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

  • New wheeled excavators from Hidromek offer high performance
    January 6, 2017
    Hidromek is introducing new 15tonne and 21tonne wheeled excavators that benefit from new cab designs. Export manager Anil Bingöl said, “We are targeting mainland Europe with our wheeled excavators.” Said to be highly versatile, the HMK140W and HMK200W machines are offered in Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified format and offer high performance and productivity. High quality European and Japanese components are used and the machines are said to be easy to operate and offer precise control. These new
    Read More
  • New wheeled excavators from Hidromek offer high performance
    February 6, 2013
    Hidromek is introducing new 15tonne and 21tonne wheeled excavators that benefit from new cab designs. Export manager Anil Bingöl said, “We are targeting mainland Europe with our wheeled excavators.” Said to be highly versatile, the HMK140W and HMK200W machines are offered in Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emission certified format and offer high performance and productivity. High quality European and Japanese components are used and the machines are said to be easy to operate and offer precise control. These new
    Read More
  • AEM establishes telematics team to ensure compatibility
    July 1, 2013
    A new team has been established by the US-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) to ensure telematics technologies being offered by different firms will be compatible. The telematics task force is providing the AEM members with a comprehensive industry response to end-user requests for a standard machine data interface. The team is working to reach a consensus on an industry telematics data standard that will enable equipment manufacturers to support the needs of contractors, rental houses and d
    Read More
  • Navman tracks all machines regardless of make or model
    March 11, 2014
    Contractors of all sizes can track their fleets – regardless of make or model – with Navman Wireless USA’s new web-based telematics portal. “A client goes to a portal, and all his machinery, the various models, are shown in one place,” said Steve Blackburn, the fleet-tracking company’s vice president of North America. Information includes location, machine utilisation, fuel burn and preventive maintenance schedules. The technology works for contractors of all sizes, Blackburn said, but might be particular
    Read More

Highlighted Content