Source: Awesome Earthmovers
Digital transformation in construction presents its challenges, but Galtec, a leading groundworks and civil engineering company based in Gloucester, UK, is setting a new benchmark. Galtec operates up to 30 Kobelco excavators and another 15 Hitachi machines, all equipped with Trimble® Earthworks grade control platform, supplied by SITECH UK & Ireland.
“We have been using GPS now for about six years and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Jim Swift, Galtec’s machine control fleet manager. “The Trimble Earthworks GPS machine control has been a game changer for us — saving the company both time and money.”
Using Trimble GPS technology, supported by Trimble Business Center office software and Trimble WorksManager Software, Galtec has improved accuracy, productivity and efficiency. This technology integrates people, data, machines and workflows into a cloud-enabled environment, providing real-time data access. It allows project budgets, schedules, resources and teams to stay on track from planning to maintenance.
Galtec’s process begins with the client’s scope of works and a topographic survey. Their office-based estimators use Trimble Business Center for project quantification and pricing. Upon winning a tender, a 3D model is created from the topographic survey and streamed to the site machines via the WorksManager software. This remote operation minimizes the need for site visits, enabling fault diagnosis and design adjustments from the office.
The company employs an Internet Base Station Service (IBSS), offering superior range and accuracy compared to traditional systems. This service eliminates the need for on-site radio equipment, reducing setup time and theft risk. Galtec operates around a dozen Trimble SPS receivers and has recently introduced two Trimble R750 GNSS Modular Receivers, which offer better signal tracking and the ability to configure and start a base from a cell phone.
“Using a SIM card rather than a separate wifi connection makes the R750 a more integrated unit, allowing us to run multiple sites with one base station doing RTK corrections for up to 100 machines,” said Swift. “It is a game changer and will allow us to dispense with at least half of our older units, resulting in significant savings.”
Trimble GPS technology has also reduced the number of engineers needed on-site. “We currently operate 23 sites with about 40 machines, which would typically require around 15 engineers. Now, we can deploy maybe five or six, as we can monitor each machine remotely,” noted Swift. Galtec is also exploring the use of surveying drones to gather data efficiently.
Traditional topographic surveys are labor and time-intensive, but drones can complete accurate maps in a single flight, reducing human error.
“Introducing Trimble GPS technology has probably resulted in savings to the company of around 40%,” said Swift.
Galtec runs a dedicated training program on the Trimble Earthworks platform for all its plant operators. “Once you get your head around the technology, you wouldn’t go back to old ways; introducing Trimble GPS technology has resulted in substantial savings to the company,” Swift added. He also praised the support from SITECH UK & Ireland — particularly technical sales manager Carl Parsons. “His technical expertise is second to none and has been instrumental in helping Galtec adopt the technology.”
“It’s been revolutionary for us, and I believe that within the next 10 years the whole industry will have gone digital.”
