The worksite of the future will see site managers using digital technologies as integrated components to drive business results, with the Internet-of-Things and machine learning becoming more than just buzzwords, according to Cummins.
Connectivity, combined with intelligent site planning and the right equipment, can improve productivity while reducing costs and improving safety. However, adoption of the latest technologies has been slower than expected. What are the potential challenges that site managers and industry leaders need to consider when designing their own infrastructure?
As the world transforms into a truly digital economy, strong and reliable connectivity will be paramount for site managers to benefit from the many opportunities available to them. The good news is that with Wi-Fi and cellular and satellite offerings, there is no shortage of options when it comes to selecting internet sources or telematics providers, whether it is flying drones, remote diagnostics, virtual service events, autonomous operators or smart charging for electric equipment. Once connectivity is prioritised as a requirement of the worksite, a new way of working becomes possible.
For example, imagine the productivity you could achieve if equipment never failed while on a job because its engines were being monitored remotely through cloud computing systems that can detect issues early and send software updates (similar to a smartphone) to fix problems. Or automatically trigger replacement-part orders online so preventative maintenance takes place with minimal steps or time lag.
Alternatively, what if you knew exactly how much work you could get done with an electric machine before its battery needed charging? Then you could plan your charges during downtime to not only save on utility costs, but also ensure availability during regular work shifts. Similarly, how much risk could you mitigate if you utilised autonomous operators who directed equipment from computer rooms instead of working on-site? The common thread for these examples is connectivity.
With advanced hardware and sensors now being increasingly added to construction equipment, machines are in fact collecting data and learning the way sites work. These anonymous insights apply machine learning to help manufacturers design more and more advanced technologies. However, herein lies the heart of the challenge. Let us consider a simple example where a construction site has 12 pieces of equipment from three OEM brands.
Each brand could have its own telematics solution installed and ready, meaning that the site manager may need to monitor the mixed fleet through three different web portals. This could negate a notable number of the expected efficiency gains. For machines without factory-installed telematics solutions, external service providers can visit sites and add aftermarket hardware to upgrade equipment. This solution must, of course, pay for itself in the long run.
And then these new sets of technology require new skills. This could mean upskilling current labour or hiring new talent. Data management will be one of the key skills, as without it the quantity of information could prove overwhelming.
While challenges do exist, Cummins is building open and agnostic technology solutions that are connectable with a range of telematics service providers and customer-specific systems. As its powertrains are found in a wide variety of construction equipment, it is developing a suite of Connected Solutions™ to help support customers over the life of their equipment.
