The 2nd Annual Machine Control Report

May 1, 2009

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Site Prep’s exclusive research on trends in machine control usage.

For the second year in a row, Site Prep has compiled exclusive research from contractors regarding the use of machine control technology. The 2009 report reveals the machine control usage patterns of contractors, as well as their future plans for technology adoption and growth.

Clear Seas Research, a division of BNP Media, conducted this survey for Site Prep. Where applicable, the 2009 data has been trended to 2008.

Machine Control Use and Benefits

Machine control is currently used primarily for commercial sitework (81%) and residential work (63%). Consistent with last year, seven out of ten respondents believe that machine control technology has increased their bidding opportunities.

The greatest reported benefit of machine control technology in 2009 is the ability to complete jobs faster and within budget (70%). Other benefits rank in the following order: fewer rework corrections (64%), reduced staking (64%), a higher level of accuracy over conventional methods (62%), the ability to see the data on the screen in the cab (57%), a proprietary edge over the competition (50%), the ability to check data ahead of time (43%), and the ability to perform daily as-builts (27%).

Respondents to the 2009 survey cited cost as the aspect of the technology that needs the most improvement (70%). This was consistent with 2008; however, the ranking of other areas needing improvement differed greatly in 2009. Cost was followed by open data formats for sharing electronic data (46%) and ease of use (41%). It appears that training and support/maintenance have improved significantly over the past year since significantly fewer identify these factors as areas for improvement. Those citing the need for higher quality training dropped 10% (from 48% to 38%). And support and maintenance was least likely to be cited as an area needing improvement in 2009 (25%).

Equipment and Tech Trends

According to survey respondents, graders and dozers are currently most likely to be equipped with machine control technology. Notably, the 2009 survey shows a significant increase in the number of respondents who plan to install machine control technology on excavators.

Respondents reported they are most likely to install machine control technology on the following types of heavy equipment: dozers, excavators and graders. Seventy-four percent indicated that they planned to equip dozers with machine control. Seventy percent of respondents plan to install machine control on excavators, up from 49% last year. Due to this increase, excavators surpassed motor graders, which ranked at 62% in 2009 and 56% in 2008.

This year’s data also shows a significant increase in the plans to install machine control on compactors, from 17% to 31%. Additionally, respondents indicated interest in installing other types of equipment with the technology, including compact equipment such as skid steers.

The type of positioning equipment most likely to be used in machine control technology is GPS, followed by lasers. However, there are significant increases in the number of respondents in 2009 that are likely to use total stations and/or sonics.

More than 10% of respondents say they did not purchase a machine control system but rented or leased one. Those that did invest in a GPS machine control system recently spent a median of $50,000–$74,999. The median estimated payback period on the purchase of a machine control system is between 13 and 18 months.

Based on median accuracy estimates from survey participants, GPS machine control technology provides horizontal and vertical accuracy within 1–2 centimeters. Roughly three out of five participants report achieving horizontal and vertical accuracy of 10 millimeters or less using lasers and/or total stations.

Future Purchasing Plans

Plans to install machine control technology on all types of equipment increased in 2009. Almost two out of three current users plan to purchase machine control technology within the next year. Those planning to purchase machine control equipment within two to three years rose from 17% to 31%. This year’s respondents also reported plans to install machine control technology on a larger number of machines than anticipated in 2008.

Among those with a preference for an OEM or an aftermarket machine control offering, significantly more prefer an OEM solution. The percentage of respondents with no preference dropped 17% (from 47% in 2008 to 30% in 2009), while the percentage preferring an OEM solution rose 11% (from 31% in 2008 to 42% in 2009).

DTM Creation

Respondents indicate that a majority of data prep performed by their company is done in-house (67%) as opposed to being outsourced (33%). Approximately two out of five respondents believe the liability of digital terrain models (DTMs) should be carried by the engineer or the design firm. Survey participants are split on whether it is necessary for data prep of DTMs to be supervised by licensed engineers and/or surveyors. However, directionally more respondents tend to believe licensed supervision should be required. Those who are in favor of licensed supervision believe this ensures accuracy and quality, minimizes liability and lessens mistakes. Those who are against licensed supervision believe that the contractor must have control, licensure does not guarantee accuracy, and the experience and knowledge of unlicensed contractors are sufficient.

Your Participation is Important

Site Prep was pleased with the increased participation in the 2009 survey. Our machine control study is the only one we know of that offers details about equipment usage and purchase intentions across the country. Our study results will continue to improve with more participation, so please respond if you receive our questionnaire in the future.

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