2 minute read
From the Editor
TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF JOB SITE PRODUCTIVITY
Some of the most exciting advancements in construction today are invisible to someone walking by the job site. I had the pleasure of attending bauma last fall, and while I love to check out the latest heavy iron, learn about new prototypes, and see trends before they hit North America, one of the most interesting things I encountered at bauma was not a shiny new piece of equipment – it was cloud-based connected job site technology solutions.
These powerful tools not only empower a contractor to leverage the most out of equipment, but can now fully integrate all data from job site processes for remarkably comprehensive insight into the daily activities of people, machines, and materials on the job site.
It’s notable that several equipment manufacturers, who already have extensive experience with machine control technology, have branched out to develop these brand-agnostic software tools which are not reliant on their own heavy iron and don’t need to be implemented in a fleet that favours their machines. The future of construction productivity gains is no longer in designing dramatically better hardware – better software is the key.
In this issue, I explore Komatsu’s Smart Construction platform to learn how contractors can use this data gathered on the activities of people, machines, and materials on their job site and streamline their processes from the bid through to planning and execution of a project.
Removing the fear factor from technology adoption, and demystifying new technology tools, is essential at a time when you need to do more work with fewer resources – connected job site solutions not only illuminate inefficiencies so you don’t have to go hunting for them, but provide detailed context for actions on the job site, whether it’s tying in a weather report to the day’s production, showing where an operator could be more effective in their machine, or tying a worker’s clock-in/clock-out data to specific job site tasks. Drawing all of this information together can simplify, rather than complicate, your operation.
Check out my article to learn more about the different types
of connected job site tools available and how the greater connected job site ecosystem could transform how you do business.
We delve into technology a few more times in this issue starting with a look at how smart technology on motor graders can help address the shortage of experienced operators. In an exploration of trends in mini excavators, the rising popularity of grade control and tiltrotators stands out.
Thanks for reading, and all of us at Heavy Equipment Guide look forward to delivering more insight into the latest technology and equipment as we kick off 2023.
Kaitlyn Till
Editor In Chief
ktill@baumpub.com heavyequipmentguide.ca
