If you deal with large construction projects, operate an aggregate mine or manage ready-mix operations — as a site manager, equipment manager or operator — you already know that a top priority is the precise administration of resources. In the construction bulk material and construction equipment industries, where the costs associated with equipment and other assets, maintenance and payroll are measured in millions, this is the only way to stay competitive.

Managing those resources depends on having the necessary information. But handling and interpreting the vast amount of incoming data from your vehicles, operators and site personnel is an overwhelming task.

The answer: Leverage an asset management system that collects multiple original equipment manufacturer and sensor data in real time and automatically translates that information into clear graphs, reports and dashboards for your analysis.

Qtanium Connect from Teletrac Navman is an asset management solution based on GPS fleet tracking and specifically designed to meet the needs of construction bulk materials and construction equipment managers. It compiles equipment, operations and status data from multiple inputs to deliver instant information that can keep your organization performing at the highest level.

If your business is construction bulk materials –

• Aggregate mining
• Ready-mix concrete
• Paving and asphalt

Or construction equipment –

• Equipment rental
• Excavating
• Heavy highway
• Heavy and civil engineering
• Lifting and cranes
• Grading
• Construction services

Qtanium Connect is your detailed asset management solution. Here is why.

Big Expenses, Small Margins

Most of the machines and tools in the construction bulk materials and construction equipment trade are gigantic. Heavy equipment used in some applications is not only massive but massively expensive to own and operate.

Consider the costs related to a single excavator or similar off-highway heavy construction gear such as the haul truck pictured below.

A paradox in these industries is that with its colossally expensive projects and machines, the profit margins can be narrow.

Construction equipment and construction bulk materials are highly competitive fields, and sometimes success depends on obtaining contracts that go to the lowest bidder. To make that happen, it is vital to keep a tight budget and maximize the efficiency and use of those pricey assets.

Estimating: Get it Right the First Time

Efficiency begins with the very start of the project — the cost estimation that goes into preparing a bid. Every professional in this line of work knows that a miscalculation here offers two ways to lose: a bid that is too high results in not getting the job, and one that is too low will end up with the firm not making any money.

In this process, the right fleet tracking solution is a lifesaver. Qtanium Connect can help maintain a running record of actual costs in equipment (and personnel) work hours, fuel consumption, maintenance events and more. With the information collected, an estimator can figure practically down to a penny how much the job will run and structure a bid based on that. This is the inside track to winning more business and managing profitability.

Hold Down Rising Numbers

After the work is in progress, there is constant demand to keep a lid on operating costs that, due to the unforeseen circumstances that arise on every job, threaten to blow up the budget. With GPS fleet and asset tracking, managers can spot problem areas and developing trends and take corrective action.

A potential scenario might be an average haul truck that can consume between $200,000 to $1,000,000 worth of fuel per year in a typical aggregate mining operation. Qtanium Connect can potentially reduce fuel burn by 10 percent. Thus, an average aggregate mine with five haul trucks could save between $100,000 to $500,000 per year.

When dollar amounts like these are involved it makes sense to keep a tight rein on miles driven, hours idling and time spent in jobsite queues — which are particularly prevalent in some areas of the construction bulk materials industry. Routing and scheduling changes that are based on the newest information will minimize waste.

Stay ahead of maintenance needs

Petroleum is not the only ongoing budget item for this equipment; maintenance has to be factored in. This is a “sooner or later” proposition — pay a reasonable sum sooner, or take an unreasonable hit later. Ignoring the need for regular upkeep may result in bills for repairs and lost work time that are staggering.

Even worse, gaps in maintenance can dramatically shorten the useful life of equipment. Shorter lives equals more frequent replacements — and as indicated above, replacing just one of these pieces of equipment is an expense not to be taken lightly.

What can that mean in dollar amounts?

Another potential use case scenario might be an aggregate mine site with four off-highway haul trucks priced at $2,000,000 each. Average lifecycle for these trucks are around 15 years. But without proper maintenance, the lifecycle can potentially drop to 10 years. By leveraging asset management solutions like Qtanium Connect, each truck can ensure the full lifecycle is met. Per truck, the value of the extra five years can reach $270,000. For the entire fleet of four, that cost-savings amounts to $1,400,000.

Qtanium Connect monitors and records vehicle and asset data — and sends automatic alerts when maintenance is due. Managers who rely on Qtanium Connect to keep track of their equipment can lessen the risk of catastrophic repair or replacement bills — and take one administrative chore off their overloaded plates.

Versatility and flexibility are essential

While telematics technology is clearly essential, choosing the right fleet and asset tracking solution is equally important. The construction equipment and construction bulk materials industries have specific operational requirements that dictate what kind of product is the best fit.

In both industries, fleets are usually comprised of mixed vehicles and assets with multiple original equipment manufacturers. Pulling data from these multiple OEM telematics providers and attempting to reconcile their different inputs can be frustrating and time-consuming.

For that reason, an efficient telematics solution is one that aggregates this variety of incoming data and turns it into actionable information. Qtanium Connect receives information through various APIs, consolidating the results into one screen. It offers easy access to up-to-the-minute reports on a fleet’s individual assets, for making informed decisions on vehicle and asset maintenance, routing, load scheduling and more.

The details fall into place

With a project that is large or small, working in the construction bulk materials and construction equipment industries includes challenges that arise every day and issues related to timing, location, equipment, staffing, safety — a list that’s very long. Having a system in place that monitors these constantly changing conditions and allows an overview of the whole not only makes the job more doable, it adds to the bottom line and affords profitability in what is a very competitive marketplace.

Qtanium Connect is unparalleled in helping to sort out the details to provide insight into the big picture and make the job of construction and heavy equipment management more efficient.

To learn more about asset management solutions, visit www.teletracnavman.com