. Six corresponding text descriptors 43 to 48 are each set to the right of a corresponding safety flag button. The text descriptors, from top to bottom, have the words "Flag - Access Road" at 43, "Flag - Delineation" at 44, "Flag - Signs" at 45, "Flag - Parking" at 46, "Flag - Geotech" at 47 and "Flag - Other" at 48.

When this screen is displayed. The user may add an event or task by clicking on the safety flag button corresponding to the text descriptor, whereupon an input form #49# will appear next to it for input as shown in particular in Fig. 3. The drop-down box displays a user-defined number of options 50, the user being able to select one. A selected option 51 is highlighted, in the example illustrated, the one having the text "DL2". A text box 52 also appears for input in a similar fashion to that described with reference to Fig. 3.

The task page 55 illustrated in Fig. 4 has the same elements in the task bar and jump bar as described with reference to the home page in respect of Fig. 1, with the exception that the screen title field has the word "Tasks" therein to indicate to the user that the task page is being displayed and the tasks jump button 14 is highlighted. The task page also includes a task screen window 56 interposed between the title bar and the jump bar and occupying substantially the same rectangular area as the main screen window illustrated in Fig. 1. Four prioritisation boxes 57 are aligned in a column inward from the left hand edge of the task screen window. Two are prioritised as an ."A" class at 57a, on a "B" class at 57b and on a "C" class at 57c. Each prioritisation box has a text descriptor 58 to its right, and each text descriptor has a time and date field 59 to its right. A completion button 53 is above the list of prioritisation boxes. The owner of each task is indicated in a task owner column 59e between the text descriptor and the time and date field. The first of the class "A" prioritisation boxes has the text "Replace fire extinguishers of Dre 101" at 58a. The second of the class "A" prioritisation diamonds has the text "Replace fire extinguishers of Dre 102" at 58b. The class "B" prioritisation diamond has the text "Change out cable mat at Dre 103" at 58c. The class "C" prioritisation diamond has the text "Clean ute for service in the morning" at 58d. The corresponding time and date fields are "23/08/2010 09:30" at 59a, "23/08/2010 12:30" at 59b, "23/08/2010 06:00" at 59c and "23/08-2010 14:30" at 59d. By accessing the task page, the user can check what tasks have been allocated and prioritised as an "A" class, "B" class or "C" class for action. It can be seen that the prioritisation of the tasks places safety issues at the highest priority in class "A", mechanical maintenance issues in class "B", and mother maintenance issues at a lesser priority in class "C". These tasks also have an "Required by: timeline" attached to them, and if not done by that time, will be flagged on the main desktop screen.

Once the user has completed the task, he clicks the completion button, and this marks the task as complete in the system. The user that clicks done must be logged as the person that completed the task only for record purposes. All other users of the system may then determine that such tasks have been completed by accessing the system. Provision is also made for attaching a photograph or the like by way of the picture function button at or near the mid-left edge of the task screen window.

The management page 60 illustrated in Fig. 5 has the same elements in the task bar and j.ump bar as described with reference to the home page in respect of Fig. 1, with the exception that the screen title field has the word "Management" therein to indicate to the user that the management page is being displayed and the management jump button 15 is highlighted. The management page also includes a management screen window 61 interposed between the title bar and the jump bar and occupying substantially the same rectangular area as the main screen window illustrated in Fig. 1.

A set of seven management flag buttons 62 are aligned one under the other in a column spaced inward from the left hand edge of the management screen window. The layout and functionality of the management page is similar to that of the safety page. The management flag buttons use the same icons as the safety flag buttons 42 illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. Seven corresponding text descriptors 63a to 63g are each set to the right ^' of a corresponding management flag button. The text descriptors, from top to bottom, have the words "Survey Pegs" at 43a, "Walk" at 63b, "Cable" at 63c, "Dozer" at 63d, "Pad" at 63e, "Planned Maint" at 63f and "Other" at 63g.

When this screen is displayed, the user may add an event or task by clicking on the management flag button corresponding to the text descriptor, whereupon an input form #64# will appear to it for input as shown in particular in Fig. 6. The input form displays four options 65, the user being able to select one of the existing options or add a new one. A highlighted option 66 is selected, in the example illustrated, the one having the text "Change out cable mat at DRE 103g", part of which is obscured by the size of the form field. Further information relevant to the selection is displayed on the management screen window as illustrated in Fig. 6.

On this screen, a time selection drop-down menu 67 provides the user with time selections 68 from set data relating to the issue, there being three time selections shown, but more being available by scrolling up and down using a time selection scroll bar 69 to the right of the time selection drop-down menu. A series of three management prioritisation buttons 70, 71 and 72 are aligned horizontally near the bottom edge of the management screen window and have priority classes "A", "B" and "C" respectively. The management prioritisation buttons are aligned to the left of another picture function button 37 which is also aligned to the left of a "OK" button 73 near the bottom right corner of the management screen window.

The user is required to choose either the "A", "B", or "C" priority function for the management issue selected. The user then has the option of adding a photo to the task or flag. Once the user is satisfied all of the relevant information has been provided on the screen, the "OK" button is pressed to the information to the system. The information so entered will then appear on the main screen as an orange or red flag. The user can also select a type of flag as either a management task of a management flag by way of the management type radio buttons 63a and select or enter a location in a location form 63b, an owner in an owner field form 63c. The activities page 75 illustrated in Fig. 7 has the same elements in the task bar and jump bar as described with reference to the home page in respect of Fig. 1, with the exception that the screen title field has the word "Activities" therein to indicate to the user that the activities page is being displayed and the activities jump button 16 is highlighted. The activities page also includes an activities screen window 74 interposed between the title bar and the jump bar and occupying substantially the same rectangular area as the main screen window illustrated in Fig. 1.

A dropdown box 76a is provided near the top edge of the activities screen window to allow the user to choose an option to view each dragline. A timeline chart 77 is provided below the dropdown box to occupy most of the remaining space in the ■rectangle of the activities screen window. The timeline chart has a number of ordinate references 78 to the left of the ordinate axis of the timeline chart and a series of time references 79 along the abscissa axis of the timeline chart. The user can check what the dragline selected has been up to for the period indicated in the timeline chart. Draglines typically have a dragline monitoring system with telemetry capabilities. In the example shown, the activities of the dragline designated "DL1" are shown over a 23-hour period. This graph is typically updated at 30-minute intervals with data from the dragline monitoring system.

A current time line 80 on the graph indicates the current time or position on the shift. The user has the option of choosing anyone of the selection buttons above the graph to check any of the draglines programmed into the system.

The main production chart 81 illustrated in Fig. 8 has the same elements in the task bar and jump bar as described with reference to the home page in respect of Fig. 1, with the exception that the screen title field has the words "Production" therein to indicate to the user that the main production page is being displayed and the production jump button 17 is highlighted. The main production page also includes a main production screen window 82 interposed between the title bar and the jump bar and occupying substantially the same rectangular area as the main screen window illustrated in Fig. 1. The same dropdown box 76a is provided in the activities page illustrated in Fig. 7 is also provided in the main production page in substantially the same location in the main production screen window of Fig. 8. A production graph 83 is provided below the selection buttons to the left of two category selection buttons, one marked "Swings" at 86 and the other marked "Payload" at 87.

The user has the option of choosing any one of the buttons above the graph to check the production of the dragline corresponding thereto. In the example illustrated, the dragline "DL1" is selected. The user can check what the chosen dragline has been up to for the 12 hour shift period as indicated by the time markings 89 along the abscissa of the production graph against the production quantity indicated by the production quantity 88 along the ordinate axis of the graph.

This graph would typically be updated every 15 minute intervals from data received from the dragline monitoring system for the selected dragline. The current time line on the graph indicates the current time or position on the shift. The solid line 84 depicts the targeted progressive bank cubic metres (BC 's) required for the shift. The dotted line 85 illustrates the actual volume moved for the current shift progressively. The user may click on one of the two category selection buttons on the right of the screen whereupon one of the secondary production screens is displayed as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. The swings production page 90 illustrated in Fig. 9 is similar to the main production page illustrated in Fig. 8. Additionally, the production chart is replaced by a swings chart 91 which has the same time markings as the production chart, but the ordinate axis has the swing count at 92 so that the solid line indicates the target number of swings and the dashed line 85 indicates the actual number of swings. The current time line 80 is also provided in substantially the same fashion as with the production chart described with reference to Fig. 8. Also, the screen title field 27 has the words "Production" to indicate to the user that one of the secondary production screens is being displayed.

The swings graph is typically updated at 15-minute intervals from the data on the dragline monitoring system. Also, at the bottom right hand side of the graph, there will be a variance figure 80a is shown. If the variance is greater than 10% from the target, this will flag onto the main screen.

The payload production page 94 illustrated in Fig. 10 is similar to the swings production page illustrated in Fig. 9, with the exception that the swings chart is replaced by a payload chart 95. The payload chart has the same time markings as the swings chart and production chart, but the ordinate axis has the payload quantity in tonnes at 96, whereby the solid line indicates the target payload and the dashed line indicates the actual payload for the selected dragline. The current time line 80 is also provided in substantially the same fashion as with the swings chart described with reference to Fig. 9. The payload graph is typically updated at 15-minute intervals with data received from the dragline monitoring system. The current time line is provided in substantially the same fashion as for the swings production chart. The solid line indicates the target payload required for the shift. The dotted line indicates the actual payload achieved for the current shift, and a trend line 84a for the shift is also shown as lighter solid line. The information for the payload is obtained from data received from the dragline monitoring system and is the tons recorded multiplied by a specific gravity of 2.2. The variance figure 80a is shown in similar fashion to the swings production page. If the variance is greater than 10% from the target, this will flag onto the main screen .

The reconciliation page 100 illustrated in Fig. 11 has the same elements in the task bar and jump bar as described with reference to the home page in respect of Fig. 1, with the exception that the screen title field has the (shortened) word "Reconc" therein to indicate to the user that the reconciliation page is being displayed and the reconciliation jump button 17 is highlighted. The reconciliation page also includes a reconciliation screen window 101 interposed between the title bar and the jump bar and occupying substantially the same rectangular area as the main screen window illustrated in Fig. 1.

The same dropdown box 76a provided in the activities page illustrated in Fig. 7 is also provided in the reconciliation page in substantially the same location in the reconciliation screen window of Fig. 11. A reconciliation chart 102 is provided below the selection buttons having left-hand ordinate values at 107 in linear metres along the left side of the reconciliation chart, right hand ordinate values in percentage of coal uncovered at 108 along the right side of the reconciliation chart and abscissa values at 109 in days along the lower edge of the reconciliation chart. Three extra information buttons are aligned column-wise to the right of the reconciliation chart, the upper one labelled "Dig Plan" at 104, the middle one labelled "Schedule" at 105 and the lower one labelled "Priority" at 106.

The user can select a dragline to check from the dropdown box 76a. Once a dragline has been selected, the user can check what the selected dragline has been up to for the month-to- date on the reconciliation chart. The reconciliation chart is updated every day, at a set time from the data received from the dragline monitoring system. The graph drawn on the reconciliation chart shows, the linear meters mined against a target, the volume moved in thousands of bank cubic metres (BCM's), and coal uncovered against a target.

A linear advance target line 111 is shown as the lower of two straight sloping line in the reconciliation chart. The targeted progressive linear advance is provided by technical experts and input to the system to provide the linear advance target line being. An actual linear advance line 112 is shown as a non-linear solid line close by the linear target advance line. The actual linear advance line is generated from information provided by global positioning satellite (GPS) information for the dragline.

A progressive volume target line 110 is shown as the upper one of two straight sloping lines in the reconciliation chart. The progressive volume moved is measured in thousands of BCM's. An actual progressive volume line 113 is shown as a dashed non-linear line measuring the actual progressive volume moved according to information retrieved from the dragline monitoring system. An actual coal exposed line 115 is shown as a dotted- connected line measuring actual coal exposed against the targeted coal exposure. The targeted coal exposure is represented by a horizontal targeted coal exposure line 114. The targeted coal exposure is worked out mathematically from the advance of the dragline and volume moved of coal moved.

The reconciliation plan page 116 illustrated in Fig. 12 is similar to the reconciliation page illustrated in Fig. 11, and is displayed when a user clicks on the "Dig Plan" extra information button illustrated in Fig. 11. The extra information buttons are displayed in the reconciliation screen window in the same location as the reconciliation page, but the "Dig Plan" extra information button is darkened. Additionally, the selection buttons are replaced by a single selected dragline key 93 in the same location as the dropdown box for the particular dragline selected in similar fashion as illustrated and described with reference to Fig. 9.

The user has already selected the dragline to check from the main reconciliation screen. On the reconciliation plan page illustrated in Fig. 12, the user can view what uploaded dig plan the selected dragline has been given for the month. The information is uploaded by the technical department. The information includes a satellite or aerial image 117 of the site in the lower left corner of the reconciliation screen window. The aerial image is overlaid with a phantom grid 118 which may be used to plan the mining of a coal seam.

Arrows 119 and 120 point to a job table 122 and a dual coal seam diagram 121 respectively. The coal seam diagram provides a diagrammatic representation of the coal seam to be mined. A job statistics box 123 is provided in the lower right hand corner of that portion of the reconciliation screen window to the left of the extra information buttons. A personnel and date box 124 is provided in the upper right hand corner of that portion of the reconciliation screen window to the left of the extra information buttons. The coal seam diagrams, job table, job statistics box and personnel and date box are oriented with the top to the left of the screen, the user rotating their mobile device through a 90° clockwise turn to view the information the right way up.

The reconciliation schedule page 125 illustrated in Fig. 13 is similar to the reconciliation page illustrated in Fig. 11, and is displayed when a user clicks on the "Schedule" extra information button illustrated in Fig. 11 or Fig. 12. The extra information buttons are displayed in the reconciliation screen window in the same location as the reconciliation page, but the "Schedule" extra information button is darkened. Additionally, the dropdown box is replaced by a single selected dragline key 93 in the same location as the selection button for the particular dragline selected in similar fashion as illustrated and described with reference to Fig. 9.

The reconciliation screen window includes a schedule diagram 126 for the selected dragline occupying most of the area to the left of the extra information buttons and below the selected dragline key. The schedule diagram includes a photographic plan view 127 of the site in the upper portion and a task list 128 below the photographic plan view taking up most of the remaining area of the schedule diagram. Five text balloons shown typically at 129 have descriptive text in them and point to the location on the photographic plan view relevant to the descriptive text. The text balloons point to diagrammatic images overlaying the photographic plan view. A legend 130 is provided in the lower right hand corner of the photographic plan view for referencing the diagrammatic images . The information in the schedule diagram is for the next period of 1 to 3 months. This information for this page is uploaded by the technical department. On the right hand side of the schedule diagram, the user can click on anyone of the other two extra information buttons to view the Dig Plan and Priority .

The priority message 131 illustrated in Fig. 14 includes a bold lettering text box 132 in the centre of the space remaining in the reconciliation screen window below the selection buttons and to the left of the extra information buttons and is displayed when a user clicks on the "Priority" extra information button illustrated in Figs. 11, 12 and 13. The extra information buttons are displayed in the reconciliation screen window in the same location as the reconciliation page, but the "Priority" extra information button is darkened. Additionally, the draglines appear in a message tree which may be expanded out to show a priority message 132. The priority message page permits the productivity and Activity data from the dragline monitoring system to be entered. The system includes the ability to insert targets, upload plans etc., a function to revert back to the main screen in a set time frame.

The flow diagram 133 illustrated in Fig. 15 shows the typical test flow paths which may be followed in analysing a mining operation based on the volume of material moved. A target volume challenge 135 may be answered in the positive, whereupon the logical path follows through to a linear advance test. This in turn may be answered in the positive, whereupon the test flowpath proceeds to conclude that the operation was efficient and effective at 137.

If the target volume challenge is answered in negative, performance of the payload is checked, and required by a negative answer, the priority is to fix the payload at 139. Otherwise, the analysis proceeds through further tests for the number of cycles, the digging time, whether there were operating delays and whether there were maintenance delays. Each test has its priority action to be performed upon failure of the test. The digging time test proceeds to an analysis of the swing, fill and return performance of the dragline at 141. If there are operational delays, an analysis may be made as to the cause of same at 143. Similarly, if there have been maintenance delayed, an investigation may be conducted to determine why idle or standby is high at 145.

If the linear advance was not done, the analysis proceeds to a digging plan challenge 147. If the digging plan was not followed, a further test is made as to whether the digging plan is wrong at 149, which provide a priority action to get operations to follow the digging plan at 152 or to fix the digging plan at 153. If the digging plan was followed or if the payload challenge and number of cycles were answered in the positive, the analysis proceeds to a mine plan challenge at 148. This challenge results in either the geologic model being fixed at 150 or the mine plan being fixed at 151.

For optimum operability of the management system in accordance with the present invention, the portable device should have a sliding function and a zoom function. Additionally, selected information is be displayed on the a screen in a muster centre, crib room, deployment centre or such like. Security and protection protocols for storage and transmission of data is incorporated as well as recording entries and meta data associated therewith, such as user, time and date information. In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to a hypothetical example of the management system of the present invention in use. In the examples, a mine has three draglines designated dragline 101, dragline 102 and dragline 103.

The mine has ten mobile devices programmed with the software to run the management system in accordance with the invention, one in each of the dragline cabins, one for each of four shift supervisors, one for the mine superintendent and one each for the maintenance supervisor and maintenance superintendent. Additionally, a touch screen is set up in the crew muster or deployment area. Two shifts run from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.

EXAMPLE 1

The shift starts at 06:00am, and all crew are deployed to their draglines and ancillary equipment. The shift supervisor goes into his daily morning production meeting with all the other supervisors, superintendents and mine manager, and the meeting runs from 07:00am to 09:00am. During this meeting, Dragline 103 has encountered a major safety issue, and the dragline operator has flagged a "Geotechnical Hazard" on the "Safety" tab of the system, as the highwall has started to crack and fall.

Because this is a safety issue it automatically is Red flagged. It alerts all users of the mobile devices, and is shown on the main screen of the fixed touch screen unit. Due to this, the supervisor, superintendent and mine manager can immediately postpone the meeting and take corrective action.

The supervisor barricades off the area, and saves potential injuries etc. Then he signs off the flag on the system. This would not have been actioned so quickly given the nature of the meeting, and that such meetings often over runs its time allocation.

EXAMPLE 2 The shift starts at 06:00am, and all crew are deployed to their draglines and ancillary equipment. It is now 09:30am and the shift supervisor has finished with his daily morning production meeting with all the other supervisors, superintendents and mine manager. On his way to his Ute to go into the field and do his observations, the hand held device alerts him that dragline 102, was due to have a cable added in and this has not happened. An Orange flag is now evident on the main screen.

The shift supervisor contacts dragline 103, and finds out that they have been trying to contact the reticulation electricians for the last hour, but they are not available. If this cable is not added soon, the dragline will not be able to move into a new position, as they will not have enough cable to do the repositioning. The shift supervisor, drives over to the cable yard, and finds out that they are all in a meeting discussing hot water issues at the change house, and have their radios off. The shift supervisor tells them the issue, and they agree to go out and add in the cable. EXAMPLE 3

Say at 1:30 pm the shift supervisor has visited 2 of the 3 draglines, and has been called by the Superintendent to come back to the office to attend a presentation by the accountants regarding the budget cuts and profit and loss statement for the month. The shift supervisor drives back to the office, and attends the meeting. This meeting lasts for 3 hours, and is a long meeting. While the shift supervisor is in the meeting, he keeps on checking his hand held device to keep up to date with the draglines performance. On the home screen, he is alerted that Dragline 101 is 14% down on productivity and receives an Orange flag.

On receiving this flag, the shift supervisor goes into the Production tab, and checks what is happening to the dragline productivity, whereupon he can see that the dragline started losing productivity from 01:00 pm to around 02:15 pm, and again from 03:45pm till now. The shift supervisor decides to excuse himself from the meeting to find out what is the story, and finds out that the machine has been standing with no power from 03:45pm till now 04:45pm, and no one can be contacted as all are in the meeting. The shift supervisor can and does now address this issue.

EXAMPLE 4

On day 12 of the month, the Superintendent became aware of Dragline 101 not exposing the coal as per the targeted exposure rate. While checking the reconciliation page, he notices that the dragline advance was slowing down; however the dragline was moving more material that planned.

Because the management system of the invention alerted the Superintendent, he and Supervisor were able to pro- actively rectify the situation by moving a dozer fleet to the dragline to push away the blast swell, and let the dragline focus on moving the planned prime material. By day 20, of the month, the coal exposure was up close to target, and the advance was close to target. The rehandle volume was also down due to the dragline moving the right material. EXAMPLE 5 The superintendent is on a course in a regional centre and is off site for the day. While off site, the superintendent gets a flag on his mobile device advising him that dragline 101 is behind on its productivity. Because he is off site, the Superintendent has a few options to see what is going on, but due to limited time, he goes straight to the reconciliation screen, and clicks on the priority button. This tells him that the dragline 101 is not achieving its targeted payload, and something needs to be done. He can then send a message or call the supervisor to proactively action the problem, .

Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific example, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in other forms within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth and defined by the following claims.