You manage your job sites with precision and you can manage your fleet the same way. Enter, telematics, which are increasingly relevant for crane and rigging fleets and specialized transport. Telematics provide real-time data to enhance safety and keep your machines running smoothly.
How do I get started using telematics for my crane and rigging fleet?
Depending on your equipment, some of your fleet may already include OEM-embedded telematics. These are factory-installed hardware and software and most newer machines include this technology. If your machine does not, you can look into after market options like OBD-II devices or wired telematics.
These are beneficial for tracking all of your equipment under one umbrella, rather than tracking only machine-specific data.
OBD-II devices are plug and play, where wired telematics require professional installation. Keep in mind that the OBD-II devices are easy to unplug, so the wired (hidden) telematics are better for security purposes. You will also need to choose a system that integrates with your existing construction management software.
It’s important to notify your team that this technology isn’t simply about tracking the behavior of drivers, its main purpose is to ensure safety, aid in maintenance care, increase fuel and other efficiency and save costs.
What data can I track with telematics?
Are you having issues with operator safety? Do you need to monitor idle time? Are you focused on data that will aid in preventative or automatic maintenance? All of this can be tracked with telematics.
Let’s look at a few major areas in which this data is invaluable:
GPS Tracking
You need to know where your machines are and when they are arriving and leaving job sites. Watch it all in real-time and set up the alerts you need.
Crane Data
Track load-on-hook, crane setup configuration, engine load and operating hours. This data helps you better plan moving forward and creates a true picture of your crane in action.
Equipment Maintenance
Monitor engine health and diagnostic trouble codes to keep your equipment in working order and maintenance in check. Predictive maintenance data reduces downtime and boosts savings.
Operator Safety
Are your drivers speeding, braking too harshly, idling too long? This data allows you to recognize the patterns so you have the ability to get issues under control before safety and/or efficiency becomes a bigger problem.
Theft Prevention
Equipment moving during off-hours or moving to a different location when it shouldn't be? The faster you have access to the data, the faster you can stop engines remotely and report suspicious activity.
Audits and Reviews
With data export capabilities, telematics gives you the documentation needed for audits and contract reviews.
Note: You’ll need tools that can grow with you and support fleets of all sizes. Do your research.
How does telematics help with insurance?
Implementation of telematics shows you possess a culture of safety to insurance carriers, which supports favorable insurance positioning.
This is the kind of data that can be used on your behalf when negotiating coverage and making the case for your business to carriers. We help you build the risk profile that earns better coverage and stronger terms.
If you have to film a claim for an accident or incident, the data from your telematics becomes vital pieces of evidence. There is a record of exactly what happened and when, which can protect you from fraudulent claims.
Using this data shows that you are working to improve the overall safety of your fleet and insurance companies reward low-risk operators. If you can show you’ve made significant improvements, you’ll have more opportunities come renewal time.
Telematics is more than a fleet management tool, it's a competitive advantage.
At Emery & Karrigan, we help you use that story to your advantage. From negotiating better rates at renewal to defending against fraudulent claims, we put your data to work, because good operators deserve coverage that reflects it.
If you want to discuss where telematics fits in your risk management strategy, please reach out.