Telematics has been used to drive big change in the construction industry for years. But today, companies are demanding even more – better connectivity, more upgrades and deeper data insights to help push their business to be more competitive and profitable.
The use of telematics is continuing to grow as data analysis technology evolves. Telematics for mid-sized to large pieces of equipment has been around for years – but there has been a recent shift in its use on other assets and smaller equipment such as grout pumps, power generators, trailers and drills.
In power generation, telematics allow situations to be monitored in real time and critical decisions can be made in minutes, not hours or days. If there is an issue with a generator, the site manager and equipment dealer are alerted right away and are able to either fix the equipment remotely or dispatch a technician. The data generated through telematics can provide a big-picture overview of generator health, especially on larger sites with multiple units. When the information is gathered and analyzed properly it can be filtered and compared against historical records to increase efficiencies and help develop the right preventive maintenance programs.
Telematics has also been a game changer when it comes to drilling. It helps operators better understand how they are using drills, tracks progress and offers advice as to when maintenance is needed to order parts and schedule repairs. It can also be used to locate lost or stolen equipment. For example, grout pumps can easily get lost underground after being covered with dirt and mud. Using telematics they can easily be tracked and recovered.
When applied to its full potential, telematics can have a big impact on the cost of doing business. It can help with bids on future work, schedule maintenance to reduce downtime and ensure operators are getting the best use out of equipment. What was once new and revolutionary is becoming the industry norm. Telematics is continuing to help construction companies operate more effectively and efficiently and now can also be used as a tool to meet sustainability goals.
Read the full article by Peter Gibbons, regional technology manager for Finning in Heavy Equipment Guide.
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