Data-driven quarry operations have remarkably transformed Hallett Group, a leading operator in concrete and quarrying across South Australia, at its Turo quarry through a strategic partnership with CJD Equipment and Volvo Site Solutions. This collaboration has enhanced efficiency and productivity while significantly improving safety at one of the region’s premier hard rock quarries.
Mark Pickard, Managing Director of Hallett Group, emphasises the significance of this partnership: “This Turo site was added to the quarry stable in 2018. This is, without doubt, one of the best hard rock and hardest rock quarries in South Australia.”
A New Era in data-driven quarry operations with Volvo Site Solutions
Since acquiring the Turo site in 2018, Hallett Group quickly established it as a leading operation. However, the quarry’s remote location presented unique challenges that called for a more intelligent approach to site management. Hallett adopted Volvo Site Solutions, known for its comprehensive, data-driven strategy to streamline operations. This decision allowed the company to tackle the complexities of quarry management by capturing and analysing operational data to develop customised solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Turo site.
Central to Volvo Site Solutions is the Connected Map platform — a data-driven solution tool offering real-time visualisation of all site activities. This cutting-edge technology gives site managers a comprehensive overview of vehicles, equipment, and personnel, enabling remote monitoring and quick adjustments to site guidelines. The platform also facilitates the coordination of projects across multiple locations through a single interface, ensuring smooth communication and maximising resource utilisation.
Mark Pickard, Managing Director, recognised early that traditional operations were no longer enough. “One of the main reasons we chose Volvo was their connected map technology,” he explains. The Connected Map platform provides real-time visualisation of site activities, enabling managers to:
- Monitor equipment performance instantly
- Track material movement with precision
- Create dynamic safety zones
- Optimise route planning
- Reduce operational costs
A Strategic Choice for Hallett Group
The partnership with Volvo was a natural progression for Hallett Group, underpinned by a longstanding relationship with CJD Equipment spanning over two decades. Volvo’s reputation for durability and performance was established at the site, and a Volvo 460B excavator purchased at the outset is still in operation today. Beyond the reliability of its machinery, the opportunity to incorporate Volvo’s advanced excavators, front-end loaders, and digital solutions was a key factor in the decision.
The implementation of Connected Map technology has proved transformative for Turo quarry. Managers now have the tools to monitor real-time activities, adjust routes, and establish safety zones remotely. This comprehensive approach to site management has led to increased productivity, lower operational costs, and a safer working environment.
Optimising Through Data-Driven Quarry Operations
Volvo’s data-driven approach to productivity services provides Hallett Group with a robust toolset for optimising operations. The system continuously captures data on material movement, machine usage, and site activity, enabling detailed analysis to inform decision-making. This information is displayed through performance indicators on a visual dashboard, allowing both on-site managers and remote supervisors to track progress towards production targets and make informed adjustments.
Pickard highlights the importance of this technology: “One of the main reasons why we chose Volvo for this semi-remote site was their connected map technology.”
Transformative Insights – Data-Driven Quarry Operations
Volvo’s Site Solutions transform raw data into actionable intelligence. The Performance Indicator feature allows site managers to:
- Visualise operations through easy-to-create dashboards
- Assess production tracking in real-time
- Identify potential operational issues before they escalate
- Make data-informed decisions quickly
Furthermore, Volvo Co-Pilot technology equips each machine at the quarry with the capability to set goals, monitor progress, and collaborate more effectively with the team. The site solutions are brand-agnostic, meaning they can be used across different types of machinery, regardless of the manufacturer. This integration ensures operators work towards shared objectives, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement throughout their fleet.
Putting Safety First
Safety is paramount in quarry operations, and Volvo’s commitment is evident in several innovative features. The Connected Map technology allows for the creation of restricted zones anywhere on-site, providing real-time alerts for approaching traffic and managing one-way road access. Additionally, a visitor app enhances site security by ensuring that all personnel and visitors are always accounted for. These measures reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to a more structured and controlled site environment.
“More specifically, it was the individual monitoring of each item of plant and the operator and the performance of that operator on those items of plant,” Pickard explains. “It has allowed us to be able to, in real-time, understand where that equipment is on-site, what its performance and operating efficiencies have been – better than any other manufacturer that’s out there in the marketplace.”
Building a Partnership Based on Evolution
Hallett Group values Volvo’s responsiveness and commitment to understanding the specific needs of quarry operators. The collaborative efforts with CJD Equipment have enabled continuous system refinement, ensuring that Turo Quarry remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry. The evolution of these solutions has been instrumental in maintaining high productivity and efficiency standards.
Committed to a Sustainable Future – Volvo’s Data-Driven Quarry Operations
In the future, the partnership between Hallett Group, Volvo, and CJD Equipment is committed to promoting sustainable growth in the quarrying industry. The collaboration focuses on reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency, setting an example for using innovative technology to achieve sustainability goals. The continuous development of data-driven solutions shows the potential for more intelligent, environmentally friendly operations in the sector.
In conclusion, the transformation at Hallett Group’s Turo quarry illustrates the profound impact that innovative technology and strategic partnerships can have on the quarrying industry. By adopting Volvo Site Solutions’ advanced tools like Connected Map and Co-Pilot, Hallett Group has overcome the challenges of its remote location while significantly enhancing productivity, efficiency, and safety. The enduring partnership with CJD Equipment and Volvo has provided dependable machinery and practical solutions and fostered a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability.
“One thing that Volvo has done is listen and understand what we need as a quarry operator in managing our plant and fleet on-site”. Pickard adds, “The backup support from Warren and through CJD has allowed us to implement that system as efficiently and productively as possible on this site and its evolution. What we do today will hopefully be very different from what we do tomorrow, and that’s the confidence I have in Volvo in being able to listen to us and then implement these micro changes that we need to make on this site and others to be as efficient and as productive as possible“.
The Hallett Group’s experience demonstrates that adopting data-driven, customized solutions can optimize operations and establish new industry standards. This collaboration lays the foundation for a more intelligent, safer, and sustainable approach to quarry management. It shows that even the most traditional industries can change significantly with the appropriate tools and knowledge.
Sustainable Efficiency Meets Technology
By implementing Volvo Site Solutions, Hallett Group achieved remarkable outcomes:
- Enhanced site safety
- Improved equipment utilisation
- Reduced carbon footprint
The future of quarrying isn’t just about machines—it’s about intelligent, data-driven ecosystems that maximise every operational minute.
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