How Construction Technology Is Reshaping Jobsites

As data analysis has progressed, it has vastly improved visibility into jobsite operations. From the convenience of a computer or mobile device, managers can get a high-level overview of fleet allocation, productivity and efficiency. Then, they can zoom into a group of machines or even look at the performance of a single machine or an individual operator.

Managers now have the ability to quickly spot production bottle necks, redistribute assets as needed and manage equipment more efficiently. They can measure material moved per hour or day, monitor truck payloads for under- or overloading, track grading progress and much more. And they can use this timely information to make well-informed decisions about jobsite operations.

Machine data takes the guesswork out of maintenance management, as well. As machines rack up hours on the job, they generate alerts that let maintenance teams know when routine service is due. Nothing extends working life while minimizing owning and operating costs like keeping up with scheduled maintenance.

Plus, by applying a process known as predictive analysis, today’s construction technologies can identify when a piece of equipment is having an internal problem, often long before the operator notices. Studies suggest that a machine will suffer a 10-15% loss of productivity and efficiency before the operator feels the difference.

When a problem crops up, remote troubleshooting lets repair technicians know what to expect when they head out to a machine. Diagnostic data can help them bring the right tools and supplies the first time. Fewer trips mean lower costs and less wasted effort.

Detecting small problems early also gives managers time to plan for and schedule preventive maintenance. Finding a good time in the production schedule to fix a developing issue avoids unexpected shut downs. A machine that breaks down out on the jobsite can throw a costly, disruptive wrench into any operation.

Data technologies are playing a major role in enhancing jobsite safety, as well — one of the top concerns in the industry. From something as simple as seat belt usage monitoring to complex personnel detection and collision avoidance systems, digital technologies are helping to make jobsites safer every day.

One of the ways they enhance safety is by keeping some personnel off of the site altogether. Grade control systems reduce the need for surveyors and stakers on the ground. The fewer people who have to working around heavy equipment, the lower the risk of lost-time accidents.

And with the advent of remotely-controlled equipment systems, it’s now possible to get machine operators themselves out of the cab and away from the work area.

Portable line-of-sight remote control systems let operators operate a machine under an unstable wall, on a steep slope or through hazardous materials while maintaining a safe distance. They’re also not subject to the dust, noise, vibration and shocks inherent to working inside the cab.

Non-line-of-sight systems take that idea even further. Operators can be located onsite or off, even halfway around the world. Working from a comfortable operation station in an indoor, office-like environment, they have complete set of realistic-feeling controls at their fingertips. Video monitors provide camera views all around the machine.

As remote operation becomes more available and accepted, it stands to completely reshape the jobsites. It also has the potential to attract new employees to equipment operation and the construction industry — people who previously couldn’t or wouldn’t want to work on a traditional jobsite.

Although digital construction technologies have been around for years (and decades in some cases), their acceptance and usage varies widely across the industry. If you’re in an area where your competition has been slow to get on board, you have the opportunity to be a leader.

Put them to work and you'll immediately see the incredible benefits of getting accurate information to the right people at the right time. These technologies empower people to quickly make well-informed decisions that will improve efficiencies and enhance jobsite safety.

As we’ve seen, simply tracking fuel burn will help you submit tighter, more accurate bids. That can win you more work and help you boost those ever-shrinking profit margins.

The time to start applying digital data technologies to your fleet and your jobsites is “the sooner the better.” It's easy to get started because almost every new machine is equipped with telematics capabilities. Most that are not can be retrofitted at least to some degree. Your equipment OEM can help you get the ball rolling.

No matter where you are in your “technology journey,” your dealer can help you put machine- and site-generated data to work in ways that will help you improve your margins, make your life easier...and help you stay a step ahead.