The future of efficient insight on asset starts with data

Internet of Things (IoT) technology makes it possible to equip objects and devices with sensors and Bluetooth tags that can be used to read live data. Examples include:

tracking the location, status and use of equipment and vehicles in real time; being able to print accurate reports on CO2 emissions of various assets; digitalisation and simplification of equipment planning and maintenance management.

Jeffrey Hoffmann, Managing Director of Ballast Nedam Materieel: "Through this platform, we aim to optimise our operations, promote sustainability and increase operational efficiency. With the aim of creating a digital system that enables us to act proactively, save costs and reduce our impact on the environment."

Cooperation with Topsector Logistiek

In October 2023, Ballast Nedam launched a pilot in cooperation with Topsector Logistiek. Topsector Logistiek works with entrepreneurs, governments and research institutions to help the construction sector innovate and become more sustainable. This is done in the 'Mobile Tools and Construction Logistics' programme. In it, emissions are mapped on the basis of data from mobile and stationary tools, and on the basis of logistics data from the supply and disposal chain. With this data and method, you can predict, measure and demonstrate emissions in all phases.

Richard Mulders, Project manager at Topsector Logistiek: "The construction industry works with many different methods and different sustainability criteria. Top Sector Logistics aims for a uniform method that is representative of the market and thus based on real-world data. By cooperating with Ballast Nedam, we are increasing our scope in the number of assets we can measure."

The pilot is in collaboration with three parties: Fleets-Online, GPS-Buddy and Localyse. "To select the right party, which best suits our needs and wishes for an envisaged cooperation, we looked at how the three parties process the data, visualise it and integrate it with other systems. Based on the results obtained, the ideal consideration can be made, taking into account Ballast Nedam's needs and objectives for now and in the near future," said Hidde.

By digitising asset management, we achieve several benefits:

• Increased operational efficiency of equipment and vehicles through data-driven decision-making and maintenance planning.
• We can measure the environmental impact of our operational activities and strive to reduce our carbon footprint.
• The IoT system contributes to improved safety compliance, with real-time monitoring of safety parameters.
• A significant reduction in lost or stolen equipment thanks to the implemented security features.

After the pilot phase, Ballast Nedam will make a choice whether and with which party they want to continue building a digital and more efficient future.