Update from the office
Remote resolutions
Smart Construction Remote helps Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho save time and reduce expenses when updating plans
Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho recently finished one of several complex ski-related projects the company has done during its nearly 30 years in business. The approximately six-month job included developing an 1,800-foot-long ski run that sloped from 28 to 35 degrees, lift enhancements, and new snowmaking areas.
To complete the project, Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho used Komatsu Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) equipment with factory-integrated GPS machine control. General Manager Cody Allison created the project’s design files that were uploaded to the machines, base stations and rovers.
Allison said projects like the ski resort are why Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho added Komatsu’s Smart Construction Remote, which allows users to send design file updates directly to targeted machines remotely from the company’s offices. Files can also be sent from a smartphone. Smart Construction Remote allows users to remotely assist operators as well.
“It would have taken several hours to drive to the resort and back to do an update,” said Allison. “With Remote, it can be done in a matter of minutes, so we are saving time and the costs that go along with driving to the job site. The update is done automatically, so the operator doesn’t have to stop. Another great feature is that if there is an issue or the operator has a question, we can remotely access the screen in the machine, see exactly what they do in real time, and quickly resolve whatever it is without them having to wait for someone to come out to the site.”
Well worth it
Allison estimated that Burks Excavation Corporation of Idaho uses Smart Construction Remote two to three times per week to send files and collaborate with operators.
“If you add up the time and expenses we save by using Remote, it’s significant,” said Allison. “It’s relatively inexpensive. Basically, if you use it one time, it pays for itself. It’s well worth the investment.”
*The opinions expressed here are from the end user as quoted. The results described herein are those of these end users under certain conditions. Individual results may vary.
To learn more about Smart Construction Remote, visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/technology/smart-construction/remote/.
