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JLG Cover Story
clearSky™ now within easier reach
JLG Industries has recently increased accessibility to its innovative clearSky telematics solution, by offering the technology as standard fitment on all new engine-powered boom lifts.
aS part oF the initiative, new JLG engine-powered boom lift orders also receive a complementary three-year data subscription, allowing customers to access the JLG ClearSky Portal or API, enabling them to closely monitor machine parameters, equipment movements and other functionality. Since JLG ClearSky was introduced in New Zealand approximately three years ago, uptake of the technology has steadily increased, according to JLG Technical Services Manager, Luke Schubert. “More and more access equipment users are realising the benefits that ClearSky can deliver for their businesses,” Luke said. “In offering the technology as standard on selected equipment, we’re providing JLG owners with added value by making machine ownership more efficient and easier to manage.”
bEnEFItS oF cLEarSkY
ClearSky’s efficiencies provides can be broadly placed into three categories: increasing uptime/utilisation, enhancing safety/security and boosting productivity and performance. The technology allows the owner to know when, where and how the equipment is being used. It also provides automated performance reports and can send immediate notification if a problem with the machine arises. Furthermore, ClearSky will proactively schedule maintenance to reduce unnecessary service calls. To improve safety and security, ClearSky also allows the user to set-up geofences and time fences to protect the equipment from authorised operation, and saves time by immediately locating assets in the field. Machine performance is easily monitored via a portal that analyses each data point and is accessible via desktop PC, tablet or mobile device. This information when used in conjunction with the JLG BIM (Building Information Modelling) library, helps deliver the most suitable machines to the job site depending on the application. Luke said that initially clients were using ClearSky mainly for tracking, but increasingly were developing telematics strategies to help them take advantage of the extra capabilities available. “Aside from tracking, you can monitor how machines are being used – if they’re being underutilised and just sitting on site and not being productive, this is valuable insight,” he said. According to Luke, at its most functional, the ClearSky telematics data – which can be securely shared between the owner and JLG – also allows technicians to more efficiently maintain equipment. “Being able to respond to an unexpected issue and resolve it as quickly as possible to reduce downtime is a key priority for JLG,” he said “We receive a maintenance or breakdown notification and in many cases can diagnose the issue without being on site. We can then despatch the closest mobile technician and ensure they have the appropriate parts on board to rectify the problem. “En route to the machine, the technician will already have a good idea of the issue and what’s needed to sort it out. The more efficiently you can action the repairs, the lower the costs and ClearSky can really help in this regard.”
accESS controL
For additional functionality, JLG offers the intelligent ‘Access Control’ for its ClearSky telematics at an extra cost. By providing operators with a unique ‘smart card’, Access Control can restrict users who may not have the correct credentials or training from using a machine, thereby increasing work site safety. It can also provide check in/check out tracking and reporting to aid decision making based on usage and operator performance. ■
