Construction Machinery as a Service

The problem is that many construction companies do not know in detail how fully their machines are utilized, precisely where they are and when they will be needed again. The solution is to connect them digitally and make their location and utilization transparent on a cloud platform. To provide it syniotec developed the Smart Asset Manager (SAM), software that maps the entire process chain on a construction site. The data required is supplied by IoT telematics modules with which construction machinery can be equipped and retrofitted. Telekom’s comprehensive consulting services enabled syniotec to find the right way to provide networking and it was able step by step to expand its business model.

In the meantime, syniotec has expanded its product portfolio and developed RAM, the Rental Asset Manager, for construction machinery rental companies and dealers in addition to SAM for construction companies.

syniotec soon made additions to its initial requirement profile for the wireless module, which was to show a machine’s current location. It now wanted to record its operating hours and motor status too and opted for LTE for Machine Type Communication as its data transmission standard. LTE-M, the machine network for the Internet of Things, transmits small amounts of data reliably and energy-efficiently over the cellular network. This wireless standard also provides the bandwidth required for transmitting extensive machine data (see info box).

syniotec has meanwhile expanded its business model significantly. The current syniotec IoT telematics box for large machines like excavators or cranes is equipped with an LTE-M SIM card and reads data such as position, operating hours and motor status. Smaller appliances are connected by means of LoRa beacons or NFC/QR/RFID tags. The data is evaluated and processed for the customer using syniotec’s SAM software. Construction companies are now locating and managing their machinery and equipment directly via the software.

The manufacturer-independent software is available for site managers and everyone involved in the construction project. They record operating hours for billing, assign cost centers, organize transportation and receive an overview of the utilization of their machinery. A project calendar provides an overview of current and planned construction projects. A geofence theft alarm is also one of the software’s functions. If a connected forklift truck, telescopic handler or trailer leaves the site outside of working hours the systems sends an automatic alarm to the operator.

This all-inclusive package consisting of an IoT solution and project and equipment management, syniotec says, is a unique selling proposition. A further objective is to collaborate with manufacturers to integrate the wireless modules into construction machinery.