Caterpillar develops advances telematics technology to track machine performance

Caterpillar is launching new Cat Connect hardware and software to enable equipment managers to connect all of their assets—from the largest earthmover to the smallest generator, and including both light and heavy-duty trucks and utility vehicles. New Cat Product Link technologies connect any brand and type of equipment, powered or non-powered, and all report through a single system, VisionLink. The new technologies are said to offer multiple communications channels—cellular, satellite and Bluetooth—to b
February 24, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Caterpillar’s new telematics technology allows for effective fleet management
178 Caterpillar is launching new Cat Connect hardware and software to enable equipment managers to connect all of their assets—from the largest earthmover to the smallest generator, and including both light and heavy-duty trucks and utility vehicles.

New Cat Product Link technologies connect any brand and type of equipment, powered or non-powered, and all report through a single system, VisionLink. The new technologies are said to offer multiple communications channels—cellular, satellite and Bluetooth—to best match the type of asset and the needs of the user. And the systems are designed for easy installation using plug-and-play technology and apps for mobile devices. Battery backup for machine-powered devices and long-life batteries for units on non-powered assets help ensure reliable operation.

The new Product Link device for monitoring production machines has scalable features that enable increasing data collected as needed—from machine hours and location through machine health parameters and production numbers. In contrast, a new tracking device for non-powered assets, such as attachments and trailers, reports location only. The innovative device uses Bluetooth technology to connect with VisionLink, which enables managers to monitor equipment remotely using their smart phones, tablets and desktop computers.

The new truck monitoring hardware is designed for retrofitting all brands of light and heavy-duty trucks, including pickup trucks, service trucks and materials haulers. Using cellular technology, the system can provide information to enhance driver safety and to assist both production and maintenance managers.

Regardless of the industry served, types and brands of assets, and size of fleet, Caterpillar says it has technology to inform decisions and help drive business success.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Winter maintenance challenge
    February 29, 2012
    Many countries had their most severe winter for years, but it could have been much worse without the right equipment and technology as Patrick Smith reports. As many countries faced up to the 2010-2011 winter, hard-pressed maintenance teams did their best to keep things moving on the roads. With some of the lowest temperatures and heaviest snowfalls on record, the UK, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, France, Scandinavia, Germany, and Belgium were among those affected. Russia, eastern Europe and the USA did
    Read More
  • Caterpillar’s new small wheeled loaders offer extra performance
    April 5, 2017
    Caterpillar claims increased performance and capabilities for its latest Series small wheeled loaders. These machines, the 926M, 930M and 938M, are Tier 4 Final/ Stage IV compliant. Meanwhile the firm has also upgraded its K Series models, the 924K, 930K and 938K. All of these units benefit from standard and optional features that are claimed to boost productivity, improve operating ease and increase uptime reliability.
    Read More
  • Trimble continues to develop connected community portfolio
    January 6, 2017
    Trimble is demonstrating its sophisticated Connected Site portfolio for heavy civil contractors, which connects assets, information, people, machines and sites. This package can meet a vast array of workflow needs of different stakeholders within the contractor’s organisation and meets demand for greater efficiency, shorter completion times and higher quality. Trimble is demonstrating how its Connected Site solutions leverage real-time wireless data flow between the office and job site. This technology allo
    Read More
  • Trimble continues to develop connected community portfolio
    April 9, 2013
    Trimble is demonstrating its sophisticated Connected Site portfolio for heavy civil contractors, which connects assets, information, people, machines and sites. This package can meet a vast array of workflow needs of different stakeholders within the contractor’s organisation and meets demand for greater efficiency, shorter completion times and higher quality. Trimble is demonstrating how its Connected Site solutions leverage real-time wireless data flow between the office and job site. This technology allo
    Read More

Highlighted Content