More than 3,500 visitors from 80 countries attending Trimble Dimensions 2012 gained a vital insight into how information technology is revolutionising working practises in, among other fields, heavy civil construction, building construction, surveying, mapping and GIS, and transport and logistics Guy Woodford was among those attending the three-day event at The Mirage hotel in Las Vegas, USA
Themed Transform the Way the World Works,An off-site demonstration and training area provided examples of and presentations on the value of both the latest and well proven Trimble technologies, much of which was fitted to machines manufactured by leading construction equipment industry names including
A further showcased solution, Building Information Modelling (BIM), was touched on specifically by Trimble chief executive, Steve Berglund, during his conference speech, as a solution that Trimble would continue to invest heavily in over the coming years.
Furthermore, technology providers who are Trimble partners also took part in Trimble Dimensions 2012, extending the conference’s range of solutions and applications. As well as Berglund’s views on Trimble’s progress and future priorities, conference attendees also heard keynote speeches from Adrian Gostick, author of best-selling books including The Carrott Principle and The Orange Revolution; Danny Forster, a well-known US TV host and practising architect; and Steve Farber, author and president of Extreme Leadership Inc., and founder of the Extreme Leadership Institute.“
We are extremely pleased with the continued and strong interest demonstrated in Trimble Dimensions,” said Trimble vice president, Bryn Fosburgh. “It is truly a unique conference focused on how advanced technology solutions are transforming the way work is done.”
Held November 5-7, 2012, Trimble Dimensions 2012 saw the launch of the new Trimble Site Tablet, said to be a lightweight, rugged and fully connected field computer for construction applications. The Tablet, and its on-board Trimble SCS900 Site Controller Software, is said by Trimble to provide real-time data for visualising cut and fill levels, calculating material volumes and communicating work instructions to improve decision making. Designed for outdoor use on the construction site, the Tablet is said to have advanced connectivity to end delays linked with driving data updates from office and jobsite.
Through the Windows 7 Professional operating system, the Trimble Site Tablet is also said to allow users to work with the same documents and software programs they would in the office, including Business Center – HCE Trimble powered software.The display on the Trimble Site Tablet also features a new dual-technology system created specifically to increase sunlight readability for outside work. Trimble claims that the Site Tablet is clear and easy-to-read in even the brightest sun glares on a worksite. A multi-touch touchscreen allows users to type, pan, and zoom with fingers, a stylus or capacitive gloves.
The Trimble Site Tablet is available from Trimble’s SITECH technology distributor network.
A “completely redesigned user experience” is promised by Trimble to customers using the conference-unveiled version 3.0 of Trimble’s SCS900 Site Controller Software for measurement, stakeout, quality control and progress monitoring on the heavy civil construction jobsite. Version 3.0 is said to have a simple and updated user interface designed for optimum readability and usability, and workflow simplification improvements claimed by Trimble to enhance productivity.
Trimble claim efficiencies begin when version 3.0 software launches in map view, allowing users to immediately know where they are onsite, and see instantaneous cut and fill information. They can pan and navigate across the map by dragging a finger or stylus across the screen. To switch between measuring and staking, users can tap and hold any point or line to take it out. Information bars can be customised to allow easy access to critical information from the map view, with language switching possible without having to restart the software.
In a further conference announced move, Trimble has signed an exclusive OEM and distribution agreement with Advantage PressurePro, who will provide Trimble with a product based upon its PressurePro Tire Pressure Monitoring Solutions (TPMS) platform.
Trimble will extract the information from the PressurePro TPMS in its VisionLink integrated fleet, asset and site productivity management solution for construction contractors as well as other Trimble commercial vehicle fleet management solutions.
Speaking about the exclusive OEM and distribution deal, Fosburgh said: “The addition of PressurePro TPMS sensors to VisionLink allows Trimble to offer contractors the ability to better manage their fleets and realise greater efficiencies and savings than before.”
Meanwhile, a new partnership between Trimble and Computer Guidance Corporation will provide eCMS Connect for VisionLink. As a result of the integration, eCMS Equipment and Accounting and Equipment Maintenance applications are said to be automatically updated on a scheduled basis with the information from VisionLink, allowing contractors access to accurate and real-time asset management information, automated usage- based billing, advanced reporting and precise forecasting.
“Tighter budgets and strict deadlines force construction companies to better utilise their assets,” said Alan Sharp, business area director for Trimble’s Site Positioning Systems and Software Solutions. “Having real-time and accurate construction equipment information on hand with integrated enterprise resource planning software can result in a quicker return on investment and increased productivity.”
At the STAFDA (Speciality Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association) Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida between November 4-6, 2012, Trimble launched its handheld laser