Why video telematics the next step in tackling driver distraction
New Zealand’s construction industry is a competitive landscape. With increased demand for housing and a shortage in skilled labour, businesses in the sector are feeling the pressure.
Technological innovations, such as integrations with GPS tracking and big data analysis, have the power to drive major change in the industry. In the face of technological change however, businesses in the construction sector need adapt quickly or risk losing their competitive edge.
In 2017 Teletrac Navman, Civil Contractors New Zealand and Contractor Magazine worked together to undertake the New Zealand Construction Industry Survey to gauge attitudes of industry peers on a wide range of issues.
GPS tracking can help businesses improve processes, productivity and predicting costs. Here’s how:
Streamline compliance
Increasing regulatory compliance costs is one of the biggest issues facing businesses – cited by 42 per cent of all respondents. Streamlining compliance processes with technology reduces time, uncertainty and the risk of fines.
Road User Charges (RUC), for example, can be hefty and difficult to manage across a large fleet of vehicles and equipment. Without accurate tracking, you could be paying more than you need to - it’s no wonder that regulatory compliance cost is a concern.
Tech solutions, such as our RUC Manager system, automatically tracks vehicle mileage and calculates off-road activity using high definition data. This allows your business to automate RUC compliance, minimising paperwork and enabling accurate and easy RUC refund claim submissions.
Improve productivity
The survey also found that over half of respondents feel that better productivity is a benefit of technology (53 per cent). When using GPS tracking systems, you know exactly where all your construction equipment is – always. Understanding and managing when, where, and how these assets are being used can lead to increased productivity on the jobsite.
Data captured can determine if you are overworking or underutilising equipment, such as that forgotten excavator sitting unused at a site which could be deployed to where it’s needed most. It also improves the efficiency of asset operators by identifying habits including prolonged idling and dangerous driving behaviour.
New Zealand’s labour productivity levels remain well below leading countries, according to the OECD’s Economic Survey of New Zealand 2017. Using technology can improve productivity through making better use of your construction equipment and correcting inefficient operator habits — placing you in a prime position against competitors.
Predict project costs
GPS tracking helps determine more precise job costing and estimates. More than half of the survey respondents currently measure inputs and outputs per site per day (55 per cent), however only 33 per cent measure the time from design to completion. The data gleaned from tracking technology can help fill the blanks, creating a complete picture of your operation.
Estimating project costs requires a high level of accuracy and consideration of all external and internal factors, including time management. Businesses need to plan ahead in order to execute construction projects successfully, while clients want early and highly accurate cost advice prior to site acquisition and commitment to build.
Tracking systems provide a wealth of data that can be analysed to predict accurate cost estimates for projects based on your previous projects. They further help you to identify costs which can be reduced or countered across all machinery, for example by managing cable wear via drum rotation cycle monitoring on cranes.
These data-driven estimates give you greater visibility into project costs and the ability to confidently submit competitive, evidence backed bids.
Teletrac Navman helps track data using GPS for the construction industry, ensuring streamlined processes, high productivity, and accurate cost estimations. Work with our data analysts and after sales teams now to maximise the benefits.