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ASSET TRACKING
IRN SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2013
One box solution
Danish asset tracking specialist Trackunit is
launching a new ‘single box’ asset management and
access control system that can be operated both
by an RFID card or PIN code. It’s the first PIN code
solutions offered by the company.
The 401 SmartID brings together access control
features and a GSM/GPS fleet management system
in a single box. It allows the operator access to the
machine by entering a unique PIN code or with a personal identification card. If personal identification cards
are preferred, it is possible to use existing company access cards
“The combination of PIN code identification and card identification in one, single solution is an innovation
in the field of access control,” says Jesper Rom Knudsen, head of direct sales at Trackunit. “It gives our
customers the opportunity to choose the exact user identification solution that matches their company and
their need for flexibility.”
One key benefit of the PIN functionality, says a company spokesman, is that “it really adds flexibility and
eliminates the need for a physical card. This makes it super quick for rental companies to send PIN-codes via
SMS to unlock machines at remote locations.” New users can be created easily and the system can handle an
indefinite number of PIN codes.
”By offering easy PIN code access, Trackunit
401 SmartID paves the way for new business
opportunities for rental companies, for example in
connection with large building or infrastructural
projects,” he says.
”Rental companies can set up unstaffed and
remote-controlled depots keeping a stock of
machines at large job sites and rent out equipment
at very short notice. If a contractor suddenly needs
a certain machine, the rental company can remotely
add a new user and text a PIN code that gives
immediate access to the machine in question.”
Universal SiteWatch kit that can be used with any
brand of machine, allowing rental customers with
mixed fleets to run a single fleet management
system.
Other manufacturers are already some way down
the road in terms of their telematic offerings. JCB’s
well-established LiveLink system, for example, is now
fitted as standard on 80% of its products sold across
Europe. Its 3CX and 4CX backhoe loaders, side-
engined Loadall telescopic handlers and tracked and
wheeled excavators are all fitted with LiveLink, as
are wheeled loaders above 8 t operating weight.
JCB also offers a scaled down version, LiveLink
The VisionLink
web interface
for Caterpillar’s
telematics system
allows users to see
the site geofence.
JCB says that in its experience, it is large and
medium sized rental companies that have been the
greatest users of the system so far; “they are using
the system as a full fleet management tool that links
into their existing IT systems and can be used to
improve maintenance and customer support.
“For those with operated fleets and the larger
construction companies, benefits include the
understanding machine usage, fuel management
and monitoring of CO2. This is an increasing
requirement/need.”
The manufacturer says that for smaller companies
and owner operators, the benefits are more about
increased security and better support links to
dealers; “They can concentrate on running their
business and leave support to dealers knowing
that the dealer has greater visibility of usage and
understands what support the customer needs.”
JCB also makes the point that, with the introduction
of the latest Stage IIIB/Tier 4 Interim engines in
many machines, increased electronic technology has
made additional telematic functions possible. “These
include fuel economy data, including which working
mode the machine is operating in. This allows
managers to assess individual operators, checking
for extending idle time or poor use of eco modes
during general operation.”
Ambrose approval
One JCB customer, Richard Sykes, managing director
of Ambrose Plant Hire in the UK, backs this up;
“Increasingly, the customers we work with look for
hirers to provide more than just basic machines.
“With demanding service level agreements
it is essentially a fleet management and total
support solution that is required – ensuring the
best equipment is continually available at peak
performance - exactly where and when the customer
demands it.” It means that Ambrose can track its
Lite, for use on machines that don’t have it fitted
as standard, for example, on mini/midi excavators,
compaction equipment and other smaller machines.
As with the Case system, JCB says the system can be
fitted to other brands of machine (or retrofitted to
old JCB models.)
There is no separate cost for LiveLink and there
are no different ‘levels of service’, says JCB; “Once
you purchase a JCB machine with LiveLink fitted
as standard, you have complete access to all its
features. LiveLink costs are built into the machine.
So the customer effectively does not pay anything
extra for the solution.”
UK contractor and plant hirer J Devine Group recently bought
three JCB JS130 excavators, all fitted with the LiveLink
telematics fleet management system. Plant manager Tim
Brackley says; “With the click of a mouse I can send reports
to the board of directors who can assess the latest status and
ensure our investment is being maximised.”
