At ConExpo 2017, Caterpillar launched new Cat® Connect hardware and software to enable equipment managers to connect all of their assets—from the largest earthmover to the smallest generator, and including both light and heavy-duty trucks and utility vehicles. New Cat Product Link technologies connect any brand and type of equipment, powered or non-powered, and all report through a single system, VisionLink®.
The new technologies offer multiple communications channels—cellular, satellite, and Bluetooth—to best match the type of asset and the needs of the user. And, the systems are designed for easy installation using plug-and-play technology and apps for mobile devices. Battery backup for machine-powered devices and long-life batteries for units on non-powered assets help ensure reliable operation.
The new Product Link device for monitoring production machines has scalable features that enable increasing data collected as needed—from machine hours and location through machine health parameters and production numbers. In contrast, a new tracking device for non-powered assets, such as attachments and trailers, reports location only.
The innovative device uses Bluetooth technology to connect with VisionLink, which enables managers to monitor equipment remotely using their smart phones, tablets and desktop computers.
The new truck monitoring hardware is designed for retrofitting all brands of light and heavy-duty trucks, including pickup trucks, service trucks and materials haulers. Using cellular technology, the system can provide information to enhance driver safety and to assist both production and maintenance managers.
Regardless of the industry served, types and brands of assets, and size of fleet, Caterpillar has technology to inform decisions and help drive business success.
PRODUCTIVITY SERVICES
Caterpillar adds Productivity Services to its portfolio of technology enabled Cat Connect Services. Caterpillar and the Cat dealer network have provided technology enabled services for years, including Equipment Management and Safety Services. With the launch of new Productivity Services, Caterpillar and Cat dealers will bolster existing services while helping customers further streamline operations, control costs, and reduce risk.
The introduction of Productivity Services is an extension of Caterpillar’s and Cat dealer’s roles as trusted advisors to construction customers. Productivity Services include seven key offerings.
- Utilization Reporting:
Enables managers to see how assets are performing. The service organizes and prioritizes data collected from an asset and presents it in formats that allow customers to answer questions about performance over time—by shift, workday, or in aggregated fleet views, which show trends and patterns. - Geospatial Mapping:
Maps jobsites accurately and quickly. Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) capture high resolution images of a jobsite. These images allow specialized analytics software to measure productivity and can also be used to evaluate site setup and design. - Benchmark Assessments:
Make best use of shared industry knowledge to help customers succeed. Dealer experts perform assessments on a customer asset or site operation. The results are used to establish a measurement baseline that will be used to gauge future project successes. - Operator Training:
Bolsters skills that maximize production. Operator training services help customer’s operators safely move the maximum amount of material in the minimum amount of time while reducing equipment wear and tear. - Site Efficiency Training: Improves the knowledge of the customer’s supervisor, helping them understand how to measure productivity and identify opportunities for improved efficiency.
- Productivity Monitoring: Helps maximize productivity and efficiency with jobsite recommendations. Dealer consultants rely on utilization data, site information, and their own experience to advise customers on how to maximize the performance of assets and operators on a jobsite to meet the customer’s definition of success.
- Productivity Management: Ensures production outcomes. Dealer consultants help customers optimize their site designs, fleet strategies, and equipment use to meet specific productivity targets.
CONCLUSION
Technology-enabled services are evolving the jobsite. With their depth and breadth of knowledge and access to decades of industry data, Caterpillar and its worldwide dealers are well positioned to ensure customers not only get the most out of their technology, but also provide trusted and actionable insights and recommendations to improve customers’ jobsites and their bottom line. ■
For More Information
For more information about Cat® Connect and Productivity Services from Caterpillar, visit www.cat.com.
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Modern Contractor Solutions, August 2017
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