Astec Industries has formally launched its Astec Digital business, focused on innovative technology solutions for the rock value chain.
Introduced at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, Astec Digital's aim is to develop a digital platform that unifies tools and provides users access to information and data collection opportunities across the company's offerings, from aggregates to asphalt.
Astec Digital was formed using the base of Astec Controls and two key acquisitions, of Grathwol Automation and MINDS Controls. The integration of technology from those three areas has provided the new division a strong starting point for development of new products and services.
Asphalt plant controls, mobile fleet telematics, and bespoke offerings for large customers all fall under the banner of Astec Digital, and more products are coming soon.
Astec's first offering combining technologies, Data Suite, is a collection of digital solutions that provide data-based knowledge and optimization across multiple product segments. It focuses on four areas: controls and automation, telematics, data and process intelligence, and robotics.
A new asphalt connectivity suite will be released soon, providing a universal platform bringing the company's full portfolio of tools together in one place. The connectivity suite will give customers the ability to delve into their plant, quarry, or road crew operations with performance and productivity insights, and set maintenance reminders. It also provides information on all things Astec.
"Our control and telematics technologies are giving our clients greater control over their asphalt plants and mobile assets and the ability to run safer, more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable operations," said Eric Baker, vice president and general manager of Astec Digital. "We've been laying a foundation to connect all of our products within an Astec ecosystem and building on top of that foundation to improve data visibility and access and drive crucial plant and equipment insights."
Since the acquisitions, Astec has been working on a roadmap for the future development of all its products and platforms.
"In the future, we're planning to create digital twins of our products, with data that allows our customers to see how their operations and fleets function," Baker said. "The ultimate goal is creating a digital representation of our customers' operations so they can improve them in the real world."
