Plant management software

Software tracked the movement and use of plant.

Running computer software to run a construction site is hardly a new idea – after all site managers generally have had some kind of database for years, but the concept of using special packages to monitor uptime and service intervals is reasonably novel in this region.

Modern software can handle all kinds of information about the machines and vehicles in a company’s fleet. As well as the usual data about vehicle maintenance and scheduled services, software can now track purchases, including labour costs and resale values.

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Additionally, some modern software packages can be integrated with payroll software, so you can see who has worked what hours, and on which machine.

Graham Larkin, plant manager of the JV group that is building the Dubai Metro, used software to track plant on the project.

As such, Larkin has brought in some software that he first encountered while working in Africa: “In a previous job in Eritrea, we did a survey [of the software available] and the government picked this one.” The software in question is from a UK-based firm called TAG.

In it, the program, a variety of ‘modules’ are interlinked and these contain values about the equipment.

Using the program is not too difficult for a trained operator. At the JV, there are two staff who work the database. Larkin explained: “If, for example, there is an issue for a part to a machine, you have got issues by work order, then that will show in the bold print all the open work orders, that will show all the machines being serviced. Select this work order number, and then directly issue parts to that order number.”

“We could go right back to the beginning of the project and track every machine and every cost… If we’d have used it from day one!”

A spokesperson for a different brand of software, called Fleetmate, said: “When you start [the software] you’ll be greeted with a reminder window that lists everything that needs to be done for your entire fleet.”

Some modern asset management systems can even update while vehicles are on the move. One firm moves cargo mainly around US military bases in Kuwait.

As such, its requirements were perhaps more demanding than most fleet operators, so it settled on a package called Fleet Management Software, which uses satellite tracing as well as traditional methods to learn about the fleet.

“We selected FMS because they had the most innovative solution.” said Philip Sordian, vice chairman of transport company KGL. “The FMS system gives us the visibility and information we need to increase efficiency, allowing more accurate billing, outstanding asset management and reliable mission completion.”

Despite the benefits, the regional take up has been slow. With all the advantages of fleet management systems, we can all look forward to a bright new digital tomorrow.