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NEWS
Total fleet management
through more powerful
cat ® Product link
The Cat ®
Product Link
package has been
completely updated,
using robust hardware
and making the most of
improved communication
system coverage to provide
more data and to report it
in an easy to use format.
With the right information
displayed in ways that
are simple to access,
Cat Product Link enables
equipment managers
to make decisions that
enhance productivity
and reduce owning
and operating costs.
Web interface showing asset utilization
6
April 2011
Product link hardware
asset tracking
Through the use of either satellite
or cellular networks, managers can
monitor exact equipment locations
and key machine parameters.
The VisionLink web-based user
interface lets the manager focus
on specific equipment through
maps and customizable views. The
user can easily locate and zoom
in on a single machine, tracking
the asset over a specified time
period. Through monitoring of
idle and working time, managers
can reallocate equipment to
improve utilization, maximizing
their return on investment.
“everyone’s talking about it!”
Proactive maintenance
The service team can monitor
performance and see what maintenance
has been carried out on each piece of
equipment. A click-through feature allows
the user to contact the Cat dealer on-line
for parts or other services when required.
VisionLink automatically generates “to
do” checklists for common preventive
maintenance procedures. Built-in parts
lists for regular procedures speed up
service department ordering, while
the click-through facility automatically
places the order with the local Cat
dealer. Also, customers with service
agreements can allow the dealer to
monitor some or all of their equipment,
which enables the dealer to provide
proactive responses to problems
and to ensure that all preventive
maintenance takes place on time.
Mixed fleet monitoring
For managers of fleets with more than
just Cat equipment, the new Cat system
enables them to monitor all of their
machines, regardless of make or model,
in one secure web-based application.
A Caterpillar and Trimble joint venture
company, VirtualSite Solutions,
developed VisionLink to efficiently
manage mixed equipment fleets.
security alerts
The system also allows managers to
set up site boundaries and security
alerts to prevent unauthorized use or
movement of equipment. By defining
geofence working areas, the customer
can set alerts for each machine
on site. This provides a warning if
a machine is being used without
authorization or is being moved out
of the permitted area. Alerts can be
sent directly to the people who need
to see them, through e-mail and text
messages, ensuring that action is taken
immediately to keep the asset secure.
By providing up-to-the-minute location
and operating data direct to the
manager’s computer, Cat Product
Link provides an essential link
between the site and the office. For
more information about Product Link,
contact your local Cat dealer or visit:
http://www.finning.co.uk/equipment_
management/technology/vision_link