Latest news with #Kowalchuk
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is mining ready for cloud-based fleet management systems?
Since the 1990s, fleet management systems (FMS) have enjoyed ceaseless innovation, from infrared beacons to ever more agile, smaller sensors. The advent of automation, cloud computing, data analytics and AI – perhaps some of the biggest developments of modern times – are ushering in an era of improved safety and enhanced operational efficiency with the likes of real-time optimisation and predictive maintenance among their capabilities. 'Connectivity via the IoT [Internet of Things] provides precise monitoring capabilities, while integration across systems ensures seamless communication and improved efficiency,' says Jarym Kowalchuk, Hexagon's head of product, load and haul. Other relatively recent developments are fatigue management and collision avoidance systems (CAS), which are now increasingly common despite still being seen as emerging technologies just five to seven years ago, according to Kowalchuk. 'CAS is in the main adoption phase now in mining, and at numerous sites today entry is not permitted unless you are in one of the operation's vehicles with CAS fitted,' he claims. These technologies have huge value – making mines safer and more efficient than ever before. However, they come with additional hardware and sensors – a prospect that Hexagon is finding customers are less keen on. Responding to their wishes to declutter, the company says it is removing duplicate hardware where it can; for example, by combining its operator alertness system with CAS, when customers are comfortable to do so. That desire to rationalise stretches to on-site infrastructure too. Touted as revolutionary, taking FMS into the cloud-based domain is a goal that many mine owner/operators and the supply chain are striving to achieve. By reducing the need for physical infrastructure and IT maintenance, cloud-based FMS provide scalability and cost-effectiveness. 'They enable remote access and real-time data processing, enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making. They also help cultivate collaboration via centralised data and support integration with other cloud services,' says Kowalchuk. He stresses the importance of collaboration between mines and suppliers when embarking on that journey. This is critical in ensuring that the reliability and security of data and production systems are not compromised. 'Many smaller mine operators, particularly those that use scaled down or 'lite' versions of FMS, are moving directly to the cloud for their deployments,' he says, which is why support from experts is crucial. In contrast, larger, more complex operations requiring a comprehensive, feature-rich solution should move to the cloud in stages. 'For these operations it would be unacceptable for the FMS to become temporarily unavailable because of latency issues or lost connection with the cloud.' Instead, Kowalchuk encourages larger mining operations to take their cloud transition 'one step at a time'; for example, using it for data analytics first, then identifying the services cloud can next deliver. Will Batty, Geotab's APAC associate vice-president of business development, says that adopting cloud-based fleet management in mining is 'a strategic move' that requires clear goals and cross-functional planning from the outset, and a strong integration process. 'Choosing a platform is just the start; success depends on how well it is implemented, supported and aligned with business needs,' he advises. Taking a mine's FMS to the cloud can be a complex process, with two – but not exclusively – key elements that are particularly demanding: integration and connectivity. Integration is a challenge due to existing, local (on-site) systems that may comprise older technologies. If these considerations are addressed properly, the transition to cloud-based FMS offers considerable physical benefits including decluttering the mine and even individual vehicle cabs, making installation easier with far less cabling. Connectivity is also an 'important consideration', according to Kowalchuk. In Australia, where mines are often remote and hard to access – both physically and conceptually – connectivity is already an obstacle. So, reducing local hardware to instead rely on cloud-based platforms can be fraught with risk. This is something Batty is particularly aware of. 'Connectivity is one of the most critical elements in mining fleet management,' he says, 'especially in remote Australia where lack of network coverage can directly impact safety, compliance and operational visibility.' Telematics, which Geotab specialises in, are now not just a 'nice to have', they are a critical part of modern mining operations – and not just for tracking vehicles. 'What began as basic GPS tracking has evolved into a powerful data platform that touches nearly every part of an organisation... It is an essential tool that enables mining operations to stay competitive, compliant and safe in one of the world's most challenging operating environments,' says Batty. As mines become more digital with the likes of telematics, CAS and other capabilities, it puts greater bandwidth pressure on the network. For example, nearly all mines using an autonomous haulage system are using an LTE or 4G network. 'As FMS become more capable, they are often used together with CAS, fatigue management and other technologies, which places demands on the network to run effectively,' explains Kowalchuk. Hexagon is not alone in recognising the dangers posed by poor connection in an industry where safety is paramount and data is fast becoming a vital commodity. 'In telematics, when the signal drops, so does your real-time visibility,' Batty says. 'For vehicles operating in remote regions where network coverage is inconsistent or unavailable, this can pose a significant safety risk to drivers and create operational blind spots for site managers.' Having the ability to store and then upload data and to track vehicle location without network access are technologies that will likely usher in the adoption of the 'hybrid cloud'. As its name suggests, the hybrid cloud employs a mix of local storage with private and public cloud platforms, offering greater efficiency, easier cross-platform integration and enhanced security features. Saurabh Daga, project manager at GlobalData, says the rapid evolution of cloud computing, particularly hybrid and multi-cloud models, allows organisations to scale quickly and address the complexities of today's digital landscape. 'Consequently, there is a fundamental shift in how businesses leverage cloud technologies to optimise performance and reduce operational costs.' Mining companies considering cloud-based platforms should first clearly identify the specific operational problems they face and the required system functionalities, then engage with experienced technology partners, says Kowalchuk. 'Scalability is important to accommodate future operational growth, along with an evaluation of data protection measures and regulatory compliance for security,' he continues. Batty stresses another area that may sometimes be overlooked but is often critical to successful adoption: training. 'As more mining businesses adopt connected platforms… It is not just about putting technology in place, it is about ensuring the people using it are equipped to unlock its full value,' he says. Mining operations need to ensure staff understand how to use technologies like telematics platforms, how to interpret vehicle and driver data, and how to make informed decisions that support safety, efficiency and compliance. Without the right skills, Batty warns, return on investment can be severely limited. 'The mining operations that are successful in implementing technology are those that invest equally in people and platforms, enabling their teams to grow with the technology and extract the full value of digital transformation,' he says. With a new era of FMS upon us, Kowalchuk notes that more advanced sensors, radar, onboard intelligence, telematics and edge computing mean that mines can start to move away from that traditional model based on the centralised management of fleet because 'you now have more smarts and intelligence on the machine itself'. Cloud-based FMS are becoming increasingly utilised, heralding significant advantages – but can mines implement them to gain the greatest benefit and address the integration and connectivity concerns? The simple answer is they can, but the approach needs to be one where all parties, both at the mine and in the supply chain, leverage their knowledge. As unique as every mine and its environment is, so too is its migration to the cloud. Using a mix of on-site storage and a hybrid cloud solution can deliver greater cost-efficiencies, improved mine safety, enhanced data security and elevated data insights. This means that although the move to cloud-based fleet management is a complex one, the journey is worth taking. "Is mining ready for cloud-based fleet management systems?" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
CBC
07-03-2025
- CBC
Edmonton man handed consecutive prison terms for possessing child pornography, luring
Social Sharing A man caught with hundreds of child sexual abuse images on his cellphone was sentenced Thursday, with an Edmonton judge handing down consecutive sentences for three offences. Aarron Kowalchuk, who is in his mid-30s, pleaded guilty last year to making sexually explicit materials available to a child, child luring and possessing child pornography. He admitted that he exchanged messages about sex with a 15-year-old boy and an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Court of King's Bench Justice Lynn Michele Angotti sentenced Kowalchuk Thursday to more than four years in prison. He's been in custody at the Edmonton Remand Centre (ERC) since June 2023. He has about a year and a half left to serve after enhanced credit for time already spent behind bars, plus three months of credit Angotti applied, recognizing more onerous conditions Kowalchuk faced as a mitigating factor. The judge underlined the gravity of Kowalchuk's crimes in her decision. Court heard that a sample of the images in his collection showed children, some as young as toddlers, in degrading and sexualized poses. "I agree with the Crown: Those who possess child pornography share accountability for the hands-on sexual abuse and its devastating impact," Angotti said. "There are no words, not vile, filth or disgusting, that can describe how despicable child pornography is." She also referred to a victim impact statement from the mother of a teen boy Kowalchuk communicated with, saying it was a violation that robbed the family of their sense of safety in their own community. Judge finds 'troubling' parts of time in ERC custody Defence lawyer Rory Ziv argued that proceedings against Kowalchuk should be stayed because conditions in the remand centre violated his Charter rights. Kowalchuk took the stand in January and gave evidence about a diary he kept in jail, noting periods where he said he was "thrown in solitary" and days where he was allowed out of his cell for just 30 minutes, or not at all. Shortly after going to jail, Kowalchuk's name and charges were publicly reported, and he was put into administrative segregation. That meant being placed on higher security unit with no access to the outdoors — just a "fresh air room" with a window and an exercise bike, where inmates get rotating access for an hour of exercise per day. ERC director of programs Ian Lalonde testified that Kowalchuk needed a more secure placement because inmates charged with sexual offences, especially against children, are "at extreme risk of harm from other inmates. "In the pecking order, they're right down near the bottom, if not the bottom," he said. Lalonde gave evidence that although there were some days Kowalchuk couldn't leave his cell because of operational issues, he was later housed with a group of inmates, and he had more exercise time and "meaningful social contact." Angotti found that remand centre documentation shows he was typically allowed out of his cell longer than he recorded, and there were valid reasons for times he couldn't leave. But the judge said parts of his time in custody are "troubling." She noted that Kowalchuk submitted a written complaint about another inmate assaulting him with a "urine bomb" thrown onto him, and ERC staff responded that the video didn't show the incident. Lalonde testified that when he reviewed the video before a January court date, he saw that it did, in fact, take place as Kowalchuk described. Angotti said there's no evidence that there's been an investigation of the staff involved. "There is no [Charter] breach. ...This does not mean there are not some concerning issues raised about operations at the Edmonton Remand Centre." Ziv said he's pleased with that acknowledgement. "She did give my client credit for harsh conditions," he said. "Specifically, she called out the Edmonton Remand Centre in this case. There was a failure to document, there was a failure to properly orient my client to conditions at the Edmonton Remand Centre when he first arrived there, and the failure to investigate." Kowalchuk will be restricted from going to places where children may be present after he gets out of custody, and he'll be on the sex offender registry for the rest of his life.
CBC
15-02-2025
- CBC
Crown seeks 4½ years in prison for man who pleaded guilty in child porn case
Lawyers presented their sentencing arguments Friday for Aarron Kowalchuk, a 35-year-old man who pleaded guilty in June to making child pornography and luring. In the Court of King's Bench in Edmonton, Crown prosecutor Jonathan Avey argued for a 4½-year prison sentence, citing multiple aggravating factors including the young age of the children, the volume of images and the severity of abuse. Kowalchuk's defence lawyer, Rory Ziv, is seeking a sentence of 2½ years, with 47½ months — just shy of four years — credit, meaning his client would avoid additional in custody. "It turns my stomach to think of viewing those things, but I think for the process, I'm going to have to deal with that," said Justice Lynn Michele Angotti, before calling a recess to view hundreds of items depicting child sexual abuse that was found on Kowalchuk's phone. Alberta's Internet Child Exploitation unit, which is part of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), arrested and charged Kowalchuk on Feb. 16, 2023. In addition to the sexual abuse material on his phone, court heard Kowalchuk, 35, had dated a 13-year-old and told a 15-year-old in an online chat that he had had sex with two minors. Then, in November 2022, Kowalchuk had exchanged messages with an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year old girl. On Thursday, Kowalchuk told Angotti that he is remorseful and apologized to the victims and their families. On Friday, Ziv's argument for a lighter sentence cited entries in Kowalchuk's diary, which alleged harsh treatment by guards and long periods in administrative or restricted segregation, where he was often denied the minimum time required out of his cell. Avey, however, argued that records from the Edmonton Remand Centre showed, out of Kowalchuk's 604 days there, there were only seven during which he was denied his allotted out-of-cell time — and that it was due to operational issues. The prosecutor also pointed to testimony from Curtis Miller, a guard in Kowalchuk's unit who described him as quiet and said he couldn't recall ever having an issue with him. Ziv agreed that Kowalchuk's moral responsibility is high, but noted he had no previous criminal record and has been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The Crown has challenged that diagnosis.
