Industrial technology firm ABB has updated the predictive analytics capability of its optimisation software for hoists, saying this will improve operational analysis.

ABB said new features in the update, called ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists 3.1, include new KPI settings and an upgraded digital service that enables condition-based maintenance.

Examples of the new KPIs that can be set include hoist availability, hoist cycle statistics, EMS statistics, brake caliper spring operation times and accumulator pre-charge pressure.

"ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists is a key solution and service for harnessing digitalization for optimum condition health, safety, productivity and to support the remote operation of mine hoists. This latest version creates an even more cyber secure bridge between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) for mine hoist customers. It is an improved product, offering better insights with more KPIs and enables faster response to failure detection through mail notifications," said Bengt Hedlund, Global Service Manager Hoisting at ABB.

"As the industry looks to make operations more environmentally sustainable, digital services which support remote operation, such ABB Ability Performance Optimization for hoists, can also play a major role in reducing CO₂ emissions and removing the need for on-site service maintenance visits."

The update follows an earlier upgrade in March 2021 that featured a built-in connection between a customer's mine hoists and ABB experts located remotely in the company's Collaborative Operations Centers.