Getting started with the DirtMate Machines Tab

How do I access the Machine Panel?

To access the machine panel, navigate to a site installed with DirtMate and click the MACHINES tab.

After clicking on the MACHINES tab, you will see a list of all machines installed during the time frame.

It will automatically default to today and can move independently of the DirtMate surface if desired. (See timeframe section for more information). 

What can I do in the Machine Panel?

The Machine Panel introduces the concept of a timeframe for viewing DirtMate machine data. Once the appropriate timeframe is selected, there are three main views for the machine panel:

• List,
• Table, and
• Utilization

These views allow users to view machine-specific information and toggle them on the map. When any number of machines are toggled, a machine summary report will appear, and some specific analyses, such as Cycle and Speed, can be performed on machines by clicking on their row in the left-hand panel (or by selecting the machine itself on the map). 

Adjusting the timeframe

The timeframe for machines can be found in the top left corner of the machine panel. This timeframe contains both a start and end time and controls which time the list, table, utilization, and summary are reporting on. 

To change the timeframe, click on the Date between the left and right arrows at the top of the machine panel.

Next, change the end date of the time frame and then the beginning date (this order makes the change simplest) based on your desired analysis. There are also quick selection options for common time-frames relative to the current day. 

How can I access my machine data?

Within the MACHINES tab, there are three separate ways to view data from your machines. The LIST view is the default view, while the TABLE and UTILIZATION views can be accessed using the buttons at the top of the tab.

Machine summary table

The table view includes detailed information about your machine’s operation. Specific load and cycle information is easily accessible in the table, especially when expanded to full screen ( square button in top right corner of the table). Furthermore, the information can be downloaded as a .csv for further analysis by clicking the download button . 

Utilization view

The utilization view chronologically shows the utilization of all machines operating on the site over the selected time frame. The table below provides information about the different utilization states.

Machine specific analysis

When a specific machine is selected (by clicking on the row in the list, table, or utilization view), machine-specific analysis options will be available on the right-hand side of the screen. Speed analysis is available for all machines, and smart cycle investigation will be available for any machines configured. 

Speed analysis & timeline

To start speed analysis, click the arrow next to the speed analysis option in the machine details pane. The speed of the machine as it created all of the displayed trails on the map will be represented according to the color scale as it’s configured. The minimum and maximum speed can be adjusted according to the minimum and maximum speed or the specific analysis desired. 

Scraper cycle investigation

For machines enabled to count smart cycles, there will also be an option to inspect them. This inspection allows each individual cycle to be visualized on the map and also shows the grouping of these smart cycles by route. 

Once the smart cycle inspection has been selected, the machine tab (left hand side of the screen) will show the number of routes tracked over the time frame, and list all of the events tracked as part of the selected cycle. These events contain the time that the cycle started, and the length. The route selection will summarise the time frame that route was taken, and the total number of cycles attached to it. 

What is the Machine Report?

The machine report summarizes all relevant utilization and production data from the selected machines. Three options can be selected as part of the Machine Report: Utilization, Load and Dump Counts, and Smart Cycles.

Machine utilization

Machine utilization summarises the utilization metrics associated with all selected machines. Click the download button to download this information as a CSV.

Load and dump counts

Load & Dump counts include all of the load and dump data for selected machines and refinements. Modifying which loading machines, load zones, or dump zones are enabled will cause the machine report to reload. Further, if both loads and dumps are reported, the summary can be toggled between a breakdown by loads or dumps, and highlights the various routes the machines made.

Machine trails on the map can be filtered directly from this section to visually track material flow based on selected load and dump locations. Additionally, load and dump count labels will appear directly on the map, reflecting the values for selected loading machines, load zones, and dump zones.

Smart Cycles

Smart Cycles includes a summary of the smart cycle data for selected machines. Average cycle length and duration are reported, along with the total number of cycles for those machines. The smart cycle analysis tool (see above section) allows for further analysis. 

AI insights

DirtMate Insights is an experimental feature that provides AI-powered observations and suggestions derived from your DirtMate machine data. This functionality analyzes operational data to identify patterns, anomalies, or areas of interest regarding machine efficiency.

DirtMate Insights can highlight observations such as:

• "Machine A's average cycle time is 15% faster than Machine B on similar tasks this week."
• "SC-02 (637G) was the most efficient scraper today with 13.7 hours of runtime and only 14% idle time."
• "EX-03 (470LC) had the highest idle time today at 55.5%."

Insights can be generated on demand and feedback can be provided via the buttons at the bottom of the insight. Personalized insights can be generated by clicking ASK A QUESTION and entering your prompt.

Your feedback will be used to refine the observation algorithms as the system is used. 

I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, the Propeller Site Support team may be able to help. You can contact our support team by emailing sitesupport@propelleraero.com.au.