When we think of GPS, we generally think of portable devices
found on the dashboard of a vehicle, guiding the driver with turn-by-turn
directions.
But navigation is only one aspect of GPS.
GPS is an extremely valuable business tool for construction companies
that help them manage expensive machinery, from towers and mobile cranes to
earth moving equipment, service vehicles and heavy trucks. In fact, it is often
used for all types of assets that are worth tracking, such as generators and
compressors.
How an asset is
tracked using GPS?
So how exactly does an asset get tracked? Here's an overview
of what's involved:
A small GPS tracking device is installed on the
asset (a process which usually takes about 15 minutes). These tracking devices
are generally very rugged and sealed from the elements. They can handle a wide
range of temperatures and rough working conditions. In most cases the GPS
device will use the equipment's power source; however, it can be set up to use
its own power source, such as a battery that can last up to seven years.
The tracking device is wired into the equipment
(where applicable) so information such as when the engine is started or stopped
can be tracked. There is no limit to the different equipment metrics you could
monitor — as long as it's a wiring system that the tracking device can connect
to. Even old equipment can be fitted with GPS tracking devices.
The device is registered with a GPS tracking
program such as Letstrak. Information that identifies the device is recorded so
the right signals are matched to the correct piece of equipment.
The device will transmit status updates when
certain events are triggered (such as starting the engine) as well as location
updates at regular intervals (normally every 2 minutes).
The equipment appears on the dashboard of the
GPS tracking software (Letstrak) showing its location and current status (e.g.,
idle, off-duty, moving, etc.)
How does a fleet
manager use the tracking information?
Obviously, if a fleet manager is overseeing a large number
of assets, reading every status update for every piece of equipment would take
a ridiculously long time while accomplishing very little. This is where Letstrak
can make sense of the huge amount of data being generated by a fleet of GPS
tracked assets.
Letstrak has a one-screen dashboard that pinpoints all the
assets on a map. From there, a manager can zoom in on a particular asset for
more detail or to communicate with the operator.
Another way to make sure that fleet managers only see GPS
data that's relevant to them is to configure customized business rules. Here
are a few examples showing how exceptions and customized alerts make sense of
the huge amount of GPS tracking data that is collected.
Hours of service
Legislation may require that a crane operator can only work
for a maximum of 10 hours a day. Letstrak allows operators to record
start and stop times, signing off on their hours of service. A crane operator
digitally signs on to the GPS device in the cab when they finish their shift,
providing managers with details on hours the operator has worked, including any
breaks. This allows you to make sure your crane operators are complying with
relevant HOS rules and keeping your site legal.
Any exceptions to this are highlighted on the Letstrak
dashboard and management reports for easy review.
Safe driving speeds
Some forklifts become dangerous when driven over a certain
speed. A fleet manager needs to know if they are being driven dangerously so
workers can be given appropriate training to minimize the company's liability
and protect its safety record.
A customized alert can be set up for a specific vehicle and
an email sent when there is a speeding incident. For fleet managers on the move
these messages can be sent to an iPhone or other connected device.
Complying with
construction working hours
You have a contract to construct a new building in a remote
city. Your company is required by local city laws to only work at certain times
and days to avoid disrupting the local residents. It's very important for your
firm to comply with these requirements to avoid bad publicity, costly fines and
increase the chance of future work in the area.
While the city is located several hundred miles away you
want to monitor the fleet's activity closely to make sure they are complying
with the city's requirements. In Letstrak, you group all the vehicles,
machinery and other equipment operating on the site that are required to adhere
to the allowable working hours into a single team.
You can then configure a single alert for the whole team
that notifies you whenever any equipment in this team is being operated outside
of the allowed hours, so you can contact the foreman for an explanation.
Past, present and
future fleet management
These examples show how heavy equipment can be GPS tracker to make management easier. And the benefits don't just include the ability to
monitor equipment to make sure fleet operators are complying with business
rules and that equipment is secure from unauthorized use.
GPS tracking provides historical data as well, which can
assist with accurate billing and time sheet verification or better warranty
recovery.
Data can also be used for future planning, including costing
new jobs or planning work schedules. Use it to keep track of maintenance or get
notifications when insurance or licenses need renewing.
Accurate, reliable,
and designed for heavy equipment management
Letstrak has valuable know-how and experience in tracking
remote and mobile fleet assets. A wide range of equipment can be monitored and
managed, including older machines that can be retrofitted with GPS technology
and tracking.
For fleet managers, having that sort of control over their
heavy equipment means peace of mind, and it's hard to put a price on that.
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