Last month on Interstate 55 outside of Chicago, an exhausted semitrailer truck driver crashed into three vehicles, killing four people. This is the third case in a year where a truck driver was falsifying driving logs in connection to a fatal crash on an Illinois interstate.
This incident highlighted once again what regulators and trucking experts say is an urgent need to transition away from paper logbooks (referred to as ‘comic books’ in the industry), which are easy to fabricate, to an electronic system for tracking hours on the road.
Although mandatory e-logs may not be a reality for another two years, companies need to be proactive about complying with the new regulations and prevent these kinds of tragedies now.
As we become increasingly connected to the world around us, we have access to new, unexplored data. This new reality in technology, referred to as the Internet of Things, is about collecting and managing this data from a rapidly growing network of devices and sensors, processing the data and then sharing it with other connected “things”. The ultimate goal is to find uses for the data and analyze it to make better decisions in every day life.
You are probably already using the Internet of Things right now—such as in your home security system or your car’s self-monitoring capabilities. Now imagine the opportunities that exist for new products and services. We will be seeing a surge of new market opportunities in addition to the competitive advantage for current markets.
The Internet of Things brings a whole new way of thinking about the products and services your business provides. It represents a huge opportunity for the construction industry, which is constantly processing data and strives for workplace safety, as well as efficiency.
Equipment Monitoring and Repair Equipment repairs are one of the largest operating costs in the construction industry. With the advanced sensors available now, machinery can self-detect the impending need for a repair before it becomes a larger issue.
Equipment Inspection: Lost/late forms, low accuracy and undue internal processing time are no longer an issue with electronic processes.
Inventory Management and Ordering: Downtime caused by low supply stock or personnel wasting time on site is another major drain on construction companies. With an IoT solution, site managers will be alerted when resources are getting low and support is needed.
