Posted on by Julie Woodward
I recently wrote in this blog about technology in the construction industry and how man and machine are working together – not necessarily man versus machine, but man with machine.
Well, that was before I had a very interesting conversation with Ashley Mills from our Survey Hire Express division. He shone a light on machine control for me and how much man and machine are working together in construction right now.
What it is
Machine control involves the integration of positioning tools into construction machinery. Software solutions determine a machine’s current position on the earth and then compare that with the desired design surface.
Machine control is used to accurately position earthwork machinery based on 3D design models. Data is displayed inside the machine cab allowing the operator to efficiently determine the intended design on the ground.
The benefits
The use of equipment fitted with machine control technology increases efficiency, reduces the time on the job, improves health and safety, and also reduces resource and material usage.
What struck me is how site management is improved with the use of machine control. Machines can be controlled from the office so clients know where their machines are, productivity can be monitored and real-time insight into the construction status is gained remotely. The site can be managed and supported directly from the office.
Another huge advantage is that costs are reduced. Right first time means reduced working hours. Optimising material usage through high accuracy automatic control reduces or even eliminates staking and engineering costs.
Productivity increases. Reduced working hours means less wear and tear on machinery and therefore less downtime – so machines are only working when they need to and the required amount of materials are used.
Quality also increases. Work is carried out with the highest precision. Parameters such as quality and accuracy are equally high on the whole site and the risk of human error and subsequent re-working parts of the job are eliminated.
Survey Hire Express
For enquiries about Machine Control contact Survey Hire Express at:
0370 330 6024
enquiries@surveyhireexpress.com
Watch Topcon Machine Control in action here
We supply machine control through our Survey Hire Express division, which is the preferred rental partner for Topcon Machine Control systems in the UK. As well as providing machine control on equipment hired from A-Plant, Survey Hire Express can also retro-fit systems on customer’s own plant, or equipment hired from another supplier.
For enquiries about Machine Control contact Survey Hire Express at:
0370 330 6024
enquiries@surveyhireexpress.com
Watch Topcon Machine Control in action here
