The Cat® Product Link fleet-management solution is being expanded in 2010 to boost user benefits. Additional hardware options enabled with cellular technology and a new user friendly web based application with enhanced features and new capabilities will improve overall fleet-management effectiveness.
The VisionLink™ Application
The VisionLink application will replace Product Link’s current user interface with powerful tools and features for processing and conveying information to users and dealers. Essential tools to manage your entire fleet of equipment include mapping, working and idle hours, fuel level and more. Keep machines in peak operating condition with timely notification of system events and diagnostic codes, and other machine health indicators. New utilization features will assist machine owners in using equipment more efficiently by supplying information that details working time and idle time, with trends and graphs for fuel-usage associated with each. This basic information can be applied across a fleet to draw inferences about machine efficiency and under-utilized assets.
Cellular technology
Today, hardware is available that utilizes Low-Earth-Orbit satellites to transmit data from (and to) the machine. The new generation of Product Link will have the capability to communicate on the cellular network (GSM) adding to the family of enabling hardware and providing contractors the ability to select the right fit option for the location for which their fleet operates.
Cellular communication’s primary advantage is its wider bandwidth, which means simply that the signal can accommodate more data more frequently. Existing satellite-based hardware however, can easily be upgraded to use the new cellular technology.
Mixed-fleet compatibility
Cat Product Link is as much a part of the modern Cat machine as the engine or transmission. However, this expanded capability is extended to the entire fleet, regardless of make or model, allowing all equipment to be monitored in one secure web-based application eliminating the need to visit different applications with varying functionality.
The VisionLink application has been developed by VirtualSite Solutions, a Caterpillar and Trimble joint venture company. VirtualSite Solutions is responsible for developing solutions to transform the way owners of mixed-fleets can efficiently and safely manage their equipment fleets, reduce operating costs and improve productivity in the area of fuel consumption, maintenance, worksite productivity and fleet logistics.
With the new VisionLink application, owners of equipment from any manufacturer can use solutions available from Caterpillar technology partner, Trimble.
Ultimate value
The Cat dealer network, with its worldwide strength and capability, is an integral aspect of the Product Link solution and expands the value for the customer in terms of quality service and rapid parts support.
Machine owners, partnering with the Cat dealer and the resources of Caterpillar, have the capability through Product Link to effectively manage both their equipment and their business. Included in the ultimate payoff for machine owners are reduced operating costs, more efficient application of machines to jobsites, increased machine utilization and cost savings that accrue from maintaining machines in good health.
Integrated monitoring capability
Product Link is available for all Cat machines and included as standard equipment on approximately 75 Cat models delivered to customers in over 50 countries around the world.
< P>Source:http://deutschland.cat.com/cda/layout/more?f=387165&pcId=2231861&x=7
