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

  • Topcon’s new Enterprise Solutions workflow management system controls all jobs
    March 7, 2014
    Topcon Positioning Group has released a new workflow management system designed to connect all of a contractor’s sites, data, crews and equipment. Unveiled at Conexpo 2014 this week, Topcon Enterprise Solutions offers constant communication, data sharing, scheduling, updating, support activities and accurate productivity data in real-time, no matter where the job or office is located.
    Read More
  • CONTROLS reaches 50th anniversary and launches new technology
    August 10, 2018
    Testing equipment specialist CONTROLS Group is celebrating its 50 years of supplying testing technology for the civil engineering industry. Controls was founded in October 1968 by Umberto Granelli who is still operative today. What started as a business pioneering the development of compression machines has developed into a leader in testing equipment for the Construction Industry. Pasquale Di Iorio, CONTROLS Group’s president and shareholder and CEO from 1996 to 2017 said, “We want to mark this 50th Anni
    Read More
  • Innovations in plant development
    September 19, 2024
    Several of the major manufacturers are offering key innovations for the asphalt plant segment – Mike Woof writes
    Read More
  • Clearer road markings influence driver behaviour
    July 12, 2012
    Research into driver behaviour has identified that driver safety and decision-making can be positively influenced by clearer and higher performing road markings. Patrick Smith reports. Bare roads will lead to total vehicular confusion. Markings are painted on the road to direct, guide and regulate the road user, and include all lines patterns, words and colours applied on or attached to the road surface or kerb for these purposes.
    Read More

Highlighted Content