Using computer software to run a construction site is hardly a new idea – after all site managers generally have had some kind of database for years, but the concept of using special packages to monitor uptime and service intervals is reasonably novel in this region.
Modern software can handle all kinds of information about the machines and vehicles in a company’s fleet. As well as the usual data about vehicle maintenance and scheduled services, software can now track purchases, including labour costs and resale values.
As well as this, it is possible to add in a number of ‘modules’ that can monitor anything from tyre items through to the stock levels in the parts inventory and so on.
Additionally, some modern software packages can be integrated with payroll software, so you can see who has worked what hours, and on which machine.
We were curious to see such software in action so we dropped in on Graham Larkin, plant manager of the JV grout that is currently building the Dubai Metro.
It is a particularly complicated time for the project now, as some of the plant is being removed as the job nears completion, while other smaller pieces that are relevant to the final stages are being brought in.
Software
As such, Larkin has brought in some software that he firs encountered while working in Africa; “In a previous job in Eritrea, we did a survey [of the software available] and the government picked this one”. The software in question is from a UK-based firm called TAG. In it, the program, a variety of ‘modules’ are interlinked and these contain values about the equipment being monitored.
Using the program is not too difficult for a trained operator. At the JV, there are two staff who work the database. Larkin explained; “If, for example, there is an issue for a part to a machine, you have got issues by work order, then that will show in the bold print all the open work orders, that will show all the machines being serviced. Select this work order number, and then directly issue parts to that work order number. So if we were to go back in a couple of weeks time, we would see that.”
He added, “We could go right back to the beginning of the project and track every machine and every cost…if we’d used it from day one!”
He explained that if he were to do the project again, then even more integration would be useful: “There is also a purchasing module which we didn’t buy as the company already had its own purchasing software. This was a bit of a pity as we would have been able to track everything. If we were to do this again than we would do that.”
Out of interest, the purchasing software that the JV uses is the popular ‘Timberline’ software package.
“When we have visits by the engineers, they were very impressed with the record keeping because it is what they wanted to see.”
Of course, there are many different packages on the market, depending on what your precise requirements from software are. For example, one package can be set to remind the users of all upcoming scheduled tasks.
Window
A spokesperson for a different brand of software, called Fleetmate, said; “When you start (the software) you’ll be greeted with a reminder window that lists everything that needs to be done for your entire fleet.
Click a reminder to complete it and a new work order is automatically generated, enabling you to quickly issue it. You can then print or email it to your workshop or service agency, or complete the work order in one quick step.
Some modern asset management systems can even update while vehicles on the move. One firm moves cargo mainly around US military bases in Kuwait.
As such, its requirements were perhaps more demanding than most fleet operators, so the settled on a package called Fleet Management Software, which uses satellite tracing as well as tradional methods to learn about the fleet.
“We selected FMS because they had the most innovative solution.” said Philip Sordian, vice chairman of transport company KGL.
“The FMS system gives us the visibility and information we need to increase efficiency, allowing more accurate billing, outstanding asset management and reliable mission completion.”
Satellite
“Because it uses the Iridium satellite network to transmit data, it provides connectivity 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter where our assets may be. “
“This near-real-time information is critical for driver, truck and load safety,” Sordian continued.
In addition to being much more efficient and reliable than the manual tracking methods, such as the radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and cellular phones previously used to keep in touch with drivers, the FMS system demonstrated a swift return on investment.
Deployed in mid-2008, the system helped KGL TC identify asset usage they were previously unable to track and allowed them to recover lost revenue within the first week of implementation.
“The FMS system is helping us achieve our goal to be the most competitive, highest quality transportation provider in the region,” added Sordian. “Not only has it helped us maximise revenue available under existing contracts, but when it comes to competing for new contracts, the competitive advantage has exceeded our expectations.”
The system used at this transport company consists of two main devices, the MLT-400i, which is placed in the tractor, and the TLT-400i, placed in the trailer. The two devices send data back to the FMS Network Operations Center, which provides complete data security and reliable uptime.
Uptime
Users as well as the software company’s support team can access the application over the Internet. The users will only be able to browse the information relevant to their specific ‘missions’.
Information transmitted includes everything from details about the load and driver, to the route, time of departure, time of arrival, driver speed and even vehicle maintenance requirements.
When the software company receives a request for logistics support, the company can quickly identify the location of all assets, determining which are available for mission assignment and dispatch or reroute as needed.
With devices in both portions of the tractor trailer, KGL TC even has the flexibility to separate a tractor from a trailer to pick up a more urgent load and return later to pick up the previous trailer.
Driver safety has become a major talking point for fleet managers in this region, especially with worrying increases in the number of road accidents within the Middle East.
According to governmental statistics, approximately 1,000 road deaths were reported in the United Arab Emirates last year, which has increased the pressure on transportation companies to increase their safety standards.
These systems also have the potential to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, lower insurance premiums and extend the lifespan of a vehicle.
However, despite these benefits, until now seems the response towards various types of management has been relatively lukewarm in the Middle East.
“After starting operations in the United Arab Emirates a few years ago, we noticed that companies liked the concept of fleet management systems, but were sluggish when it came to commitment,” explains Naim Hadi, general manager of Trakker Middle East, a pioneer of FMS technology in South Africa, Pakistan, Europe, Australia and Brazil.
However, it takes time to educate the market.
“In the United States and Europe, this technology has existed for over 30 years now and it’s had a presence in markets such as South Africa for 25 years,” he added.
With all the advantages of fleet management systems, we can all look forward to a bright new digital tomorrow.