VisionLink Software from Trimble Integrates Sitewide Construction Operations

New Software Version 2.3 Offers Integrated Asset Management and 3D Project Monitoring Tools to Track the Location of the Asset and its Production Output

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Trimble

Oct 12, 2011, 06:30 ET

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today version 2.3 of its Web-based construction application—VisionLink™ software powered by Trimble. The new version of VisionLink goes beyond traditional telematics applications by integrating asset and fleet management services with new 3D Project Monitoring functionality and production output tools. The software combines earthmoving, grading, finishing, compaction and asset and fleet management operations into one easy-to-use application. Using VisionLink, contractors can track earthworks and compaction progress remotely. VisionLink gives them the information in one place to make faster decisions, lower operating costs, reduce project risk and increase productivity.

Connecting Earthmoving and Compaction Machines to the Office

VisionLink software uses the Trimble® SNM940 Connected Site™ Gateway to transmit information between the office and the machine. Precise location and production data from the earthworks machine or compactor are sent from the machine to VisionLink in the office. Design data and machine configuration files are sent from the office to the machine. Using VisionLink with the SNM940 for two-way data transfer eliminates the time needed to drive information between locations. Design information can be shared between Trimble's Business Center – HCE data management and preparation software, VisionLink and the machine control system, ensuring the same data is being used by stakeholders on the project in a single workflow—reducing costly errors and re-work.

The SNM940 can also be used to receive GPS correction information for high-accuracy positioning with Trimble's GPS-based machine control systems. This reduces the need for additional GPS and radio communications infrastructure on the construction site, increasing operating range and operational flexibility.

See the Big Picture with VisionLink

VisionLink 3D Project Monitoring functionality gives contractors insight into the overall project progress. Through continuous monitoring and recording of machine blade or bucket position, along with other machine control information, VisionLink creates a production model showing progress over time. The comprehensive production model includes position, elevation and time, and is used to report surface elevations, cut and fill maps and earthworks volumes throughout the project. The model ensures that the entire earthmoving operation is tracked and recorded including over-excavation and backfill, or overfill/surcharge, and cutback operations, which can easily be overlooked when using traditional methods of progress volume reporting.

During soil and asphalt compaction operations, the compactor's position is continuously recorded and tracked to create a 3D surface model with accurate compaction pass count mapping, compaction consistency mapping and material lift thicknesses. Continuous monitoring of compaction operations ensures uniformity in surface construction and rapid identification of problematic areas. Final surface quality and the operational life of the constructed surface can be improved, while the need for manual spot inspections is minimized. VisionLink combined with the Trimble CCS900 Compaction Control System can reduce the time and cost of survey work through the collection and wireless transfer of as-compacted surface data.

VisionLink 3D Project Monitoring is used to monitor the productivity of earthworks machines such as dozers, graders, scrapers, excavators and compactors equipped with Trimble machine control technology. When combined with VisionLink's asset and fleet management capabilities, it provides senior executives, fleet managers, operations managers, project managers, site supervisors, field crews and other project stakeholders with key information that allows them to make decisions quickly and improve operational effectiveness. With this wealth of information contractors can save time, reduce costs and better maintain project schedules.

VisionLink software and the Trimble SNM940 Connected Site Gateway are available now through Trimble's worldwide SITECH® Technology Dealer channel and the Heavy and Highway Construction distribution channel.

About Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division

Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the heavy and highway contractor. Trimble's solutions leverage a variety of technologies, including Global Positioning System (GPS), construction lasers, total stations, wireless data communications, the Internet, and application software. As part of the Trimble Connected Site strategy, these solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location -- including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information Trimble's Web site at www.trimble.com.

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SOURCE Trimble