Komatsu improves remote monitoring

Komatsu has been leading the way in technology with its autonomous mining solutions and semi-autonomous machine control systems, but its latest project sees its focus shift back to the KOMTRAX remote monitoring system, which has been around in Australia for 10 years.

Its latest upgrade aims to give more power to its users with a range of improved capabilities such as a more interactive interface, faster data access, increased customisation and more.

KOMTRAX uses satellite-based Information Communication Technology (ICT) to provide constant monitoring of every machine, including operational conditions and status to help increase machine safety, productivity, uptime and availability – and reduce customers’ costs per tonne and per hour.

A key element of this new version is the new website interface – compatible with smartphones, tablets and computers – that ensures users have access to information faster, and in a more easily understandable format.

KOMTRAX was rolled out in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia in September 2008, and earlier last year reached a milestone of 10,000 Komatsu machines covered by the system. By late 2017, more than 11,000 Komatsu machines were covered by KOMTRAX.

“We built this latest version with our customers in mind, so it’s much easier for them to track and assess the performance of their machine,” says Komatsu’s General Manager - Construction Solutions, Todd Connolly.

“Everything is much easier to use, and all the data relating to each customer’s machine or fleet is right at their fingertips.

“It’s also a lot more interactive and ‘intelligent’ so you can get to the data you want.”

Servicing data at your fingertips

Jacques Le Roux, Komatsu’s National Manager - ICT & Fleet Management, said that in developing the new KOMTRAX, Komatsu had sought feedback from customers from around the world, as well as in this region.

“We really listened to customers to clearly understand their needs in terms of making KOMTRAX better and enhancing the user experience,” he said.

“Customers have complete access to machine detail at a glance, more importantly they can view forecasted service requirements, and exclude machines accordingly from a project or jobsite while they are scheduled for periodic maintenance.

“We believe this will support customers significantly with jobsite management, because they will know exactly when machines are scheduled for a service, allowing them to better plan around that.”

The new KOMTRAX maintains its ability to monitor operator efficiency, measuring parameters such as how long a machine spends idling, what working mode it’s in and whether that mode is the most appropriate for a particular task.

“Although this has been a longstanding key feature of KOMTRAX, the information is now easier to access and interpret allowing follow up action to be taken faster,” Le Roux said.

More data, faster

According to Le Roux, the latest upgrade gives customers more information to work with than ever before, to help them stay on top of their machine functions and efficiency.

“For example, with our new Tier 4 emissions-compliant engines, there’s a lot more data coming off the engines, particularly in terms of monitoring the emissions control systems and elements,” he said.

“That ensures customers can stay on top of their engine emissions and equipment fuel consumption, gives them a lot more control over how they manage their machines, and also provides them with peace of mind that these critical engine management systems are working to their optimum."

Easier location

Locating and getting to a machine has also been greatly simplified, with a switch to Google Maps with the updated system.

“Users will find our move to Google Maps makes KOMTRAX a lot easier and more convenient to use; it renders faster, and you can get directions to a machine with just a single click,” said Komatsu’s KOMTRAX Systems Co-ordinator, Mary Jo O’Donovan.

“Plus everyone uses Google Maps, so it’s a very familiar location system.”

The new KOMTRAX continues to offer its machine security capabilities, Night Lock and Calendar Lock.

These services allow a machine to be locked down automatically and its engine disabled outside of working hours to prevent theft.

“We can also go beyond the standard KOMTRAX reporting parameters, and provide additional reports to customers to suit their specific needs,” O’Donovan said.

“These can include capabilities such as automated reports at particular times, or triggered by certain events, tailor-made for their own management requirements.”

Complimentary

KOMTRAX remains a complimentary service to Komatsu owners for the life of the machine – including to subsequent owners.

“We have now been providing KOMTRAX to Komatsu owners in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia free of charge for the past five years – and we remain the only OEM to offer this service for a machine’s entire life,” O’Donovan said.