Kalmar Industries, part of Cargotec Corporation, has launched a second version of its Remote Machine Interface (RMI), a tool for remote machine monitoring, maintenance tasking and reporting which can be used with all Kalmar equipment. RMI 2.0 features a new graphical user interface (GUI) designed to be more customer friendly with simpler structure and easier usability.

Kalmar first launched RMI in 2005 as a solution offering operators centralised machine maintenance data, the ability to optimise equipment fleets through real-time maintenance and operational planning, and a decrease in downtime with more predictive maintenance. RMI 2.0 further enhances its customer value with the ability to analyse operational, maintenance and service information according to users’ preferences or needs.

Hannes Myllärniemi, RMI Product Coordinator, says RMI 2.0 was launched in response to the growing importance of analytical data being used to create more efficient operations. He continues:

“Information management is going to play a vital role in making the best use of material and container handling machines. Cutting-edge business information is a strategic resource which can provide operators with an increasingly significant competitive advantage.

“RMI 2.0 is being launched using Kalmar’s industry-proven data collection software combined with an updated graphical user interface featuring better, more analytical functionality.”

Data from each machine is sent wirelessly to the RMI system and is accessed via the user’s GUI. With the added ease of a new menu structure, customers can generate a variety of reports and analyses, choosing specific timeframes for desired actions.

Additionally, RMI 2.0 has the ability to extend the lifecycles of handling equipment through the efficient planning of preventative maintenance using status history tables. Detailed alarm reporting ensures operators that their machines are always prompted for critical checks on, for example, fluid levels and tire pressure. The latter being a new feature of RMI 2.0 particularly for Kalmar’s enhanced 7th generation series straddle carriers.

Myllärniemi adds: “Kalmar’s focus in introducing a new version of RMI was to refine machine data even further, crafting it into applicable business knowledge. RMI 2.0 helps terminal operators to follow, better understand and develop their handling operations. Best decisions are made based on facts, not guesses.

Customers who purchased the licensing fee with the existing RMI system will have the option to receive the upgraded version free of charge.

Optimising assets and maximising machine availability

Since the launch of Kalmar’s RMI, well over 200 applications have been sold to customers in approximately 25 countries spanning the globe. The system, which can be fitted to all types of Kalmar’s wide range of equipment or even to other-branded machinery, provides qualified personnel with an extensive range of real-time information to support the planning of everyday operations and preventative maintenance work.

RMI wirelessly collects data relating to the entire terminal machine fleet such as information on machine status, alarm reports, and use of consumables like fuel. No more does the terminal operator need to check machines one by one or base decisions on roughly made calculations.

With RMI, customers’ fleets can also be monitored remotely by Kalmar experts via the internet, which facilitates direct product support and operational assistance, as well as eases the burden of uploading the newest software updates to the customer’s container and material handling equipment.

Note to editors:

Press information can be found on Kalmar’s website: www.kalmarind.com. Simply click on News Room to be taken to a list of recent press releases. A photograph to accompany this press release is also available on the Kalmar website, by clicking on Press Pictures. The caption for the photograph reads:

“The second version of Kalmar’s Remote Machine Interface, a tool for remote machine monitoring, maintenance tasking and reporting, features a new, easy-to-use graphical user interface.”

Kalmar is a global provider of container and heavy duty materials handling equipment, automation applications and related services. It is the world's leading supplier of cargo handling equipment to ports, terminals and intermodal facilities.

Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine. The company also supplies a wide range of machines to demanding industrial customers for applications as diverse as handling steel and paper to shunting road trailers at distribution hubs.

Kalmar is also leading the way in port automation applications with its application of unmanned container handling technology, on-board smart features and remote maintenance products developed in co-operation with customers and partners.

Kalmar's product range is complemented by a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management. Production plants are situated in Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Malaysia, China and the USA.  Kalmar's net sales were EUR 1.343 billion in 2007.

Kalmar is part of Cargotec Corporation, the world's leading provider of cargo handling solutions, which are used in local transportation, terminals, ports, distribution centres, and ships. In 2007, Cargotec's net sales were EUR 3.018 billion. Cargotec's class B shares are listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.