and other equipment do the work right the first time. This means more time, fuel, and machine hours are saved, capacity is enhanced and efficiency is guaranteed. Beyond this, there is also great potential for road construction to be an example of the circular economy if machine control technology is widely and properly implemented. This technology helps to control the amount milled, and reduce the amount of new hot mix asphalt or concrete material made, the production of which requires a significant amount of energy and natural resources. Saved resources can then be used in future paving projects and the new pavement volume can be reduced with the help of 3D technology. This material saving potential using 3D technology can help the construction industry reduce its carbon dioxide footprint. The process of digitization may feel like a daunting one. There are certainly obstacles construction companies must first surmount before it invests in new technology such as 3D machine control systems. However, construction technology manufacturers know that effortlessness and impactfulness are paramount for contractors, and develop their technologies so as to deliver on these requirements. Technology partners will help along the way to ensure that any new tech can be properly integrated into the work systems and any training required for personnel will take place. The benefits of investing in machine control systems for the road construction industry go beyond improving quality and saving time, to minimizing waste and improving the overall sustainability of the industry. Tommi Kauppinen has more than 25 years of experience in the Machine Control business. Mr Kauppinen holds a degree in automation engineering as well as a few patents relating to positioning and awareness related solutions. He has been involved with several start-up companies as a founder and held senior strategic roles within large publicly traded global companies. He currently holds the position of Vice President Heavy Construction, Machine Control Field Solutions. Hexagon Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications. Our technologies are shaping production and people related ecosystems to become increasingly connected and autonomous – ensuring a scalable, sustainable future. Hexagon’s Geosystems division provides a comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions that capture, measure, and visualize the physical world and enable data-driven transformation across industry ecosystems. Tommi Kauppinen is Vice President of Heavy Construction, Machine Control Field Solutions, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon. Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) has approximately 24,000 employees in 50 countries and net sales of approximately 5.2bn EUR. Learn more at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB .
New technology transforms processes, but it also greatly impacts people. While it will be easy for some people to adapt to and to adopt digital technologies, it is not always the case across the whole workforce. It’s crucial to choose a technology provider who will help train employees so that they accept and, importantly, enjoy using the new technology. With the right training and as more tech is used, the barriers to adoption among the workforce will naturally start to decrease, allowing easier adoption of new technologies in the future. 2. Strategy is priority Digitization is not often an immediate solution to a short-term problem. It is vital for construction companies to consider how prepared they are to change their workflow. Optimizing entire fleets with 3D machine control systems, for example, is a long-term strategy that affects the entire road construction workflow and requires serious strategic consideration. 3. IT Integration The complexity and variety of data formats and interfaces can pose challenges when planning to start or expand technology investment. On top of this, there can be added confusion with the different data formats road contractors use stringline models and others opt for terrain models. Choosing a technology partner who can integrate their IT into either model is therefore essential when changing to 3D technology. 4. Deployment efforts Once the appropriate tech solution is identified and the IT can be properly integrated into the company’s processes, the next step is deployment. During road construction projects, and construction projects more broadly, the aim is always to complete the job well, and to complete it the first time. Therefore, how intuitive the technology is to deploy and manage is essential. Making sure it is easy helps foster workplace acceptance, facilitates compatibility with existing and future investments, lowers complexity for all stakeholders, and ultimately means it is faster to deploy. How successful 3D machine control technology will be for a business is more than just a matter of making the right single purchase. It is a strategic, multi-level decision that involves choosing a technology partner that can support the product, the people and the overall digital transformation. Once a team becomes acclimatized to 3D technology and the management understands that its use requires change to the entire workflow to harness all the benefits, 3D machine control technology acceptance is no longer an issue. Instead, it slots easily into a company’s long-term plans and strategy for enhanced work processes. From inefficiency to sustainability Sustainability is more than just a buzzword of the 21st century, for every industry it is an actionable priority. Overcapacity, inefficient processes and methodologies are hampering the construction industry and contributing to the 39 percent of global C02 emissions generated by the industry. However, there is a silver lining. Technology-enabled workflows not only reduce waste by optimizing the quantity of material used during a project, but they also help to ensure that machines
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AUGUST 2023 csengineermag.com
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