Is the connected job site still the future of construction?

The connected job site – in which people, tools, machines and even structures become part of a rich data network, enabling planning, status and progress to be effectively managed – is nothing new. Much has already been written about the benefits of increased efficiency, performance, safety and accountability it brings. So why aren’t we there yet? HCME Product Manager James Deighton explains some of the barriers still in place and how the connected job site is expected to evolve in the future.

Fleet Management

Telematics

Embracing technology in construction

One of the main obstacles to the connected job site is the fact that construction is typically a conservative industry. “Crossing the chasm between early technology adopters and mass market will take a catalyst,” says James. Some countries are finding a way to encourage people to embrace the changes, however. “We have seen this in the Nordic countries, for instance in the requirement to have machine control on excavators to be considered favourably for government tender projects.”

The construction industry also needs to attract people with the required skills and education to operate within the connected job site. “Construction hasn’t been a field that technology-focused professionals have typically gravitated towards,” says James, “this will have to change.”

Sharing technology and data

A further barrier to the connected job site is a lack of openness and transparency between manufacturers of equipment and software that are needed to make it possible. “Multiple companies utilise proprietary physical connections, control systems or standards, in an effort to create a moat,” says James. “You can’t effectively connect digital or physical systems without open standards and interfaces.” Hitachi Construction Machinery is fostering an open approach by offering data, such as its telematics API. This enables customers to utilise their preferred platform to harness machine data, enhancing their understanding of global machine specifics for increased efficiency. The manufacturer also welcomes collaboration with industry-leading third parties, such as Leica Geosystems and Trimble, for the supply of machine control systems. These are expertly fitted to Hitachi excavators at the HCME factory in Amsterdam before delivery, and are fully supported by local Hitachi dealers and manufacturer specialists. “We want to allow customers to combine their choice of technology partners with the uncompromised responsiveness, control and quality of Hitachi excavators to elevate their performance,” says James.

Hope for the future of construction

While the road to the connected job site is long, there have already been significant developments in this area, improving the safety of people and machines on site and overall productivity. “Much of the enabling technology already exists and we’re seeing a slow but steady transition from individual machine thinking to end-to-end efficiency.”

Future evolutions will help to reach the ultimate goal of complete connectivity. “There will be an even greater focus on safety, as technology will increasingly evolve to prevent humans being placed in potentially dangerous situations.” James also predicts an increased use of augmented technologies, AI, robotics and remote control . “Whilst these combine to optimise mundane, repetitive or high data processing orientated tasks, human resources can focus on complex decision making, interpersonal and creative work.

“This new paradigm will change not only the way we work, but also increase transparency and accountability. Each person will have to document their own progress and input, ensuring problems are not passed along the chain, and resulting in higher quality workmanship.”

“Ecologically we can also expect benefits – connected job sites and complimentary technologies such as increased electrification and predictive maintenance will lead to a reduction in environmental impact, lowering metrics such as CO2 emissions, air and noise pollution.”

Discover more

Telematics API

Telematics technology is used to monitor a wide range of information relating to an individual machine or an entire fleet.

Machine reports & apps

ConSite data report service sends you a monthly email to summarise the information available on Global e-Service for each of your Hitachi machines.

Online dashboard

Improved performance, enhanced productivity, effective maintenance management and minimal downtime are among the benefits of Owner’s Site to your business.

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