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Mining company cuts risks and costs

Murray & Roberts implements access and time management across all operations.

An overhaul of access management throughout its operations was instigated by Murray and Roberts Cementation, which worked with Stanley Security Solutions to plan and enhance security, safety and payroll management.

Existing systems at the company’s 28 sites handled time and attendance through a spreadsheet template, an old TDS system or manual clock cards, but lacked the capability to control and monitor access. There was no centralised control or reporting across the systems and the absence of access control exposed risks in terms of both general security and safety compliances.

These issues were addressed by designing and installing a Web-based WAN solution linked to the Murray and Roberts data centre where access and attendance are managed on Stanley’s BESTime and BESAccess software packages. Attendance information is integrated with the payroll system to accelerate and streamline payment processes.

Since the solution spans several areas of operation responsibilities, Stanley worked closely with Murray and Roberts’ HR, IT and security teams to configure the solution and manage its installation and introduction.

On-site identification of authorised personnel is handled by over 240 Morpho fingerprint scanners. These are mainly OMA520 scanners which are IP65 rated and suited for use in harsh environments. Personnel are enrolled on Morpho MSO 300 scanners situated across the various sites and six portable Morpho scanners are used at sites where there is a need for mobile identification of employees.

Clinton Shanley of Stanley says, “Morpho scanners were chosen because of their proven performance in terms of accuracy, speed and convenience in mining environments. They eliminate the recurring losses caused by access cards that are regularly lost, damaged and shared.”

Shanley stresses the importance of knowing with certainty who is where on site: “One function of the solution at Murray & Roberts is to double-check for clearance before underground blasting.”

Depending on operational requirements, some sites are equipped with time and attendance stations and others with a combination of T&A and access control. Information from these stations is fed back to the BESTime and BESAccess software packages at the data centre. The Kroondal and Marikana campuses also make use of Mifare cards where the need for fingerprint and visual identification is essential.

A flexible solution

In addition to reinforcing on-site security, improving safety measures and providing accurate payroll data, the solution also controls the times at which personnel are allowed to access specific locations.

Shanley says the project evolves as new requirements are identified and new sites become operational: “We are constantly exploring ways to add more value to the system. A new development is to incorporate the manning boards into the solution as all the data is already inside our software. This will be done using 52-inch LCD touch screens with real-time updating on employee’s status. The main function is to be able to view the gangs and their makeup and see that a shift has its full complement for going underground.”

Fact fileM

Sector: Mining

Scale of project: Enterprise across 28 sites

Key elements: Stanley hardware and software with Morpho fingerprint scanners

Benefits: Security, OHS compliance, time & attendance with payroll integration, access control, activity-based costing.

Solution supplier: Access control, time & attendance, CCTV, public address, fire detection; Clinton Shanley, Stanley Security Solutions, +27 (0)83 320 9156, [email protected]

Client details

Company: Murray & Roberts Cementation

Contact person: Jacques Schoeman

Business sector: Mining

Tel: +27 (0)11 201 5000

E-mail: [email protected]

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