Let’s talk machine data. Almost all construction machines made today — dozers, wheel loaders, skid steers, aerial lifts, even those spider excavators that climb mountains — generate a constant stream of information that fleet masters can capture. Using onboard sensors and satellite and cellular networks, modern telematics platforms give fleet managers real-time info into machine health, utilization, fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and equipment security.

Today, telematics is less a single technology than an umbrella for dozens of connected tools. It's the ecosystem. Geofencing, remote diagnostics, digital service records, parts ordering, fuel analytics, work orders, and APIs and software integrations are all now syncing under the telematics banner.

In this showcase, we'll explore some of the latest telematics platforms and what they do. Whether you manage five machines or 500, these connected technologies can help reduce downtime and improve utilization and maintenance. Let’s…

Star your telematics journey with these four companies

We’ve spent the past few months talking with telematics experts from across the construction industry. We profiled four telematics services that our readers might not know about — Solera, Clue, Xtellio, and Fleetio. Check out these recent Construction Equipment stories:

• Solera — Learn how Solera combines hardware and software to help contractors predict failures, improve maintenance, and reduce downtime.
• Clue — Discover Clue's open platform that connects dozens of telematics systems while adding AI, maintenance, dispatch, and production tracking.
• Xtellio — See how Xtellio connects everything from excavators and generators to tools and other jobsite assets through an open platform.
• Fleetio — Find out how Fleetio turns telematics data into smarter maintenance decisions, streamlined workflows, and improved fleet uptime.

Use data to perfect predictive maintenance

This section was written by Madison Whitfield, product manager of connected uptime services, at Volvo Construction Equipment. 

The traditional approach to heavy equipment maintenance has always been strictly reactive, meaning a machine runs until a component fails, which disrupts work on the jobsite and can trigger a costly emergency repair bill. Modern telematics platforms break this cycle by enabling predictive maintenance. By analyzing real-time data trends rather than isolated events, fleet managers can anticipate mechanical issues weeks before an operator notices a change in machine behavior. 

The key to this predictive capability lies in tracking subtle deviations in baseline operating metrics. Instead of waiting for an engine to overheat and flash a critical dashboard light, advanced telematics algorithms monitor the gradual relationship between temperatures, pressures and fluid levels over time. For example, seeing a steady rise in coolant temperature combined with a low coolant level alert allows service teams to catch a slow leak or a blown hose early. Addressing these minor issues allows crews to schedule a repair during a planned shift change or weather delay, completely bypassing unexpected project disruptions. 

Analyzing this data transforms how a business manages its equipment lifecycle. Predictive tracking gives contractors the visibility needed to order replacement parts in advance, eliminating rush shipping fees and minimizing the time an asset spends sitting idle in the shop. Moving from a mindset of fixing broken equipment to actively managing machine health protects your project schedule and ensures every piece of equipment operates at peak efficiency.

Five ways to get more from telematics

This section was written by Bobcat. 

Fleet telematics platforms have evolved from simple location-tracking tools into valuable re-sources for improving equipment management, productivity and maintenance planning. However, the greatest benefits come from how fleet managers use the information collected.

1. One of the most effective practices is reviewing utilization data regularly. Machines that are con-sistently underutilized may be candidates for reassignment to other projects, while heavily used equipment may require additional maintenance attention. 
2. Understanding actual usage patterns helps companies make more informed decisions about fleet size, equipment deployment and future purchases.
3. Maintenance data is another key advantage of telematics systems. Monitoring machine hours, service intervals and fault notifications can help teams address issues before they lead to costly downtime. Establishing a routine process for reviewing maintenance alerts can improve equipment availability and support longer machine life.
4. Security settings should also be part of a telematics strategy. Features such as geofencing, cur-few notifications and movement alerts can help fleet owners quickly identify unusual activity and support equipment protection efforts. Reviewing these settings periodically ensures they remain aligned with jobsite and operating schedules.
5. Finally, telematics data is most valuable when shared with the people responsible for managing equipment. Operations, maintenance and fleet teams can all benefit from access to consistent, accurate machine information. When organizations use telematics data to support everyday decision-making, they are better positioned to improve productivity, reduce operating costs and maximize equipment performance.

Meet the latest telematics platforms

Every manufacturer has its own approach to connected equipment. Compare the latest telematics systems, mobile apps, and fleet management tools designed to improve uptime, productivity, and equipment visibility.

John Deere Operations Center

John Deere Operations Center is a powerful telematics and fleet management platform that connects machines, jobsite data, and business insights in one central user-friendly platform. Through machine connectivity, customers can monitor machine location, utilization, fuel consumption, operating hours, and machine health in real-time from anywhere. This in turn helps optimize performance, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency. Beyond telematics, John Deere Operations Center transforms machine data into actionable business intelligence. Customers can analyze productivity trends, track jobsite progress, set maintenance schedules, and receive proactive alerts to help prevent costly breakdowns. The platform also supports informed decision-making by identifying opportunities to improve machine utilization, reduce operating costs, and maximize jobsite profitability. By combining Wirtgen Group machine data with performance tracker productivity data, John Deere Operations Center empowers contractors to make data-driven decisions, increase productivity, enhance fleet uptime, and achieve better project outcomes while maintaining greater control over their operations. For more info, visit John Deere’s website. 

Yanmar Compact Equipment’s SmartAssist-Remote

Whether a contractor operates one machine or manages equipment across multiple jobsites, unexpected downtime can disrupt schedules, increase costs and delay work. Telematics turns machine data into practical information for faster, better-informed decisions. For owner-operators, that visibility helps protect a critical business investment, plan maintenance and keep the machine earning. Fleet managers can use the same information to monitor utilization, coordinate service and manage equipment across jobsites. Yanmar Compact Equipment’s SmartAssist-Remote provides GPS location data, maintenance insights and diagnostic information from connected machines. Geofencing, time-based alerts and remote starter shutdown capabilities help users identify unexpected activity and protect equipment. SmartAssist-Remote is complimentary for the first five years of ownership on telematics-capable models. An upgraded platform planned for launch this fall will build on these capabilities, helping contractors reduce downtime, improve security and maximize the value of every machine they operate throughout the ownership experience, whether managing one machine or a fleet. For more info, visit Yanmar’s website. 

Kubota’s WorkSmart Telematics

Kubota’s WorkSmart Telematics gives equipment owners and fleet managers access to critical machine information through the free My Kubota app and compatible fleet management platforms. Available on select Kubota equipment, the system allows users to monitor key machine vitals, including fuel and DEF levels, accumulated hours, temperatures and more. Designed to help improve equipment oversight, WorkSmart Telematics provides advanced location tracking, geofencing capabilities and customizable machine alerts to keep users informed about equipment status. For added security, operators can remotely prevent machine restart and use location tracking and geofence alerts to help safeguard equipment in the event of loss or theft. WorkSmart Telematics can also connect with third-party fleet management software, providing a centralized view of equipment across an operation. For more info, visit Kubota’s website. 

myCASEConstruction

myCASEConstruction is a new self-service portal and app that grants CASE Construction customers and their teams access to machine data and real-time alerts that help them optimize their equipment usage, reallocate resources and assign operators tasks. The platform is built on four key features and benefits: 1) convenient, centralized fleet management on-the-go and from wherever; 2) real-time data translated into decisions that give you a complete view of jobsites and fleets, improve long-term efficiency and allow you to respond to in-the-field team and machine notifications; 3) optimize jobsites, from proactive equipment servicing to task and activity management; and 4) safeguard a fleet with geofencing and curfew features to prevent theft and unauthorized use. It's available on desktop and as a mobile app for Android and iOS. For more info, visit Case CE’s website. 

Bobcat Machine IQ

Bobcat Machine IQ telematics helps contractors and fleet managers stay connected to their equipment, make informed decisions and keep jobsites running efficiently. Accessible through the Bobcat Owner Portal and Machine IQ mobile app, it provides near real-time and historical ma-chine data so users can monitor machine location, operating hours, fuel consumption and utiliza-tion across their fleet without being on-site. Maintenance reminders and critical fault code alerts help identify potential issues early, reduce unplanned downtime and support more proactive service scheduling. Security features, including geofence, curfew and motion detection alerts provide added peace of mind, while utilization reporting helps crews reduce idle time, improve productivity and better manage operating costs. For eligible machines with the appropriate subscription, Remote Engine Disable/Enable (REDE), lets owners remotely disable or re-enable the engine through the Owner Portal or app if unauthorized use is suspected, helping protect valuable equipment and support authorized operation, while keeping fleet visibility and recovery options close at hand, too. For more info, visit Bobcat’s website.

Volvo ActiveCare Direct

Raw telematics data is only valuable if a fleet manager has the time to decipher it. Rather than flooding a contractor’s inbox with thousands of undifferentiated fault codes and alarms, Volvo changes the dynamic with ActiveCare Direct. This 24/7 machine monitoring and fleet utilization service handles the heavy lifting by filtering out the noise. Volvo analysts use proprietary software to monitor connected machines in real time, catching critical technical issues before they lead to catastrophic component failures. When it looks like a severe issue is about to occur, the platform delivers a specific action plan detailing the fault, the probable cause and the exact tools needed for the fix. This direct support turns raw data streams into clear maintenance steps, maximizing fleet uptime while allowing contractors to stay focused on their production deadlines. For more info, visit Volvo CE’s website. 

Skyjack Elevate

Skyjack’s Elevate telematics system delivers actionable insights and measurable benefits for rental companies by enhancing existing business models. It connects rental fleets with service teams, end users, and ERP rental software to streamline operations. Elevate provides critical alerts and real-time data, including battery health, CAN data, and true utilization based on lifting, driving, load, and runtime. These insights help reduce downtime, cut labor costs, and extend equipment life. Skyjack’s Elevate Live gives machine operators direct access to key information through a QR code on the equipment. Available on all Skyjack machines, operators can view the machine’s health status (with the broader Elevate telematics installed), pre-use inspection checklists, quick start guides, familiarization videos, emergency procedures, and serial-specific machine data. By putting essential resources in the hands of users, Elevate Live promotes efficient equipment use and reduces support demands on rental companies. For more info, visit Skyjack’s website. 

Ditch Witch Orange Intel

Orange Intel is Ditch Witch’s all-in-one telematics platform designed to help contractors better manage equipment, crews and jobsite productivity through real-time visibility and connected fleet intelligence.  Built for today’s increasingly connected jobsites, the platform gives contractors a clearer view of machine performance, utilization and operational efficiency without the complexity often associated with telematics systems. Users can customize dashboards and alerts, monitor fuel usage and idle time, track equipment with GPS and geofencing capabilities and stay ahead of maintenance with built-in preventative maintenance scheduling. Orange Intel also helps contractors improve equipment security and reduce downtime by providing greater visibility into machine location and activity across multiple jobsites. Centralized through a MyDitchWitch account, the platform is designed to help contractors make faster, data-driven decisions that improve productivity and keep work moving efficiently. For more info, visit Ditch Witch’s website. 

myNewHollandConstruction

myNewHollandConstruction telematics solutions from New Holland Construction Equipment provides the next level of fleet management in a redesigned, operator friendly dashboard and software ecosystem. With increased capabilities from the generic geolocation, utilization and reporting; myNewHollandConstruction takes a deeper dive into complete machine health with a telematics standard offering of 7-years on ALL New Holland Construction products. From Mini Track Loaders to Midi Excavators, owners and fleet managers have an in-depth visibility of machine health, diagnostic, operator productivity and more accurate reporting of machines on every jobsite. With the iOS and Android applications, operators maintain connected to their machines during all day jobs. Push notifications can be enabled for maintenance alerts, job specific tasks, security notifications and even set machine curfews. The maintenance section makes easy work of tracking maintenance repairs and work orders in a singular location, and even more preemptively preparing for machine downtime and scheduled services. myNewHollandConstruction.com is the trusted telematics solution to keep a close eye on your fleet and productivity on every jobsite. For more info, visit New Holland’s website. 

Ammann ServiceLink

Ammann offers ServiceLink as an option for telematics. There are many options available worldwide for telematics services, and Ammann ensures their equipment are telematics ready right off the assembly line so that customers can utilize a system of their choice. Why choose Ammann's ServiceLink for the telematic system on your machine? The answer is simple: diagnostic and performance data collected in collaboration with the equipment manufacturer enables more efficient service, troubleshooting, and support. Choose Ammann's ServiceLink at a great value, and always know where your equipment is, it's status, and performance data. Telematics systems are becoming more popular as technology allows for efficient data collection on machines in remote locations. End-users benefit from knowing the location of machines in their fleet, as well as their health/status, and performance data. This allows them to quickly react to stolen equipment, machine failures and improper operation practices. As technology advances, telematics can do more for a lower cost, and it has reached a point where it is almost hard to justify not having a telematics system in place for large equipment fleets. For more info, visit Ammann website.  

My Develon

The My Develon fleet management telematics system, available via a mobile app and web browser, simplifies how contractors track machine health, monitor operations and receive critical alerts, such as sudden fuel drops. Key features of the system allow users to request quotes for genuine Develon parts directly from local dealers, download digital service tools and subscribe to customized services. To optimize machine uptime, the system sends proactive service notifications and diagnostic codes, enabling dealers and contractors to coordinate timely preventive maintenance. To ensure smooth adoption, Develon dealers offer streamlined telematics training at the point of purchase. “A premium option available for new Develon -9 Series excavators adds vibration and pressure sensors to actively diagnose abnormalities in the main pump, swing motor and swing reduction gear. Real-time oil diagnostics and a Bluetooth-enabled digital key are integrated via the My Develon fleet management app, letting operators unlock, start and climate-control the cabin remotely.” — Brian Kim, excavator product manager at Develon. For more info, visit Develon’s website. 

JLG ClearSky Smart Fleet

Traditional telematics provides valuable machine data, but it often requires users to interpret that information before taking action. JLG ClearSky Smart Fleet connectivity platform builds on those capabilities with a next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) platform that combines two-way machine communication with actionable insights designed to improve fleet management and jobsite efficiency. The platform digitizes daily processes, simplifies equipment tracking and delivers immediate visibility into fleet health and performance through a mobile app, web portal and enhanced API. Features such as wireless diagnostics, machine location, automated site networks and access to serial number-specific information help users quickly find equipment, identify machine status and streamline service activities. Because ClearSky Smart Fleet is integrated with JLG Online Express, customers can manage equipment, troubleshoot machines and access parts information through a single login. For more info, visit JLG’s website. 

Takeuchi Fleet Management

Takeuchi Fleet Management (TFM) is a remote monitoring system designed to help owners and operators track, maintain, and protect their compact equipment. Accessible via desktop or mobile devices, TFM provides real-time GPS tracking, machine status, maintenance planning, and performance analytics across an entire fleet. Users can view machine locations, set up geofences for added security and receive alerts if equipment moves outside a designated area. The platform also delivers up-to-date machine data — such as engine hours, fuel level, and diagnostic alerts — helping identify potential issues before they become costly problems. TFM’s maintenance planner notifies users of upcoming service needs based on machine hours or calendar dates and logs all completed tasks automatically. Customizable reports provide actionable insights to optimize performance and extend equipment life. Whether managing one machine or a full fleet, TFM offers the tools needed to improve uptime, reduce operating costs, and protect your investment. For more info, visit Takeuchi's website.

My Komatsu

Komatsu’s fleet telematics platform, My Komatsu, brings machine data, maintenance information and support resources together in one connected, web-based platform. It’s OEM-agnostic, so contractors can monitor Komatsu and other brand equipment through a single interface. Highly accurate machine data provides confidence in productivity, operating hours, fuel consumption and other metrics needed to make informed business decisions. Beyond telematics, the platform streamlines equipment ownership by integrating support resources into the same experience. Users can quickly access Komatsu equipment manuals, review warranty and service plan information, track upcoming maintenance and order genuine Komatsu parts 24/7 without leaving the platform. Regular enhancements continue to add value; coming soon are a cost-of-idle dashboard and an AI-powered chatbot that enables users find information from many sources using natural language. My Komatsu goes beyond traditional telematics, helping contractors spend less time searching for information and more time keeping equipment productive. For more info, visit Komatsu’s website.