Sensors on Over 20,000 Construction Equipment & Machines in the LoRaWAN Network

Process Requirements

Bouygues Construction Matériel networked 20,000 devices for remote real-time management at the end of 2019. Annual savings of five to 10 percent are expected with the introduction of sensor-based equipment networking.

The objective is to network and manage tens of thousands of pieces of equipment at all of the company’s construction sites in France. Large construction sites require transparency, and the ability to monitor and protect equipment and machinery against theft.

Objectives of Bouygues Construction Matériel

• Protect construction equipment from theft
• Simplify maintenance and servicing
• Map logistics processes trasparently

Solution of Bouygues Construction Matériel

The first phase of solution integration started at the beginning of 2021. 10,000 sensors were in use at the end of 2021. This number is to be increased to 20,000 sensors. On average, 70 devices are networked per construction site. On large construction sites, the number of networked devices can be as high as 300.

Upcoming goals: to network 50,000 small devices and pieces of equipment. These have a lifespan of up to ten years. The accurate inventory overview reduces storage space and costs. All information is available in real time.

The solution can be used both indoors and outdoors. The sensors have a service life of several years. The multimodal concept allows easy adaptation and configuration for a wide range of applications. For example, LoRaWAN technology offers the advantage of energy autonomy over several years. At the same time, bidirectional communication and high penetration of buildings as well as in basements is possible.

The multi-technology trackers have extremely low power consumption. The tracker is equipped with embedded sensors - GPS, low-power GPS, Wi-Fi sniffer, BLE and LoRaWAN TDoA geolocation technology. The device offers multiple modes of operation and enables seamless object tracking, activity rate monitoring and proximity detection. Geo-zone detection allows the device to be divided into specific zones. Position messages can be received during the start and end events of a movement.

The main goal of the IoT platform is to map the entire ecosystem of a construction site. This has an impact on overall productivity. This includes digital fleet management - small devices that are operated manually as well as cranes that weigh tons. The location of each piece of equipment is visualized in real time. Real-time capture of geolocation and activity data from machines allows us to monitor construction processes in real time.

The combination of different geolocation technologies makes it possible to use GPS in an open environment and Wi-Fi sniffing between buildings. BLE is used to scan the environment and detect other small devices that are also tagged with BLE.

Hardware & Software

• Abeeway – Multi-Technology Trackers

Advantages

• Simplified invoicing: All information related to equipment input/output or utilization rate is captured at all construction sites, making invoicing faster and easier.
• Efficient use of resources: Unused equipment on construction sites is identified and can be mobilized to avoid external rentals.
• Equipment lifecycle: Devices reaching the end of their life cycle are prioritized to avoid upgrade costs and to ensure regular maintenance of the devices for a longer lifespan.
• Reduced inventory costs: An optimal overview of the total inventory enables the minimization of stock per depot.
• Real-time management: Decisions are made quickly, information is immediately available and up-to-date, freeing up operating time for value-adding tasks.

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