Laser rangefinder and data software enables underground pipe installation
Problem: A mining company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, aimed to run a pipe horizontally underground. In order to save resources, time and money, they wanted to efficiently calculate the required distance belowground that the pipe needed to be installed. A total station is large, tough to operate and difficult to transport, especially through wooded terrain. The mining company was in search for a better solution.
Solution: The company partnered with Laser Technology to evaluate the contour of the ground in which the pipe would be horizontally placed. With an LTI laser rangefinder and MapSmart data collection software, they measured the contour of the ground and the required distance belowground needed to install the pipe.
The LTI laser system provided an exact contour of the ground. The mining company determined the minimum distance from the bottom of the ground to their pipe placement underneath, therefore not having to drill any deeper than needed. Because the LTI solution is extremely light, easily portable and simple to use, the mining company quickly determined a precise profile that was within a few inches of accuracy and well within tolerances. 877/696-2584; www.lasertech.com.
Construction company improves maintenance, manages costs with GPS tracking
Problem: Rich Duncan, owner of Rich Duncan Construction, a commercial contractor serving Oregon, Washington and Idaho, dealt with ongoing maintenance problems and high repair costs cutting into his company’s bottom line. Duncan sought to increase driver accountability, reduce fuel usage and improve maintenance processes to help lower repair costs and extend the vehicle life.
Solution: Duncan turned to Verizon Networkfleet’s telematics solution. It monitors engine performance and tracks the service history of every vehicle. “The engine diagnostic alerts allow us to bring in vehicles for service as soon as a problem is identified, potentially avoiding costlier repairs,” says Duncan. “We didn’t even know we had a problem with idling until we started tracking it. We quickly found out that some trucks were idling up to half an hour at a time. We made our drivers more aware of their idling habits, and the problem went away after only a few months. Since then, average mpg per vehicle has gone up.”
With the ability to track vehicles 24/7, the company has improved vehicle maintenance, reduced idle time and addressed inefficient driver behaviors that contribute to high operational costs, improving productivity as a result. “Networkfleet gives me more control over my company,” says Duncan. “I can now focus on growing the business because I no longer have to micromanage my drivers.” 866/869-1353; www.networkfleet.com.
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