Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)
One of the winners of the inaugural Hitachi Construction Machinery Challenge 2024 has devised an access control system that protects machinery from unauthorised use. Canada-based start-up Veristart won under the “Transform Fleet Management” theme.
The company beat dozens of competitors with its pitch for a product that gives fleet managers precise control over who can operate their machines. With Veristart, the key is kept in the cloud and can be accessed via a smartphone or tablet. This innovative solution promises to prevent theft, improve safety and reduce downtime.
“These issues affect owners worldwide, especially because many construction machines still rely on common physical keys,” says Craig Hannam, Co-founder and CEO of Veristart. “In fact, anyone can buy a full set of keys for major equipment brands online – that ease of access puts machines, people and job-site timelines at serious risk.”
Universal solution
Competing solutions often rely on GPS tracking, which is helpful after a theft occurs, while Veristart prevents unauthorised use in the first place. Moreover, it’s a universal solution, making it an ideal choice for owners who operate mixed fleets.
“We’ve had excellent early discussions with the Hitachi team and are exploring potential collaboration opportunities with dealers and customers in several regions,” explains Craig. “Our goal is to run pilots with strategic partners who can help us validate and scale the solution. We’re also continuing to improve the product based on feedback and gearing up for broader commercialisation.”
Networking opportunity
As a Challenge winner, the company was invited to participate on the Hitachi Construction Machinery stand at Bauma 2025, which proved to be an ideal networking opportunity.
“It was a fantastic platform for engagement, enabling us to speak with Hitachi dealers and customers from across Europe and around the world,” adds Craig. “I would also like to offer a big thanks to the Hitachi team for their support and for creating such a meaningful opportunity through the Challenge. Events like this help start-ups like ours gain momentum and connect with the right people.”
Rene Koops, General Manager Development & Marketing at Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) explains the benefits of cooperating with companies such as Veristart: “By collaborating with start-ups that have innovative ideas and technological capabilities beyond our own, we can find partners that will help us to integrate solutions for the future.”
Why stop reading now? Others liked:
Subscribe
Keep up to date with the latest news from Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME).
