The benefits of asset trackers for construction

One of the biggest challenges in the construction industry is the cost of the fuel (usually diesel) that is used to run the machinery. In addition, achieving high asset utilisation represents a major challenge, all whilst trying to mitigate the theft of machinery and improve the safety of the team on-site, and the equipment they are operating.

According to a recent study, engine idling is a significant operating cost, revealing that: “on average, equipment on construction sites are idle around 25% of the time. Trucks are idle up to 50% of the time. In addition to unnecessary fuel consumption, this increases maintenance needs.” (1). So addressing this challenge should be a priority for any business. 

Machinery thefts are on the rise across Australia and New Zealand. To mitigate these thefts, more businesses are choosing to implement GPS asset tracking solutions. This helps their fleet and equipment stay efficient and profitable.

To learn more from these businesses, we surveyed a total of 371 fleet managers, executives and other mobile-business professionals in Australia and New Zealand. This data has been compiled in our latest Fleet Technology Trends Report. These businesses ranked the benefits and results they achieved after implementing fleet management technology such as GPS asset trackers. 

Top 3 asset tracker trends for the construction industry 

Here are the 3 key insights shared by construction professionals that show the impact that GPS asset management technology has had on their businesses:

• 67% of survey respondents across all industries consider asset management solutions “extremely” or “very beneficial” to their businesses.

• 77% of respondents in the Construction industry rated asset management solutions “extremely” or “very beneficial” to their businesses.

• 74% of those surveyed in the Construction sector who have an asset management solution achieved a positive ROI in one year or less.

Download the Fleet Technology Trends Report in Australia and New Zealand to learn more about the benefits of GPS asset tracking.

One of the first improvements that asset managers noticed after implementing GPS asset trackers is in areas considered crucial for sustainability, efficiency and cost reduction in their daily operations.

Let’s dive into the top 5 goals achieved in the construction industry since implementing an asset management solution:  

• 62% improved equipment/ trailer security.

• 62% improved efficiency/ productivity drivers/ workers.

• 59% improved equipment/ trailer utilisation.

• 59% improved safety. 

• 54% improved efficiency/ productivity for office staff/management.

Download the Fleet Technology Trends Report in Australia and New Zealand to learn more about the goals achieved by fleet-reliant businesses of GPS asset tracking.

4 benefits of asset trackers

• Locate your assets easily and quickly: Use GPS asset tracking to easily find equipment and help you get to the job site. Quickly view location data, history, usage details and asset tracker battery life on a live map.

• Boost your assets and equipment utilisation: See where assets are being used, reallocate unproductive equipment and monitor engine hours. Our GPS asset trackers can help you avoid renting equipment unnecessarily as well as bid on jobs effectively.

• Protect your assets with proactive maintenance and service: Track engine hours based on usage metrics. Create reminders for scheduled maintenance and part replacement. Log service for historical data and work to promote efficiency. 

• Protect against unauthorised use: Contribute to the security of your equipment by programming geofence alerts that create a virtual perimeter around your assets. You can: 

• Set geographic boundaries with geofences
• Establish allowable operating hours for each job
• Get instant alerts for any unauthorised movement day or night
• Track utilisation with customisable dashboards.

If an asset moves, you’ll know about it. When theft occurs, near real-time movement alerts can help you recover your valuable assets quickly.

Asset trackers can help you and your business

Asset tracking technology is key in helping to deliver results, and can help boost competitiveness and build resilience across industries. In the construction industry, it can make a huge difference for asset and equipment utilisation, productivity, efficiency and reducing operational costs. 

To learn more about how your peers view and value asset tracking technology, download the full 2024 Fleet Technology Trends Report in Australia and New Zealand.

Sources: 

1. https://www.energy.gov.au/business/industry-sector-guides/construction