IoT and the New Era of Equipment Intelligence
With job sites becoming increasingly more connected, the role of IoT in access equipment management is rapidly evolving. As a leading global manufacturer of access equipment (MEWPs and telehandlers), JLG knows more about the segment, our products and our customers than anyone else. This uniquely positions us to solve connected problems in a way that had never been done before.
The JLG® ClearSky Smart Fleet™ IoT (Internet of Things) platform is built in-house from the ground up, driven by the need to deliver a solution that provides the level of experience, service and support JLG customers deserve and expect. In this Q&A, we delve into how ClearSky Smart Fleet is driving the transition to a new era of equipment intelligence.
How is ClearSky Smart Fleet different from other telematics offerings?
Traditionally, connected products would have basic telematics that would provide a one-way data feed for someone to digest and interpret. But, JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet discovered an unmet need in the market. Now, customers can use a proprietary mobile app to interact with nearby machines using various technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The advantage is that the connected product does not require a cellular signal in order to benefit from our digital product.
Additionally, customers can interact back and forth with their assets to locate a machine with audio/visual cues, use digital analyzers and readers and even identify machines with nearly any type of machine information. This unparalleled level of communication is a completely unique feature to ClearSky Smart Fleet and JLG.
Two-way IoT refers to a communication model in which devices can both transmit and receive data. This allows for real-time interaction, remote asset control, and enhanced decision-making, enabling customers to troubleshoot remotely and save valuable time and money on historically manual processes.
What features of ClearSky Smart Fleet are changing the conversation about how IoT can be used on job sites?
The ClearSky Smart Fleet concept is rooted in the desire to build a technological infrastructure in an evolving industry that’s driving toward electrification and automation. Features like Automated Site Networks, Digital Analyzers, Over-the-Air Software Updates and enhanced Machine Location are key factors that are driving jobsite innovation. By connecting machinery, tools and people to digital systems, IoT enables smart, safe and more efficient work conditions.
For example, ClearSky Smart Fleet provides accurate GPS location in the form of a map, but then it takes the ability to locate machines to the next level with “Find My Machine”. When a user is connected to their fleet via the ClearSky Smart Fleet mobile app, an audio/visual cue can be triggered with the touch of a button. The standard beacon will flash and the horn will activate for instant signaling of the machine’s location. Leveraging Bluetooth mesh connectivity, finding the precise location of equipment on the jobsite or any environment has never been more efficient. Additionally, the beacon light can use various colors to quickly identify other relevant machine information, such as active diagnostic trouble codes, fuel level and state of charge, to name a few.
Does ClearSky Smart Fleet help deter equipment theft and support asset recovery?
For decades, JLG has been on the forefront of developing ways to reduce theft. In fact, it was a consideration during the development of ClearSky Smart Fleet on most of our equipment because enabling equipment owners to detect the location of their equipment with acute accuracy is the first defense in theft prevention and asset recovery, resulting in significant efficiencies. We’ve seen this successfully leveraged to recover equipment in repossession scenarios.
Shaping the Future: The Power of ClearSky Smart Fleet
JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet represents a major step forward in how rental companies and contractors manage their equipment. Designed to do more than just track location or hours, this next-generation IoT system empowers users with real-time insights, remote diagnostics and two-way communication, transforming how machines are maintained, managed and mobilized across the job site.
ClearSky Smart Fleet is shaping a future where uptime, efficiency and intelligence are built into every JLG machine.