The Power of a SmartSite

Posted by Pedigree Technologies on
SmartSite header

Transform Your Mixed Fleet Operations with Smart Technologies

Smart technologies are revolutionizing the way projects are managed and executed for job sites in a variety of industries. Embracing a seamless integration of advanced digital solutions, companies are now unlocking a new era of efficiency, productivity, and safety. From real-time asset tracking and automated equipment management to intelligent worker monitoring, this transformative use of smart technology is reshaping the job site/yard landscape, creating SmartSites.

What is a SmartSite?

A SmartSite utilizes cutting-edge technologies and sensors to manage the operations and assets on a job site or in a yard across industries, including construction, oil and gas, equipment rental, and manufacturing. SmartSite sensors can monitor both low-cost Bluetooth tags and cellular trackers, providing back-office visibility into all assets and equipment, not just ones equipped with GPS. Integrating the sensors in your yard or site is simple because the Bluetooth signals can be picked up by trackers installed in vehicles, smart phones, and no-install solar gateways. The data collected from sensors is used to streamline operations, increase productivity, reduce costs, minimize risks, and improve the overall project outcome. These sensors are easy-to-install and cost-effect, transforming manual processes of managing asset-intensive yards or sites into one uniformed machine.

SmartSite Key Features

Key advantages of implementing smart technologies at your location

Inventory Visibility

Manual on-site inventory practices are time-consuming and prone to human error. By using GPS devices and Bluetooth tags within your job site or construction yard, you can mitigate these challenges. A SmartSite can not only confirm if the vehicle, asset, or attachment is available for use, but can help find its location. This allows you to make informed decisions by knowing which vehicles, equipment, and attachments are entering, leaving, and remaining on site.

Yard Move Status

By using the yard move status, drivers can avoid inaccurately inflating their driving time logs and only counts against your On Duty, Not Driving time.

Asset Utilization

Optimizing equipment utilization is crucial for maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing costs. Some simple SmartSite solutions can automatically sense motion, vibration, or on/off triggers to determine usage while other devices can gather sophisticated idling, fuel consumption, and diagnostic trouble code data. By analyzing asset utilization patterns, businesses can identify underutilized equipment, streamline workflows, and make informed decisions about fleet size, maintenance schedules, and resource allocation.

Security

SmartSites use the latest and most discrete GPS trackers and Bluetooth tags making them easier to hide and harder for thieves to detect. If an asset or attachment leaves the site during an unauthorized time, you can be alerted immediately. Simple sensors are used to indicate door and gate access and cameras can be installed to record suspicious movements.

Companies with mixed fleets or asset-intensive operations are using smart technologies to revolutionize their business providing enhanced visibility into their assets and data. SmartSites use a variety of technologies, asset gateways, GPS devices, and Bluetooth tags, to streamline inventory management, reduce manual errors, improve safety conditions for workers, and maximize operational efficiency. With a SmartSite’s advanced technology, businesses gain a competitive advantage by harnessing the power of real-time data and automation in their day-to-day operations.

Want to learn how a SmartSite could be beneficial for your business? Contact our knowledgeable Pedigree team.

Simple Bluetooth Technology Solving TPMS Complexity

Posted by John Elsner on
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Complexity

Tire Pressure Can Have a Significant Impact on the Financial Health and Safety of Your Fleet

Properly inflated tires are essential for vehicle safety. Monitoring tire pressure allows fleet managers to ensure that all tires are within the recommended pressure range. Underinflated tires can lead to reduced traction, longer stopping distances, and an increased risk of skidding or hydroplaning. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, can result in reduced stability, uneven tire wear, and potential blowouts. By monitoring tire pressure, fleet managers can proactively address any deviations, minimizing the risk of accidents and promoting safer driving conditions.

Tire inflation problems are all too common. The CVSA reports that tire related violations accounted for 18.5% of all out of service violations found during its 2022 International Roadcheck. The NACFE cites one study that claims over 50% of heavy commercial vehicles tires are not inflated within 5 psi of target pressure.

Take a look at these other eye-popping stats:

TPMS Complexity Stats

Is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System the Answer?

A TPMS (Tire Pressure Management System) solution is designed to address the challenges above by ensuring proper tire inflation to avoid costly violations and potentially save thousands of dollars in fuel costs each year. A TPMS also has the ability to inform drivers of inflation issues before tires blow out or exhibit other safety issues, which can help to prevent accidents and reduce downtime.

New Bluetooth Technology Changing the TPMS Game

New technology is addressing the TPMS installation complexity and costs. With the introduction of Bluetooth valve stem sensors, a technical installation is replaced by a simple setup routine:

  • Screw on the sensors
  • Pair with the tire

Better yet, there is no separate and expensive receiver to install in the cab. Instead, tire pressure alerts and values, for both trucks and trailers, are sent simultaneously to the cloud and ELD tablet.

When integrated with ELD, the tablet will display real-time tire pressure for each tire and will alert drivers if the pressure exceeds a certain limit. The driver can use the TPMS data to identify and address serious tire problems before they happen.

By providing real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, TPMS is an essential tool for heavy duty truck operators who want to ensure the safety, performance, and efficiency of their fleet. With the arrival of new Bluetooth based TPMS technology, implementation is simplified, and costs are reduced bringing about an even faster payback on this investment.

Are you ready to learn more about how TPMS can help your fleet operations? Reach out to our knowledgeable sales team for more information.

Reduce Tire Costs With a Tire Management System

Posted by John Elsner on
Reduce Tire Costs

Fleets Who Focus on Tire Management Can Increase Savings and Improve Overall Performance

This year it’s anticipated that fleets will continue to face rising prices and extreme revenue pressures. As a way to combat these pressures, proper tire management is one area that can reduce operational costs.

Tires should be viewed as assets, and be managed properly from selection to disposal to maximize their value versus a material simply being bought and used. Fleets should establish a tire management system to track the true cost of each tire and ensure that they get the most value out of their investment.

A tire management system should begin with tire selection, considering the vehicle’s specific needs, routes, and the climate. Selecting a tire specific to the application will enhance efficiency and profitability. Tire dealers can be a great resource for fleets to ensure that they are getting the best for their dollar.

Another important way to improve your investment is by using tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) which, thanks to the introduction of Bluetooth technology, have become more accessible and affordable to incorporate. With this new TPMS technology, gone are the days of complex and time-consuming installations.  Now sensors can simply be screwed on to the stem valves and can connect to the cloud via an ELD or other tracking device.

Inflation pressure is always the most important factor of tire maintenance relative to tire costs. Correct inflation will help to maximize the ability to retread a tire while minimizing wear and the tire’s contribution to fuel economy rolling resistance. According to the FMCSA, only 46% of heavy commercial vehicle tires are inflated within five psi of target pressure and only 38% of trailer tires.*

A TPMS will eliminate the 10–20-minute manual tire pressure check, reduce wear and tear, and help prevent tire blowouts and other tire-related accidents. By constantly monitoring tire pressure and alerting drivers to any issues, it also reduces the costs associated with tire damage and downtime.

Tire expenses will always be a way of life for fleet managers. Therefore, it only makes sense to establish procedures designed to control them. A good tire maintenance program, incorporating management strategies and TPMS technology, will enhance tire efficiency and profitability. Fleets can increase savings and improve overall performance by focusing on tire management.

Contact Pedigree Technologies to get started on your own tire management system.

*(FMCSA – 2002 study, cited by NACFE 2020)