Telematics technology has made significant strides since its inception, originally associated with NASA and the space program. Today, it has become an indispensable tool in the construction equipment industry, continuously evolving with new benefits and additional technologies.
Utilized in the construction industry to monitor crane operations and performance, telematics, or the long-distance transmission of computer-based information, encompasses a wide range of data, from GPS locations to the micro-use of specific components, monitored by telematics hardware installed by crane manufacturers. However, the utilization of this data remains a point of contention among customers and manufacturers, as preferences for data usage vary widely.
To address this issue, the Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP) in collaboration with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) released the AEMP 2.0 Telematics Standard, specifically focusing on data related to cranes. Additionally, plans are in progress to develop a dedicated “crane only” standard catering specifically to telematics for cranes.
Brian Burns, the Director of Development for Business Applications at A1A Software, is part of an ad hoc committee working on establishing a standard for crane telematics. In the meantime, manufacturers continue to offer their own data collection and viewing portals, providing customers with a method to access and analyze the telematics data.
In addition to monitoring operations, telematics technology also encompasses dual-facing dash cameras, which are gradually becoming a standard in the crane industry. These cameras serve as a safety net for owners, allowing them to monitor driving habits, capture video evidence of aggressive driving, and potentially reduce insurance premiums.
As insurance rates across the crane industry continue to rise, the implementation of dash cameras is proving to be a cost-effective measure, contributing to savings on insurance premiums and providing documented video evidence for claims, thus becoming an integral part of fleet management.
Manufacturers generally provide telematics services and access to their dashboard portals for a minimum period, recognizing the value of data as an asset. However, the true benefits of this technology are only realized when customers actively engage in using the telematics data.
In conclusion, the future of telematics technology in the crane industry is heading towards standardization, increased integration of dash camera technology, and continued emphasis on the practical use of data. As customers and manufacturers navigate the complexities of telematics, the development of dedicated standards and collaboration between industry professionals will be essential in harnessing the full potential of this technology.