Q: What are you bringing to the market to improve safety of mineral transports?
SA: The theft of cargo continues to be a significant problem in Mexico. About one and a half years ago, we proposed a device that would ensure that a container on a trailer could not be opened until it had reached its destination. We are now in the stage where our device prototype has been tested and works successfully.
At times we were concerned that we might not gain the market’s trust because we could be perceived as too young in the business. We are thankful for the opportunity to develop and test our device with the support of Grupo Peñoles. Now, we have to get approval from relevant authorities in Torreon so we can start selling it to clients.
Q: What technology powers your prototype device?
SA: The device works on the basis of GPS. The idea is that the system ensures a container can only be opened once it is in certain areas. These areas are configured through remote access and usually refers to the point of arrival. Once the cargo has arrived at the destination, the operator can see whether there has been tampering or manipulation of any kind. The device is an adapted version of a product built by a manufacturer in Lithuania that has been in the GPS devices business for 30 years. We have an agreement with the company to integrate their device with our system.
Q: Who are the target clients of your product?
SG: The target clients are the operators who transport for mining companies. Our company already offers a GPS tracking and video monitoring service for transporters. The latter provides real-time video and audio footage of the driver, the cargo and the road. The footage can be accessed from computer and phone by authorized parties. Apart from providing a constant update about the state of the transport, footage can be used to analyze the cause of incidents. In several cases, road accidents were the result of human error, such as a driver who is distracted by his mobile phone. We can store video footage so that the client can access it.
So far, our principal clients have been transportation operators for the mine Francisco I. Madero, operated by Grupo Peñoles, and include Auto Express Minero and Transporte Cuevas, as well as Transveta and Transportadora Madero. The routes are between the mine, Torreon and the port of Manzanillo. We provide Grupo Peñoles with access to the monitoring. One of the advantages of working with Grupo Peñoles is that the company often requires new transport partners that can also use our services.
Q: In what other areas would Oruss like to be active?
SG: We want to further expand our services in telematic communication. We are expanding our ability to gather data on the performance of the vehicles and the drivers. We could collect data on revolutions per minute, temperature, levels of oil, and other indicators of motor performance.
This would allow us to provide the transport operator with more specific information on where maintenance needs to be performed or in the case of an accident, what exactly went wrong. We are also working to provide training for operators to avoid human errors. Both these services would reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, better maintenance would significantly extend the lifetime of vehicles, and in some cases by as much as three times.
Q: How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
SA: Our main competitors are American companies. One thing we do well is support. In the event of an incident with an operator, our competitor companies tend to contract third parties to determine the cause. We have our own service to investigate and provide solutions. This means more efficient, faster action.