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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
FEBRUARY
2016
“This is just another way in which we are helping our customers to
concentrate on their core business, while we take care of the equip-
ment-related aspects,” he says.
Central to this is Komatsu’s well-established and technologically
advanced remote equipment and fleet monitoring system, KOMTRAX,
which keeps a close virtual eye on the global operational health of
350 000 pieces of Komatsu equipment 24/7.
“This wireless system, which can be activated free of charge on all
Komatsu construction machinery, gives customers a user-friendly and
real time understanding of how their equipment is being utilised. Not
only can they access performance statistics but they can also gauge its
condition and exact location,” says Helm.
He points out that accurate information leads to better deci-
sion-making, and better decision-making to better returns on capital
employed. “KOMTRAX tracks a full range of key performance indicators
KomRent provides major benefits for customers
operating in the highly competitive construction
industry. A case in point is Tshwane-based
Ditshimega Projects, which has used the resid-
ual-based rental solution to acquire a Komatsu
GD 675 motor grader.
According to general manager Themba
Skhosana, this decision has already yielded
some valuable outcomes. “By having the ability
to operate our own equipment we can react
faster to opportunities in the marketplace.
We used the grader to complete a relatively
small project, but are now well-positioned to
seek further roads business.”
Skhosana explains that in his experience,
using hired plant inflicts a major cost burden
on roads and construction projects.
“We recently completed a short term project
inwhich the hire cost of capital equipment alone
came to R500 000. Added to this, there is then
ABOVE:
Ditshimega general
manager, (left)
Themba Skhosana,
and site manager
Omphemetshe
Monchusi.
RIGHT:
A Komatsu
excavator
PC200-8MO
working on site in
Mamelodi.
KomRent gives added impetus to Ditshimega Projects
the cost of hiring operators, covering travel and
accommodation expenses and, of course, we
still provide the diesel.”
He estimates that by opting for owner-
ship the operation has reduced operating
costs by some 60% against comparable proj-
ects, a process aided by enabling perma-
nent employees with the skills to operate
a multiplicity of equipment. Quick reaction
times are essential in formulating solutions in
today’s economic climate and Ditshimega was
impressed by the professionalism displayed by
the KomRent team.
“We basically had one very well-organ-
ised round table meeting and the deal was
concluded within a week.
At Ditshimega we value service and support
and the importance of supplier and customer
relationships. We look forward to continuing
this partnership.”
“KOMTRAX tracks a full range of key performance indicators that can be accessed via
a customer’s desktop or laptop. For instance, they can gain an immediate and accurate
handle on crucial numbers like fuel consumption, idling times and hours worked.”
that can be accessed via a customer’s desktop or laptop. For instance,
they can gain an immediate and accurate handle on crucial numbers
like fuel consumption, idling times and hours worked.”
Machine operation monitoring also facilitates proper maintenance
scheduling and alerts operators to a potential problem, reducing the
possibility of a major failure and the accompanying penalties of cost
and downtime.
In addition, operator monitoring provides accurate productivity and
utilisation information, which improves efficiency and offers a guide to
the effectiveness of operator training.
“Yes, we sell world-class excavators, graders, backhoe loaders,
wheel loaders, dozers and trucks, but then so do many of our competi-
tors. What sets us apart are value added benefits, along with our ability
to provide innovative solutions in a time when every rand and cent
needs to be accounted for,” Helm concludes.