Machine Utilization Application by NAM system

Machine utilization (i.e. the effectiveness of machinery usage) is an important concept because if vehicles and machinery are not being used correctly and efficiently, operating costs are higher than they should be. Situations regularly occur when drivers leave machinery engines running without the machinery actually working (idling). Machinery is often operated without consideration of its efficient usage (excessive time taken to warm up engine, needless stop/starting, etc.)  Also, machinery is repeatedly left standing at one workplace with little or no performance though it could be more effectively used somewhere else.

More and more companies are realizing the benefits of monitoring machine utilization and are searching for ways to do this. And we’re glad to announce that our partner NAM system from the Czech Republic has developed an application that efficiently tracks machine utilization. The app was first introduced by NAM system at the Gurtam partner conference in June and aroused the keen interest of the audience.

Online data on the location, movement and utilization of machinery is transmitted to the Wialon system making it possible to find detailed and accurate information of this machine utilization.

The NAM system AVL unit NCL 20 is used to collect and transmit data. All modes of machine utilization are evaluated by the AVL unit itself and this means that no further sensors need to be installed onto the machinery. It monitors vibration intensity and combining this information with other common parameters it can accurately distinguish the status of the asset.  Because of this it is almost impossible to falsify the results of the measurements and therefore problems that can arise in other systems can be avoided (e.g. false detection of work, inaccurate details of when machinery is really idling). Using others methods, like sensors, detection of active pump/hydraulics etc., the power supply can be easily deceived and therefore not always give correct information. 

Each mode of utilization – ignition, idling, working, crossover, transport – is shown graphically so that it is possible to quickly distinguish if machinery is being utilized correctly and efficiently. Detailed working day summaries are prepared and the % of utilization calculated in order to help further evaluations.

This information helps users to cut their operating costs by:

1.  Lowering fuel consumption: Idling is reduced. Crossovers and transport of machinery are done more effectively.
2.  Increasing productivity of machinery.
3.  Optimizing the number (and types) of machinery at each workplace.

Any machine or vehicle, where the idling and work modes differ, can be monitored. This includes construction machinery, municipal vehicles, agricultural machinery, manipulation machinery, etc. Presently clients are using machine utilization monitoring on the following machinery: excavators, dumpers, mobile cranes, tractors (agricultural and forestry), bobcat forest harvesters, forest skidders, chipper trucks, soil compactors, timber loaders/lifters and concrete mixers/pumps.

You can see how the machinery utilization app works for real in a short video below.With this smart and handy enhancement by our partner, try getting more from your equipment by optimizing its usage, locating machinery, avoiding theft, maximizing fuel efficiency and more. The NAM machinery utilization app is another great example of using Wialon SDK opportunities to maximum effect.