We’re in a new era — not an entirely digital era where the type or size of iron doesn’t matter, but an era of adoption. Whether a contractor integrates machine control or optimizes their fleet by mining machine datasets, contractors are looking to gain an edge on efficiency by onboarding a total jobsite solution, including software and hardware advancements.
After meeting with WIRTGEN GROUP, other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and contractors, it’s clear that we have the skill, iron and technology to revitalize the nearly 70-plus-year-old interstate highway system, despite any unforeseen challenges. As many crews start work on mega highway projects, we in the industry recognize we’re entering a transitional period as AI machine learning progresses. Many of us are watching these developments, dreaming about the Jetsons-like capabilities — perhaps the ability to pave with the precise mix at the right time based on previous models? However, we’ll only be able to harness this information if we follow an adoption strategy to prepare today for tomorrow’s data and machine learning tools.
I’ve learned from contractors that the successful adoption of a total jobsite solution happens in phases: understand, adjust and integrate. By going through the phases, crews move from dreaming to doing when it comes to innovative equipment hardware and software solutions. Let’s review what each phase entails.
1. Understand Data With a Fleet Management System
Nearly a quarter of a century ago, OEMs like John Deere added JDLink Connectivity to collect GPS data points and feed them into a fleet management system (FMS) like John Deere Operations Center.
“The first use case of telematics was monitoring the location and production hours,” said Larry Herman Jr., RDO Equipment Co.’s telematics support manager. “During the last 20 years, telematics data has expanded to include Expert Alerts, optimizing preventative maintenance scheduling and keeping machines working when needed.”
Since John Deere and the WIRTGEN GROUP joined forces, they’ve been transitioning WITOS FleetView into the Operations Center so fleet managers view data from all their machines — pavers, wheel loaders or skid steers — all in one FMS. Today, most Wirtgen machines are built with the Operations Center, a user-friendly software with various applications, such as Machine Analyzer or Wirtgen Performance Tracker. The Operations Center’s applications can complement surveying equipment from other OEMs, like Topcon Positioning Systems.
In reality, most projects include mixed fleets, so a total jobsite solution consists of many iron colors but one data collection system. Equipment fleet managers make data-informed decisions every day. When they view their equipment fleet’s data in a consolidated dashboard, they can pinpoint iron insights — like an opportunity to swap a larger wheel loader for a smaller one on a particular job to use less fuel while removing asphalt or concrete debris.
2. Review Data, Performance, Then Adjust Iron
Herman Jr. said every contractor wants to monitor their machines’ performance and plan preventative maintenance as much as possible.
“A user-friendly FMS like the Operations Center helps fleet managers to understand how many miles were paved and the total cost of inputs at the end of each week,” Herman Jr. said.
When data such as GPS, compaction, or fuel consumption is recorded in the contractor’s preferred FMS, the fleet manager can review the various datasets, including grading information.
“Surveying equipment like lidar (light detecting and ranging) captures real-time grading GPS data points each week,” said Cody Wagner, RDO’s roadbuilding technologies product manager.
Like dirt, precision in roadwork requires experience, datasets and familiarity with the necessary machinery. To do this, contractors create a finely tuned survey and data collection system through their FMS and add the right equipment model for their projects.
For example, Vögele’s Dash 3 pavers include a mobile feeder and additional screed. When the Vögele paver operator receives real-time survey info, they can adjust feeder speed or screed level. Fleet managers partner with operators to review datasets and identify where they can make changes.
A paver’s mix can cool for many reasons, including inconsistent speeds, screeds or stops. Wagner shared that one Minnesota contractor used a Paver-mounted Thermal Profiling (PMTP) method to record the mat’s surface temperature behind their paver immediately. They fed this data into their online reporting system and partnered with Department of Transportation (DOT) officials to determine its real-time pavement segregation. With this information, this contractor was able to reduce rework and fuel costs.
3. Integrate Software Applications With an Equipment Partner
Fleet managers, operators and technicians partner to develop machine monitoring technology solutions for the contractor’s equipment fleet.
“RDO developed its telematics team to partner with contractors and drive a collective understanding of WITOS and Operations Center solutions,” said Jake Livingston, RDO’s director of connected support. “With so much data flowing in from connected machines, we’re always working to shed light on the opportunities to turn data into action.”
Some dealers, like RDO, offer 3D modeling services or training. Data points can be fed into a CAD (computer-aided design) system to create a digital twin of the paving project. DOT quality inspectors often review the digital twin of the road’s progress to discuss optimal compaction.
After a paver’s initial pass, DOT officials and contractors determine if the mat requires another pass to increase compaction. Fleet managers may opt for vibrating (VV) oscillation (VO), combination (VT), or pneumatic-tire (TT) drums on a Hamm tandem roller, depending on the required impaction force. Rollers like these, plus integration with GPS and surveying data, allow operators to change compaction force periodically.
Additionally, support teams train fleet managers and their operators to enable automated field service requests. Contractors discuss machine health monitoring solutions with their trusted dealer, so remote support professionals monitor Hamm roller’s hydraulic pumps or vibration motors’ calibration. This ability becomes even more valuable when contractors work on remote jobsites and field technicians require advanced notice to travel and perform preventative maintenance.
Depending on the project, like a tollway road restoration, the DOT may require in the bid for the contractor to maintain the road up to 10 years after the initial project is completed. Also, many state or county-funded projects can have bonuses for accurate density. With the datasets, models and machine monitoring data, contractors have the information to illustrate that their highway restoration will last for years.
Adopting a total jobsite solution for your jobsite will require time, team members and trusted experts. However, when contractors understand their equipment fleet’s data, they can adjust machines based on its performance and then integrate machine monitoring and modeling software. Contractors who adopt a total jobsite solution prepare their team for futuristic machine-learning solutions that may be closer than we think.
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