ForConstructionPros.com

If there exists a single technology with the potential to change how you manage your equipment fleet, it’s the emergence of wireless equipment tracking systems.

Imagine getting accurate, to the minute utilization reports for each unit based on actual run time instead of optimistic estimates from the field. Imagine the ability to locate units at the press of a button and get exact hour meter readings.

Imagine receiving automatic alerts when a unit’s coolant temperature rises too high or the oil pressure drops too low. Imagine the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that you will be notified immediately if your equipment is moved outside of set boundaries or if it’s started at an unauthorized time.

Today’s wireless tracking systems make this, and much more, a reality.

A True Management Tool

“Hidden” equipment charges can quickly eat into profits. “Most jobs, from a contracting perspective, show about 3% to 5% more profitability at the end than about a month later when you start reconciling all of the equipment costs,” explains Tim Lewis, senior director for the QUALCOMM wireless solutions construction equipment business unit. “Equipment typically is from 8% to 15% of the job cost. But you can have 3% to 5% creep out there because of the hiding and hoarding that goes on.” For example, the supervisor on the jobsite knows he will eventually need a piece of equipment, so it is simply held on the site.

At a management level, it’s important to know how much work a unit actually produces. Wireless tracking systems independently verify start and stop times. “Management can get idle vs. work times,” says Lewis.