Technology Summary: Volvo CE invests in fleet software developer VizaLogix

Volvo CE expands its data and digital services capabilities with the purchase of a 22% stake in VizaLogix. The Connecticut-based software-as-a-service company specializes in digital solutions for machine monitoring, service and technical support.

“This partnership is a great fit because VizaLogix and Volvo CE share a common goal of improving the customer experience by increasing efficiency, uptime and productivity,” said Scott Young, head of Volvo CE’s North America region. “VizaLogix provides brand-neutral SaaS solutions that are easy to integrate and use, helping fleets, dealers and OEMs make smarter decisions.”

VizaLogix will continue to operate independently and support multiple industries with a suite of brand-agnostic products for mixed fleets and mixed data connections. The SaaS provider offers products that are different from, and in some cases complementary to, Volvo’s services. Products include:

• TethrITNow – Hardware and technical support for real-time collaboration across multiple channels, including video calling enabling augmented reality overlays that allow users to visually point, highlight, and mark precise areas of interest.
• TechnicianNow – Streamlined technician onboarding that allows customers to order services through a mobile app, eliminating wait times and ensuring real-time availability of parts and services.
• 3602 – 24/7 machine health monitoring that integrates multi-brand fleet data into one platform.
• Vantage Point – stores quarry productivity and utilization data on a single data-agnostic platform, allowing easy access to real-time and historical data.

Volvo CE’s current range of uptime, productivity and safety services includes ActiveCare Direct advanced telematics, Assist machine control systems and productivity services such as Connected Map, Task Manager and Connected Load Out.

“Volvo CE recognizes that services are becoming as important to fleets as their machines, and our investment in VizaLogix furthers our commitment,” said Young. “By pairing the right machine with the right services, users receive the best solution for their unique needs.”

Operators can quickly set three-dimensional avoidance zones to reduce the risk of hitting buildings, overhead or underground utilities, pedestrians and traffic in tight workspaces.LeicaLeica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions are implementing a new 3D avoidance zone system

Power lines, underground utilities, and work areas near pedestrians and traffic create additional problems for equipment operators. However, the new solution from Leica Geosystems and Xwatch Safety Solutions will enable operators to create or import “3D avoidance zones” above and below the surface directly in the Leica MC1 machine control software.

“We (Xwatch) connected the XW5; height rotation system and RCI (rated load capacity indicator) for the Leica MC1 machine control software. XW5 integration provides a virtual wall with height and rotation, as well as depth control that enables cable and media recognition from within the MC1 software. This allows the operator to easily avoid avoidance zones throughout the construction site,” explains Dan Leaney, Xwatch Director of Sales and Operations. “This technological breakthrough and alliance with Leica Geosystems and Xwatch has transformed the global excavator safety market and increased productivity and control on construction sites. This system is the missing link between safety and machine control for excavators.”

The partners announced their collaboration in 2021 and previously demonstrated the integration of the Leica iCON PA80 hazard avoidance solution with Xwatch XW Series 4 and 5 safety systems. This new, easy-to-use solution will further improve the safety of construction workers and pedestrians, protect existing infrastructure and prevent interruptions, which may result in significant costs and delays.

“Leica Geosystems machine control solutions are among the leaders in human interfaces in manufacturing plants. Overall, security awareness solutions are a high priority. We see these characteristics as enablers of our journey towards a higher level of autonomy. Now our customers have access to a best-in-class solution for increasing security awareness, as well as asset and infrastructure protection, thanks to the collaboration of these two industry leaders,” said Tommi Kauppinen, vice president of machine control at Leica Geosystems.

Trimble Acquires Flashtract to Easier GC-Sub Payment Flow

Trimble has acquired Flashtract, a software company that helps streamline the flow of payment and compliance information between general construction contractors and subcontractors.

Flashtract, now available as Trimble Pay, manages payment applications, lien waivers and other compliance and billing documentation electronically, eliminating back-and-forth communications and document transfers.

This technology integrates with Trimble Viewpoint Vista ERP capabilities within the Trimble Construction One software suite. It is expected to be available later this year. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Secure, reliable and fast electronic management of payments and lien waivers can be a significant benefit for contractors, but many still manage these processes manually,” said Lawrence Smith, vice president of construction management solutions at Trimble. “Adding the ability to electronically manage these subcontractor workflows through Trimble Pay helps contractors improve compliance and keep projects on schedule and on budget, reducing two to three days of manual work per month for project managers or accountants.”

“Since introducing our technology in 2019, we have built a strong reputation for enabling general contractors to minimize legal and financial risk and improve efficiency,” said Blair Chenault, co-founder and CEO of Flashtract. “Joining Trimble will enable our teams to expand these capabilities and help contractors pay on time and ensure that managing financial and compliance documents does not hinder project execution.”