Caterpillar has added three new features to its VisionLink Productivity web platform: Cat Grade and Compact, Operator Coaching, and E-Ticketing. Caterpillar designed the platform to give contractors job site insights about productivity and equipment utilization. The platform collects and summarizes data from machines equipped with Cat Product Link.
VisionLink Productivity provides simple data management that includes a job site summary and detailed insights with key performance indicators (KPIs). The platform analyzes standard telematics data – such as machine location, fuel burn, and idle time – providing a machine performance overview. Advanced data can also be gathered from machines equipped with Cat Payload, Grade, and Compact, providing more job-specific details.
Cat Grade and Compact
VisionLink Productivity now incorporates Cat Grade 3D and Cat Compact data into its reporting platform. Leveraging Cat Grade Connectivity, the platform enables 3D design files and updates to be distributed to all machines at the job site, eliminating the need for USB uploads. VisionLink Productivity further improves accuracy through GNSS corrections for position validation rather than installing a base station with high set-up costs for short projects. Grade Connectivity also minimizes machine downtime by reducing the need to send a technician onsite to diagnose Grade related issues.
Cat Compact summary dashboards show the amount of work completed for each day and calculate the fill volume. Using the Cat Compaction Algorithm (CCA) or Landfill Compaction Algorithm (LCA), it will also show the percent of covered area at target compaction. Landfill material compaction density can be viewed when operators enter weights per day.
Operator Coaching
Operator Coaching helps operators improve their skills, efficiency, and productivity. Two categories of operator coaching tips – Operating Efficiency and Machine Health – are tracked. During machine operation, the operator receives an onboard notification when an action with a corresponding tip is detected. This helps to improve operational efficiency and increase machine longevity.
When paired with the offboard VisionLink Productivity, managers can view what coaching tips their operators have activated. This enables site managers to track improvements over time and focus training on areas specific to the operator's needs and overall operations.
E-Ticketing
The E-Ticketing helps eliminate the need for manual or printed tickets generated by onboard Cat Payload systems. Key personnel can now receive an electronic copy of the tickets via email, including detailed information on individual buckets, total payload, truck, and material type. Tickets can be quickly recalled using ID or number or filtering based on material type or truck name. Key performance indicators tracked by E-Ticketing include ticket count, average truck rate, pass count per ticket, and total ticket payload.
