RMA Civil implemented Blue Electronics Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology from Aptella to increase safety on site for the drainage team that work in close proximity with machines. Now having used the technology, the team wouldn’t be without it.

Matt Ayres, Manager/Director, RMA Civil was introduced to the Blue Electronics Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology at a Dig Day where the technology was installed and being demonstrated on the Komatsu PC240LC-11 excavator.

“It sort of pricked in my mind that it would work well with our drainage crew that work in close proximity to the machine,” said Mr Ayres.

“So that was just a no brainer for us – yeah the boys do the right thing and remain safe but to have that added extra element of safety on the job is pretty much second to none!”

The team at RMA Civil is currently working on a highway redevelopment that involves working alongside live traffic lanes, installing large to small drainage and doing a major part of the earthworks component.

“Initially, that would have been an issue working alongside live traffic and other personnel but with this technology? It’s made it effortless,” said Mr Ayres.

“We’re excited to be involved in that project and we’ll keep being involved in projects like that in the future.”

Why did RMA Civil choose Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology from Aptella?

Mr Ayres has the Blue Electronics Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology from Aptella installed on the Komatsu PC240LC-11 excavator, as well as Topcon height and slew technology and Topcon GPS. He became aware of the Blue Electronics Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology when attending a Komatsu Dig Day,

“The PC-240LC-11 excavator we were looking at had the Blue Electronics Close Proximity Detection and Collision Aware Technology and the Topcon Height and Slew technology installed on it and we got shown by Aptella how it all worked which was pretty much effortless on their behalf, so it was pretty much a given that we’d purchase that machine with everything on it and be the first in the market with that piece of technology,” said Mr Ayres.

“With our small to large drainage working alongside live traffic and overhead powerlines, other personnel that aren’t involved with RMA Civil…it’s just an element that we wouldn’t be without now and we utilise it all the time.”

What benefits has RMA Civil seen since implementing Blue Electronics Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology from Aptella?

Some of the main benefits that RMA Civil has seen since implementing the Blue Electronics Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology is a reduction in machine damage and improved fatigue management on site. The operators and personnel on the ground have that extra safety net now.

“So, a big thing we’ve found is fatigue management with our operators and guys on the ground. Of course they don’t take it for granted that they’ve got the technology and they’re being detected by the machine and vice versa, but just having that extra bit of safety is hands down the best thing that you can have on site,” said Mr Ayres.

“Damage with machinery is a big thing in the industry and having that detection and collision system incorporated has been a big thing. Working next to live traffic, overhead power, other personnel and having that feature makes it a less stressful environment and we wouldn’t be without it.”

The Blue Electronics Bluetooth Close Proximity Detection and Collision Awareness Technology also assists the team on days when the visibility is low, for example when it’s foggy. Mr Ayres was even rewarded by his insurance company when they recognised the efforts that RMA Civil was making to increase safety on site.

The importance of service and support

For Mr Ayres and the team at RMA Civil, the support you get after the purchase is nearly as important as the purchase itself.

“It’s important to have your local Aptella involved because you work hand in hand. If I need to know something, they’re right there on the phone, our guys on the ground and our guys in the machine, they’re the same – they’re not having to go through channels to get the answer, they can go direct to Aptella and get the answer they’re after and get that support that they need,” said Ayres.

“I think it’s easy to sell a product and for people to buy it, but it’s the support that comes later on after the purchase, that’s what brings you back to buying more and more products from that brand.”

RMA Civil has also found Tokara, Aptella’ remote support tool particularly beneficial when operators need training.

“We had one of our key operators in the machine for a lengthy amount of time, we then shifted him out of that machine and moved him elsewhere and when he hopped back into the machine and needed a bit of a refresher, that support and remote training from Aptella has been second to none. It’s been great,” said Mr Ayres.

About RMA Civil

RMA Civil has been around for 14 years and specialises small to large earthworks, drainage and electrical infrastructure. Melbourne-based, RMA Civil began as a two-person operation and has grown and continues to grow year-on-year.

“We’re not a big company but we believe what we’re doing is up there with the best and we keep developing and moving forward with ways to be amongst the best in the industry,” said Mr Ayres.