Telematics innovation can boost plant performance according to Steve Thomas, Managing Director, Inseego UK
Whether you are a plant hirer or a construction company, theft prevention and equipment usage monitoring are still key drivers. The telematics technology that helps realise these benefits is becoming more innovative and creative, meaning there are now added opportunities to improve plant efficiency, security and productivity.
Theft prevention
With modern telematics systems it is possible to set alerts for when equipment is used outside of designated hours or an area, and even if it moved without the engine coming on, which can happen if it is put on a low loader and taken away.
Remote immobilisation is another proven anti-theft solution. It can be combined with geozones or sensors to ensure plant is immobilised because of illegal movement or access. An even greater level of protection uses driver ID, meaning only authorised personnel could start or use equipment.
Usage-based tracking
Beyond knowing the exact location and status of assets for security purposes, it is possible to use telematics to gain added visibility of utilisation. By having the ability to measure use of equipment on-site, it is possible to decide if assets are being under-utilised and whether certain equipment could put to better use elsewhere or even returned to a rental company. Meanwhile, rental businesses can use telematics to ensure that equipment is being used in-line with the hire agreement and no unauthorised usage is occurring out of hours.
There are now rental companies looking at ways to start billing by hours of operation or miles driven. Having access to the information from the tracking system allows packages to be put in place that can be tailored to specific customer requirements.
Battery-powered tracking
Advances in battery-powered telematics is allowing equipment hirers and operators to track non-powered plant, alongside their powered assets. Long-life battery solutions can be easily fitted and concealed, whatever the tracking requirement.
The latest devices use adaptive tracking to intelligently monitor movements and send live updates, while preserving battery life. For example, they can detect motion and switch automatically to a fully-configurable live reporting mode to track assets while active, returning to the ultra-low power mode when stationary. Advanced accelerometer and sensor technology ensures accurate unauthorised movement and tamper detection.
Driver behaviour monitoring
Having driver performance information at your fingertips can facilitate an effective feedback loop. This makes it possible to praise drivers when they are performing well but have that opportunity to mention areas of improvement around harsh driving or idling.
A driver app can further complement a telematics solution, enabling construction companies to better communicate with drivers and ensure they are following vehicle safety procedures.
By providing drivers with an individual score, viewed alongside company and peer group averages, its possible to create a competitive element that can quickly translate to responsible driving, safety and efficiency benefits.
Technology integration
With PTO (Power Take Off) / Event tracking, it is now possible to have full visibility of all aspects of platform equipment activity. PTO sensors integrate seamlessly with the on-board tracking unit and can capture data from a wide range of analogue and digital inputs. Tracking units can also be integrated directly with engine management systems to provide greater understanding of the performance and usage of assets.
Meanwhile, the integration of cameras with proven telematics software allows plant operators to bring together consistent and accurate driver behaviour details with video footage in a single platform, without the hassle of using multiple systems. The latest artificial intelligence-enabled cameras are being used to prevent accidents from happening in the first place by targeting driver distraction.
