Finally, Technology Reduces Paper!
Print this Article | Send to Colleague
By: David D. Bradeson, P.E., Regional Project Manager, Chemung Contracting Corporation
Since the dawn of computers, we have been told – "this program will reduce your paperwork," but who has actually seen that happen? How many times has a new form been created just to see it printed and only the hard copy saved? Fortunately, as time goes on, more people are open to receiving all information electronically. One of FHWA’s "Every Day Counts" initiatives was E-Construction. For the asphalt industry, there are several opportunities to utilize computer-based technologies and FleetWATCHER is one.
In recent years, Chemung Contracting and others are starting to utilize truck tracking GPS systems with weigh scale integration. Chemung is currently using FleetWATCHER by Earthwave Technologies for this purpose. FleetWATCHER is a fleet management software for the construction industry featuring Materials Delivery and Electronic Ticketing Solutions for paving/milling contractors.
Chemung started with this system last year for the initial purpose of tracking the trucks delivering asphalt to the job site. As most are aware, trucking is a significant cost and can either make or break a project. With the FleetWATCHER GPS system, Chemung expects to reduce costs associated with over/under trucking, optimize cycle times and monitor the driver’s behavior (unwarranted stops, speeding, etc.). Another component of FleetWATCHER is scale integration. Scale integration is a web-based API solution that allows for scale tickets generated at one or multiple load-out sites and is uploaded in real-time to the FleetWATCHER Materials Delivery Solution. Now, with this system, paper tickets can be eliminated, materials and tonnage verification can be provided, time-consuming ticket sorting is eliminated, tickets can be quickly summarized, and work site hazards are reduced for personnel having to retrieve tickets from the truck drivers.
Chemung utilized the FleetWATCHER system with scale integration on a VDOT project in 2017. To start, a meeting was scheduled with the inspection staff to introduce them to the system. After the meeting, it was determined the program would need a couple of additional features to allow the inspector to input the material temperature, waste tonnage, and a way to mark that the material was received on the project. FleetWATCHER was contacted and within a couple days, the new features were added to the system.
The inspectors were able to track all ticketing information electronically and there was no need for any paper copies. By simply logging into a computer, they could print out the day's tickets information, in tabulated form, and compare it with the TL-102. VDOT and Chemung both agree this technology can save a great deal of time and money, and eliminate all the unnecessary paper which is either filed (to never be seen again) or thrown in the trash.
After the project was completed, the process was
reviewed and a meeting scheduled with FleetWATCHER to discuss further enhancements to the program. One of the major items recognized was the need to record the amount of tonnage being dumped in the paver, not just what was produced, and the inspectors needed one of the summary forms modified to print all information on a single page. In the next program update, FleetWATCHER will integrate Chemung’s suggestions, and others, as they listen to the feedback and continually enhance the software to meet the needs of our industry.
This year Chemung will introduce and utilize FleetWATCHER with Scale Integration on all VDOT paving projects. Chemung and VDOT are embracing this technology and see the benefit of its use. The future is heading to paperless projects and with the FleetWATCHER system we can reduce cost, be more efficient and eliminate a lot of time and effort when dealing with the mountains of trucking tickets.
