The construction industry has been witnessing tremendous growth in recent years due to the increasing demand for infrastructure and development projects. However, this growth comes with a significant challenge – the rising prices of construction equipment.
Construction equipment is costly and valuable, making them a prime target for theft. According to the National Equipment Register (NER), the construction industry loses up to $1 billion annually due to equipment theft. This theft not only results in financial losses but also causes delays in projects and hinders progress.
Moreover, equipment theft is widespread due to poor site security that thieves can easily overcome and steal expensive equipment in a jiffy. Installing CCTV cameras and having a security team 24×7 haven’t been effective enough to curb theft rates.
Because of these circumstances, construction companies need to think about innovative and secure equipment tracking and management solutions in order to safeguard their high-value investments.
Fortunately, technology has come up with a solution to this problem – GPS trackers. Real-time GPS tracking and geofencing allow contractors to reduce their losses and prevent theft on construction sites.
GPS trackers are a modern-day technology that allows construction companies to keep an eye on their equipment, even when they are not physically present. A GPS tracker is a tool using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine the accurate location of an object. The device collects location data and transmits it to a central server, which can be accessed by the construction company.
Real-time Tracking
One of the best benefits of a GPS tracker for construction sites is that it helps with real-time tracking and monitoring. When a GPS tracker is attached to equipment, site admins can know its movement and whereabouts in real-time. So, it can work 24×7 all day of the year without disruptions, and managers can get all data with a few clicks on their desktops or smartphones.
This feature is particularly helpful in preventing theft, as any unidentified movement can be detected immediately. Real-time monitoring also enables companies to quickly respond to equipment malfunctions or accidents, preventing further damage.
This also improves operations because workers don’t have to waste a lot of time finding the tool as they can use the tracking feature and get the right tool and start work.
Geofence Alerts
The geofence feature is the most attractive feature of a GPS tracking device. With geo-fencing, construction companies can set a virtual perimeter or fence around a location on the map. So, if equipment leaves or enters the fenced zone, the GPS tracker alerts site admins instantly. This way, any equipment is not far from the admins’ site, and they can keep a better inventory record.
Another use of geo-fencing alerts for construction is to monitor the movement of equipment between construction sites. Construction companies may have several ongoing projects at different locations, and managing the equipment inventory can be daunting.
GPS trackers with geo-fencing capabilities can be used to monitor the movement of equipment between these sites. If equipment moves outside the designated geo-fenced areas, an alert is triggered, and the company can investigate the reason for the movement. This immediate notification enables companies to take quick action to prevent equipment theft.
Moonlighting
With real-time tracking and geofence features, GPS trackers for construction can prevent moonlighting and unauthorised use. Geo-fencing alerts can also be used to monitor the movement of equipment during non-working hours. Construction companies may park their equipment in a storage yard or other location during non-working hours.
By creating a geofence around this location, the company can monitor the movement of equipment with real-time tracking and receive alerts if any unauthorised activity occurs.
Data Insights
GPS trackers also provide valuable data for equipment management. The location and usage data collected by GPS trackers can be used by companies to optimise equipment utilisation and maintenance. This data enables companies to determine if the equipment is being used efficiently, identify underutilised equipment, and monitor maintenance schedules. As a result, companies can save money by reducing equipment downtime and increasing the lifespan of their equipment.
However, inventory management becomes ten times simpler with GPS tracking. Using the system in day-to-day operations will make it less time-consuming and physically demanding for construction companies to locate your assets, particularly those that are tangible.
Summing Up
The rising prices of construction equipment have made them a prime target for theft, resulting in significant financial losses for the industry. GPS trackers provide real-time monitoring, enhanced security measures, valuable data for equipment management, and a competitive advantage for construction companies.
Using GPS trackers, companies can protect their equipment, reduce downtime, increase equipment lifespan, and win more significant projects. The construction industry is fast-paced and dynamic, and using GPS trackers is a crucial step towards maintaining security and ensuring the success of projects.