Capital Equipment News August 2018

AFTERMARKET SUPPORT

allows our customers to manage their fleets with much more intelligence than before. It gives them a tool to identify machine conditions before an actual breakdown happens and to manage operator behaviour – in terms of productivity or costs (fuel burn, idle time, loading, among other parameters).” Buys says all premium products rely on some form of remotely accessed fleet reporting and diagnostic functions. “We are no different; the value add arises with how a supplier uses the available information as a value add tool to enhance their service to the customer. We have teams with special focus on using the information to pre-empt service requirements, warn customers of operating anomalies and using the total machine fleet running hours to assist in parts scaling,” says Buys. Narasimhan strongly believes that telematics is the way forward. “We offer various options for customers, tailored to their needs including basic daily location reports to full site equipment management solutions. We have put in a great deal of effort into R&D in this area,” she says.

Bell’s aftermarket regime covers a much wider range of services than just technical support and parts availability.

looking for to make their operations more efficient. It is amazing to think that we can now operate a Cat D11 dozer from 5 000 miles away!” Tech influence With technological evolution continuing unabated, anchored by trends such as automation and Internet of Things, how will these influence service provision? Latini says today, most Cat machines come with integrated technologies, such as Cat Connect Link, providing valuable insight into machine or fleet performance. He adds that Product Link is deeply integrated into machines, providing easy access to timely information, such as hours, fuel usage, idle time, location and event codes. “Data is available via the online VisionLink user interface for assisting in more effectively managing the fleet and reducing operating costs. Through Cat Connect, we can plan effortlessly and know exactly where the machine is and when it is due for maintenance and repairs. An alert can automatically trigger a parts order to ensure we have the right parts and mechanic for the job when the machine is due for servicing,” says Latini, adding that leveraging technologies allows suppliers to plan better and this will continue to evolve in the future. Buys says the Internet of Things in the equipment industry will in all likelihood provide even more of a platform for the processing of all the raw data to predict trends which will then trigger particular support interventions. “Simulator screening and training of operators will evolve along with virtual reality. Technical training, support manuals and safety all fall within the reach of virtual/enhanced reality,” he says. Van der Walt is of the view that this will continue to have a significant impact on service provision. “Technology has the potential to dramatically improve efficiencies for both the OEM and the customer through digital interfaces, remote fault finding and diagnostics. This will also impact the visibility we have on the performance of equipment and operators and how fast this information is available,” concludes Van der Walt. b

According to Latini, Cat Connect and Minestar make smart use of technology and services to improve jobsite efficiency as well as enhance safety; and can be combined in customised ways that support different customer requirements and segments. “Whether it is equipment management or automation of machines, this is going to bring the competitive advantage our customers are

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