Telemetry is a system that uses sensors to capture and record data remotely before transferring the data to a different location where it can be monitored and analysed.
In the last several years, more cost-effective sensors and reduced network costs have seen an exponential increase in IoT devices across multiple industries. These complex systems can now monitor a wide range of things, including temperature, precipitation, pressure, flow, volume, mechanical loads, geolocation, vibration, voltage and current. Essentially, telemetry provides insight into how specific equipment and systems are working, and it is used in a range of fields, including medicine, intelligence, meteorology and, as we’ll discuss further, construction.
So, how does telemetry help construction managers run their projects?
Driving productivity
With telemetry, you can be thousands of kilometres from a project site and still have visibility of the machinery and the project in general.
Telemetry helps the construction industry to drive projects and manage equipment, with sensors applied to a range of tools and equipment. These sensors collect data about things such as where equipment is located and how it is being used. Project managers can then identify underutilised machinery and tools, reducing the amount of unnecessary equipment hire that takes place (saving companies money).
Any data that was previously inaccessible is now within easy reach of project managers, and with companies like Coates Hire leveraging telemetry across their equipment fleet, it’s becoming more available across the country.
A case study
Telemetry is a smarter way to work. Take, for example, a recent job at Osborne Shipyards in South Australia. Coates Hire provided a comprehensive dewatering solution that was designed to create a dry and safe environment for excavation. Sensors were used to monitor the groundwater table and the flow of water.
If the required flow rate was exceeded, an SMS alert was sent as a warning and the engineering team had a full audit trail showing the integrity of the site has been maintained. Also, if there were any technical issues with the pump system, the engineering team could proactively be engaged and solve the problem without any damage to the site.
There were two main benefits to this: first, it reduced the need and cost of having personnel on site to monitor the situation; and second, it was a more efficient way to keep the site and workers safe.
Improving safety
Telemetry provides data that can be used as an early warning that something could go wrong, as well as keeping workers at a safe distance of any potential danger, and monitoring load limits and ground forces. For example, sensors embedded into hydraulic struts during a site excavation enable project managers to monitor the retention system.
Telemetry is also effective when it comes to monitoring turnarounds and shutdowns, along with tracking where equipment is and if it’s still in working order. It provides accurate data on equipment usage to ensure planned maintenance is carried out on time and warns of mechanical issues so repairs can be performed, thus reducing the risk of equipment breakdowns. Conversely, actively monitoring actual equipment usage ensures that service teams do not visit the equipment unnecessarily, eliminating risk exposure and reducing site disruptions.
Essentially, telematics helps business operate, while at the same time ensuring those operations continue into the future.
This partner content is brought to you by Coates Hire. If you want to find out more about how telemetry can help your construction projects operate more efficiently, Coates Hire can assist.
