SMIE regulates the ballet of cranes on a construction site

SMIE in Bauma

SMIE, international specialist in anti-collision systems for cranes

A pioneer in the sector of anti-collision systems for tower cranes, SMIE has become the undisputed international leader in 30 years.

SMIE systems are designed to avoid any risk of collision with fixed or mobile obstacles (overhead cranes with each other or with other machines, with other cranes on a multi-crane construction site, etc.) as well as overflying sensitive areas (schools, public places, motorways, railways, high-voltage lines, etc.)

SMIE invents productive security

The days when construction sites had to choose between safety and productivity are over thanks to SMIE anti-collision systems.

While they always provide optimum protection for construction sites and their environment, the automation and optimization of the operation of the cranes they generate increase construction site productivity.

Indeed, the responsibilities of a crane operator constantly expose them to high levels of stress. The SMIE anti-collision system allows them to significantly reduce this stress and prioritize productivity by focusing on their task. They work with confidence because the system guarantees safe operation in all circumstances and in complete safety as close as possible to risk areas.

SMIE relies on technologies recognized for their reliability and develops them in order to support its customers in their expectations.

All these systems are subject to rigorous quality controls and SMIE provides a range of associated services (installation, rental, after-sales service, training, advice, etc.).

SMIE faithful to its strategy based on Research & Development

At a time when some see the freezing of investments as the only response to the economic crisis, SMIE remains faithful to the priority it has set for itself since its creation: Research & Development, which represents 20% of the total workforce and investment greater than 10% of the CA

Whether by strengthening its team of engineers to develop new concepts, or by partnering with renowned partners such as the CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) to equip itself with software designed to increase the performance and safety of anti-collision systems, SMIE is innovating on all fronts.

R&D work also makes it possible to respond precisely to the technical and regulatory specificities of different manufacturers or markets.

Various developments should be noted:

- The integration The increasing importance of the system increases its response speed and reliability. As a result, the system makes the overall construction process more productive.

The radio link between systems is constantly being developed by SMIE to make dialogue between equipment more reliable and respond to new construction site issues.

Thus, the AC243 is now capable of managing 21 cranes via radio link, which makes it unique on the market, all of which can be supervised by an SGC240.

- The evolution of SMIE services through of internet not only brings new possibilities to the site (easier consultation, easily accessible history, etc.) but also goes in the direction of more targeted maintenance, or even remote maintenance.

- Ever more efficient products in terms ofdata logging contribute to safety and prevention on the construction site, but also to the control of complexity. They become productivity tools.

- The creation of new concepts addressing specific issues or markets. The DLZ342 is a concrete example. Although primarily designed to continuously inform the operator of the crane's parameters, the DLZ342 also records the crane's operations and provides a no-go zone management function.

An anti-collision function can even be added as an option. The crane operator can clearly see the various parameters displayed on the screen installed in the cab at a glance: load weight, rotation angle, torque, wind speed, and a range of other information. Data transfer is very simple using a standard USB stick.

This “all in one” system equips certain COMANSA crane models.

SMIE, a preferred partner of crane manufacturers

This ability to evolve its products makes SMIE the preferred partner of crane manufacturers. All machines operating with a PLC can communicate optimally with the SMIE system.

By developing manufacturer-specific interfaces, SMIE optimizes the integration of the anti-collision function into the crane through direct communication with the machine. This adaptability simplifies the installation of the anti-collision system for the manufacturer, making it more cost-effective and reliable.

This is why, at the request of LIEBHERR and WOLFF, SMIE has developed systems adapted to their equipment in order to directly read information from the manufacturers' sensors.

COMANSA cranes, primarily intended for the Russian and American markets, incorporate SMIE crane operator displays. Crane manufacturer SPIERING also chose SMIE to optimize the anti-collision function on its cranes. This collaboration has enabled it, for the first time, to equip mobile cranes on chassis.

As a pioneer, SMIE is accustomed to pushing the boundaries of collision avoidance. In fact, SMIE was the first manufacturer to integrate 3D management into its systems, back in 2005. This was successfully implemented on the Valenton water treatment plant expansion project.

These developments are gradually opening the door to new markets, new countries and nnew applications. 3D management of mobile cranes and their movements, as well as the integration of new variable geometry equipment, are all challenges that SMIE is working on.

Recognized expertise on construction sites around the world

SMIE systems are suitable for all types and models of cranes.

With tens of thousands of installations worldwide, SMIE implements customized solutions for all types of construction sites, from the simplest to the most complex.

Examples include the EPR construction sites in Flamanville (France) and Olkiluoto (Finland), or major real estate projects such as ZAC SEGUIN (Paris) or Confluence (Lyon), where SMIE's expertise and know-how made the difference.

Already well established internationally, SMIE is expanding its development efforts to double the number of countries in which it operates. Its export revenue continues to grow and will exceed 50% of its total turnover in 2010.

SMIE is represented internationally through three subsidiaries (UK, Germany, Singapore) and around twenty agents. In France, one subsidiary covers the south of France (SMIESud) and around fifteen agents are spread across the country.

SMIE works, through training, information and on-the-ground support, to train and support its subsidiaries, agents and customers to ensure excellent service throughout the globe.

Convinced by SMIE's expertise in complex projects, major builders also export "The SMIE SYSTEM".

AC246 and DLZ342, category 2 anti-collision systems

 Meeting the high requirements of the EN14439 standard on tower crane safety, SMIE continues to innovate by offering the AC246, a category 2 anti-collision system according to the EN954-1 standard and by adapting its DLZ342.

This product, expected by large construction sites and crane manufacturers, offers them the possibility of working in compliance with the machine directive.

Maximum security

 By integrating Category 2 requirements, the AC246 and DLZ342 manage interference between cranes, wired up to 30 cranes and radio up to 21, as well as the protection of sensitive areas.

Its innovative design offers the following guarantees:

- Category 2 orientation sensor

- Software with advanced self-checking procedures

- A dashboard with a test button for periodic checks

SMIE supports construction sites to ensure compliance with the standard

 The new regulations represent a profound change for construction sites and SMIE is assisting them in this new approach by going further in the implementation of its product:

- installations benefiting from more advanced controls meeting the requirements of the standard

- support of the site during reception by the inspection bodies with specific reception procedures

- functions allowing the crane operator to easily carry out the required tests at start-up, such as the test button on the front of the dashboard

- more detailed documentation

In the operation as described by the standard, quality is an important point to meet category 2. The traceability implemented by SMIE makes it possible to verify and ensure high reliability of its products. SMIE keeps a record of all interventions carried out on its systems.

The AC246's design makes it easier to install. The redesign of its orientation sensor has allowed for the optimization of its part count and, consequently, simplified inventory management.

AC243, major developments unique on the market

The AC243, the latest generation of anti-collision systems from SMIE, is a driving assistance device for controlling interference between 2 or more cranes which has won over many construction sites, including the largest projects currently underway: ZAC Seguin in Paris, Confluence in Lyon, and the EPR in Flamanville.

The AC243, a system with multiple advantages

Adaptable to all brands and types of cranes, the AC243 is an anti-collision system complies with all applicable regulations.

- Anti-collision management

The AC243 allows crane operators to safely operate their crane at optimal speeds and distances. In addition to being a safety feature for construction sites, the AC243 is also a productivity tool that optimizes crane work.

Taking into account the various crane components, it provides information about the crane and the position of its load. It constantly measures the position and speed of the boom and trolley for each crane, and the central unit makes its calculations several times per second, taking into account the braking capacity of each movement in determining the risk of collision. Following this, it informs the crane operator of a possible risk of collision and implements a braking procedure if necessary.

- Management of prohibited areas

The AC243 has a function for managing overflight of prohibited areas (school, road, railway, high-voltage line, etc.) with total or partial prohibition. 15 zones can be defined very simply.

The only system to manage 21 cranes via radio link

SMIE continues to improve the performance of its systems. At Intermat 2009, the AC243 was the only system in the world to manage 14 cranes via radio link. SMIE is going further for Bauma 2010, managing up to 21 cranes via radio. This unique capability makes it ideal for large multi-crane projects by drastically simplifying anti-collision management, especially since the entire system can be supervised by SMIE's SGC240.

A real breakthrough for cranes that translate

Another innovation in the field of radio communication, the AC243 allows cranes equipped with a collector and which move, to free themselves from the problems of cabling for communication between the top and the bottom of the crane.

Not only do the collectors hinder the cable's passage, making installation difficult, but by wrapping around the crane as it rotates, the cable can break. This leads to time-consuming repairs and loss of communication, thus reducing productivity.

The developments in SMIE radio communication resolve this problem definitively.

SGC240, the SMIE recorder supervisor, is enriched with new features

A unique system on the market, the SGC240 represents the very latest generation of SMIE crane anti-collision supervisors.

A complete crane anti-collision monitoring system

 The SGC240 displays real-time information on machine positions, shunting, movement cuts due to interference, crane activation or deactivation and possible internal system faults.

All the above events are recorded in a database with a time stamp, and the file outputs can be exported to Microsoft® Excel. For increased security, access to this database is selective and password-protected.

The SGC240 represents the most advanced in terms of supervision, making it an excellent tool for managing tower crane safety.

This latest version is also able to distinguish between flat boom cranes and luffing boom cranes, which significantly increases its functionality.

Configuration is done intuitively in web mode and the information can be viewed as needed from several locations on the construction site or remotely, always via the Internet. This allows the various site stakeholders to monitor the work of the cranes and access technical information for maintenance.

Valuable new features for large construction sites

In an effort to deliver ever-increasing performance to construction sites, SMIE is constantly upgrading its products. The SGC240 is no exception, introducing brand-new features:

- Compatible with the SMIE AC243 anti-collision system, it follows its developments and can therefore, like the latter, supervise and record up to 21 cranes via radio link.

- Another new feature: remote neutralization. This function allows the remote neutralization of the prohibited zone or anti-collision functions of the SMIE systems independently of each other. If a prohibited zone needs to be temporarily neutralized, this does not penalize interference management, which is maintained. This helps save time and maintain safety on the construction site. This function is secure, accessible by login and password, and "tracked" for maximum security of construction site management. Each administrator can be allocated different access rights depending on their level of responsibility.

- Another new feature is that the SGC240 now integrates, for each crane, anemometric and temperature data with great reliability. This feature eliminates the need for an independent communication system and therefore any additional costs.

- The SGC also provides wind vane information, as an option.