Want to slash fuel bills? Shrink labor hours? Boost production? Maybe it’s time to welcome a consultant onto your jobsite. You don’t have to run a massive operation to benefit from an expert site evaluation. Even the smallest sites can take advantage of a fresh perspective, best practices and lessons learned from around the world. And even minor changes can make a big difference to your bottom line.
What’s involved?
A typical site evaluation starts with information gathering. You provide background about your fleet and operation — including any pain points or problems you’re trying to solve. Then a small team of system application specialists visits your site for two to three days, working with you to collect and analyze data and set benchmarks. When they’re done, you receive a report with results and site-specific recommendations —quick wins, long-term improvements and hard data to help you measure results.
What gets evaluated?
It depends on your operations’ needs and goals. During most Cat site evaluations, we take a look at:
- Fleet system, match and utilization
- Loading and hauling tool systems
- Jobsite layout and haul roads
- Technology match
- Equipment operation
- Fuel consumption and idle management
- Equipment/work tool/ground engaging tool configuration
How do I benefit?
A consultation can tell you if you’re operating the right (and right amount) of machines. It can reveal ways to streamline maintenance, burn less fuel or save on repairs. And it can uncover opportunities to make your site more efficient and your operators more productive. Here are some results contractors have achieved following recent Cat site evaluations:
- After conducting a fuel management analysis, a sand operation increased fuel efficiency by 33%, saving more than $230,000.
- A limestone quarry improved route efficiency, reviewed loading practices with operators and reduced the number of trucks running certain routes. As a result, truck payload went up by 5% and productivity increased by more than 10%.
- A cement company saw availability rise to 97%, improved tons moved per hour by 11% and reduced operating cost per ton by 19% after reconfiguring its fleet.
- A construction firm improved site safety by modifying road berms, lowering ramp angles, adding water control, identifying safe access and egress points and leveraging safety technology solutions.
Do you wonder if you’re getting the most out of your equipment? Are you frustrated by how much it costs to keep equipment working? Do you spend too much time on things other than getting the job done? You could benefit from the second set of eyes — and expert recommendations — a site evaluation brings. Tune into this podcast for more details on how it can help your jobsite run more productively and efficiently.
