Use Technology to Get Jobs Done Faster and Safer

COVID-19 impacted how we work. In the last year, technology has emerged as the real hero, mitigating the negative implications on the construction industry while reducing costs, keeping project schedules on track and increasing jobsite security and safety.

It has also shined a light on a big opportunity for construction companies to see technology as a way to transform business operations. Companies adopting the technology understand how data, analytics and project management tools can help them get the job done faster, eliminating time-consuming and outdated manual processes. Here are some ways you can use technology in your business.

As more COVID protocols were implemented there was an increased need to maximize project productivity, doubling down on not just health and safety, but scheduling and resourcing. Technology provided the ability for many construction companies to reduce the number of staff on-site, allowing for social distancing and complying with health and safety regulations.

We now know the success of a project depends on effective collaboration at every level of the business, from operators on-site to those working remotely or in the office and even the dealer monitoring equipment performance. Technology is the solution to many issues — ensuring information, processes, software systems and equipment are all connected and working together to provide a real-time view of what is happening on the jobsite.

There is now an increased focus on even greater connectivity. From products to people to asset management and virtual meetings, technology is allowing businesses to operate safely. In turn, this lowers costs associated with maintaining effective relationships with teams and customers.

Remote monitoring is a big asset in supporting today's jobsites. By remotely providing quick, reliable and data-based technical troubleshooting. Digital status checks can give site managers insights into the right level of service through prioritization of critical repairs and the ability to review the assets’ overall health to determine which non-essential repairs can be delayed.

Adoption of cloud-based project management tools is giving operators immediate remote access to machines and the ability to identify issues quickly, saving money and keeping workers socially distanced. Almost every decision on a jobsite can now be made using a phone or tablet.

Virtual training tools, videos and YouTube are also helping new operators get up to speed quickly, reducing training time and on-site visits from equipment dealers. Other digital tools are helping to track and monitor equipment, check the status of ordered parts and, as a result, streamline the business process.

With changing restrictions and increasingly complex logistics, everyone is demanding more information. Technology is not only providing real-time intel into the status of the job, but also allowing teams to manage finances, sign invoices and request easier ways of payment. For contractors who only get paid on progress, this type of technology is imperative to ensure project profitability.

When telematics is enabled, the back-office can pull data from the machines for bidding and billing purposes. The accuracy of this type of accounting can be even further enhanced through the use of drones and grade control technology, which can provide real-time intel into how much material needs to be moved and then track the progress and timing.

Cat telematics gives you the choice of having your machine connect to the cell network or the satellite network—important if a lot of your work is in remote parts of Canada. Through the Internet, you’re linked to your equipment no matter where you are in the world.

With telematics, you can generate checklists for maintenance tasks and get personalized reports that provide key insights into your fleet’s health. You’ll know where, when, and how each of your machines is being used and you’ll have the info you need to tell you if you should get rid of machines that aren’t paying off. There are significant benefits to exploring the world of Cat telematics. After all, those who don’t evolve get left behind and technology is evolving at a faster rate than ever before.

Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, selling, renting and providing parts and service for equipment and engines to customers across diverse industries, including mining, construction, petroleum, forestry and a wide range of power systems applications. We operate in Western Canada, South America, and UK and Ireland.