Making the connection in the construction industry

30 August, 2018

Re-defining the boundaries

Farnham reflects that some might argue Industry 4.0 and related concepts receive too much exposure and that many of the benefits touted by solution providers within this space are not new and have been around for many years. However, it cannot be easily denied that the structure of the construction industry, like many others, is being reshaped and its boundaries are being redefined. This means that new skills are required; such as software development, systems engineering, data analytics and online security. In this respect, those involved in fluid power and the wider remit of motion control have to keep up to speed with these developments in order to remain efficient and competitive.”

Tracking and traceability

Jeavons made the point that it is imperative for OEMs and end users within the construction sector to be able to fully track and trace parts and components throughout the connected supply chain in order to remain legally compliant with regard to current regulations concerning everything from health and safety to environmental responsibility. “The nature of many fluid power products means they carry risk if they are not manufactured to specific standards or not installed correctly,” he said. “Therefore, selecting a reputable distributor who has the necessary accreditation is essential when considering risk management. As a distributor, we ensure all our products are traceable and have full audit trails. We also place a large emphasis on training all our employees; providing them with a full understanding of environmental and health and safety regulations and the implications of not following the correct processes.”

Machine condition monitoring and tracking systems are becoming more prevalent within the construction industry too. For example, Marubeni-Komatsu has introduced a system called Komtrax. “This system works by using a network of global positioning satellites (GPS) to tell you where your machine is and enables you to monitor its health,” explained Edward Prosser, the company’s marketing manager. “It also gives your machines actual working times, service meter readings, idling time and more.”

Prosser added that Komtrax lets users manage their complete Komatsu machine fleet in one place. “Komtrax can be used to monitor and organise your fleet and even export data into your management and office applications to analyse the data further to ensure machines are working efficiently,” he said. The information and reports that Komtrax creates are accessed via an app or online. In addition to using the Komtrax web site from a PC or laptop, users can also access Komtrax on the move by using the link created for smartphone users to have all their essential machine data immediately to hand.

Marubeni-Komatsu has also launched intelligent Machine Control construction equipment, such as the D61PXi bulldozer and the PC210LCi hydraulic excavator. Another main focus of the company is hybrid excavators. “The heart of the Komatsu Hybrid system is an ‘Ultra-Capacitor’ linked to the swing circuit,” Prosser pointed out. “This has shown itself to be safe and reliable across millions of hours of operations around the world.”

Wireless technology

Brandon Coursey, Sun Hydraulics’ electronics program manager, makes the point that in today’s smart technology landscape, modern wireless technology is being increasingly deployed within the mobile and industrial hydraulic sectors, with many resultant convenience, time and cost-related improvements while also ensuring that security remains sacrosanct. For example, Sun’s recently launched XMD modules are single- and dual-coil electro-hydraulic drivers for use in mobile and industrial hydraulic equipment. Both the XMD-01 and -02 drivers offer CAN communication capabilities for easy system integration. “Configurable using our free XMD Mobile smartphone app, the drivers come equipped for worldwide markets to control electrically operated hydraulic actuators used in construction equipment, as well as in other on- and off-highway equipment including agriculture, forestry, marine, earth moving and material handling,” explained Coursey. “Tuned for optimal flow and pressure control using Sun valves, the XMD driver delivers repeatable and reliable solutions for your application demands.”