Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/581365
19 AGGREGATES MANAGER October 2015 TECHNOLOGY timeline. Managers can evaluate this report to confirm hours of use for heavy equipment, identifying any excessive fuel usage, and to validate jobs. Companies in the aggregates industry often use equip- ment that have extensions. However, the issue is that not all companies are able to track the fuel usage separately. For example, if an excavator is being used onsite, many fuel management or monitoring tools may only provide data regarding the main engine. However, what about the fuel being used by the power shovel? Aggregates operators need to utilize a telematics solution that offers Power Take Off (PTO) sensors, which measure utilization and fuel usage of these equipment extensions. Operators can use PTO sensors together with reports and alerts to monitor any extension of the vehicle used in the working process, sending an instant notification when the PTO mechanism is engaged. As an added benefit, these reports provide information showing the time, location, and duration of equipment usage. All of this data is pulled into the comprehensive telematics solution, providing managers and operators with detailed information regarding fuel us- age and asset utilization in one central platform. Well-maintained assets are more fuel efficient than others, but it can be challenging for managers to keep up with all necessary preventive maintenance. A comprehensive telemat- ics solution will offer a maintenance module, assisting com- panies to track and schedule regular maintenance for assets and equipment with logs, reports, and alerts. Automated maintenance schedules can be set up to alert managers or owners when it is time for upkeep or repairs. This ensures preventive maintenance is occurring consis- tently and on schedule. Maintenance logs provide details of all services performed ensuring maintenance policies are fol- lowed. With maintenance reports, aggregates managers can customize and generate the data they need for a complete picture of their fleet. Alerts can be set to odometer readings or engine hours to ensure that all assets can be monitored accurately. Being able to automate this process makes it easier to monitor and track maintenance, which in turn, leads to healthier, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Using a GPS fleet tracking solution can help aggregates operators function at their full potential while keeping fuel usage at efficient levels, even onsite. Having a solution that better helps manage fuel-related expenses provides manag- ers with peace of mind and the tools they need to operate a successful business. AM Managers can use an Engine On Report to confirm hours of use for heavy equipment, identifying any excess fuel usage, and to validate jobs. A comprehensive telematics solution will include a maintenance module to help operators trak and schedule regular maintenance for assets and equipment with logs, reports, and alerts. Wyn Partington is vice president of marketing at NexTraq. Learn more at www.nextraq.com.