There are many challenges involved in managing mass excavation projects and the pressure is always on to deliver on time and as cost-effectively as possible. It is important to use resources efficiently to reduce logistics costs, emissions and wasted resources. Connectivity holds the key to increasing efficiency, minimising environmental impact, and making our roads and construction sites safer.
When it comes to mass excavation, every load is vital and even the smallest disruptions can add up to become a big impact over time. Efficient Load Out has the potential to dramatically improve the efficiency of the load out process and optimise payload on every cycle.
Robert Nilsson, Efficient Load Out Service Owner at Volvo Construction Equipment, explained: “Optimising the operational efficiency of the load out process not only improves profitability but also enhances safety and reduces the environmental impact of projects. Efficient Load Out is the perfect solution for projects where large amounts of material are being moved.”
Connecting all stakeholders
Efficient Load Out is a cloud-based software solution designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mass excavation projects. An intuitive, user-friendly interface connects all parties in the loading process, from the jobsite to the site office, regardless of the brand of equipment they use.
Prior to arrival at the site, the truck driver simply opens the Efficient Load Out app and registers their vehicle using the license plate number and maximum payload. The machine operator then logs in to the same system and can quickly and easily see the list of trucks waiting on site to be loaded. The operator can ‘call’ for an available truck to be loaded at the press of a button and a notification is sent to the truck driver who drives to the loading spot. The truck is then filled to its optimal payload, aided by its digital scales, and the weight and type of material is registered on the system before the truck is dispatched with a digital receipt.
In the project management office, all input is presented in a live dashboard, accessible anywhere via the Cloud, with summarised production reports available for a single day, week, or month.
Loaded with benefits
With a 95% – 99% fill rate on each pass, underloading and overloading will become a thing of the past with Efficient Load Out, helping customers to reduce the number of truck passes, the amount of on-site traffic and CO₂ emissions. The entirely digitised interaction between machine operators and truck drivers also enables the handover of receipts from the comfort and convenience of the cab.
The benefits extend to the office, where a digitised Efficient Load Out solution eliminates the paperwork associated with the load out administration process. This not only delivers greater accuracy but reduces administration time and the resource required. The site office also benefits, with real-time production information to-hand, facilitating better planning and more accurate decision making. With information available including the weight and type of material moved, as well as loading and dumping locations, the site office has total transparency on the performance of the operation. What’s more, the information can be accessed by all stakeholders in the process, helping to strengthen collaboration and communication.
A proven solution
First launched in 2019, Efficient Load Out was developed in partnership with Swedish contractor, NCC, who were looking for a solution to optimise the load out process of a large infrastructure project. The excavation works for an underground tunnel and bridge over the E6 motorway in Gothenburg necessitated the removal of over 2 million tonnes of material.
Three excavators and over 20 trucks were deployed in the NCC project, all connected via Efficient Load Out. And the results were impressive. Across the first 12 months, the project saw a 10% reduction in site traffic, equating to 1600 less truck journeys and 32000 liters less fuel consumed. In monetary terms, this delivered savings of €100,000, with a further €200,000 saved on administrative staff. NCC also reduced its CO2 emissions by 85 tonnes and received no overload fines.
Getting started
Building on its experience working with NCC, Volvo Construction Equipment is now eager to roll out the benefits of Efficient Load Out to more customers throughout the world.
Robert Nilsson commented: “We can’t wait to utilise our knowledge and successful track record to support more customers to make their operations more profitable and environmentally respectful with Efficient Load Out. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you!”
With a target of 50% of revenue from services and solutions by 2030, Volvo Construction Equipment already has an impressive portfolio of productivity services designed to help its customers get the most out of their Volvo products. From operator simulators and smart Volvo Assist solutions to site set-up and machine configuration, Volvo’s suite of productivity services can help boost productivity, maximise the performance of construction sites, improve safety and minimise environmental impact.
To find out more about Efficient Load Out click here or email efficientloadout@volvo.com
