A simple way to save costs in machine parks that usually - wrongly - receives less attention is limiting idling. However, this is something that occurs very frequently, because how often does it not happen that the engine of a machine continues to run unnecessarily while the operator takes on another task for a while. By properly coaching the machine operators, a considerable amount can be saved with a small intervention. And then we have not even mentioned the positive impact on the environment due to the reduction in the amount of emissions. Not entirely convinced of the savings possibilities? We illustrate it with a concrete numerical example.
Save thousands of euros per year
Together with you, we will calculate for a start-up with a small fleet of machines, consisting of 10 different construction machines. Suppose that these machines idle for about 1 hour every day on an average of 2 litres. For a week with 5 working days, this amounts to 100 litres of unnecessary consumption. If we assume that the price of red diesel is 80 cents per litre, this amounts to a cost of 80 euros per week. If we calculate that 40 full weeks are worked in a full year, this quickly amounts to 3200 euros per year, and that is just for fuel! For a small fleet of machines, this is still a considerable amount that is spent unnecessarily every year. In addition, the engines of the machines will suffer less wear and tear, which means that fewer maintenance sessions will be required. Finding a solution to reduce idling is therefore a no-brainer.
Detect unnecessary machine idling
But how can you, as a machine park manager, determine exactly which machines require intervention? A simple extension of our standard track-and-trace solution for monitoring machines provides an answer. Using a smart Bluetooth sensor, we can detect whether a machine is actually being used and is not running unnecessarily without any activity. If this takes longer than the set time interval, a warning is automatically sent to the dispatcher, who can then contact the operator to determine why the machine is idling and, if possible, switch it off. In addition to raising awareness for all machine operators together, specific, customized coaching can be provided based on the collected data.
