Is labor shortage affecting you?

Labor shortage is a major problem for many companies in different sectors. Construction and transport are 2 of the sectors where the shortage is drastic. The lack of labor is a growth constraint. Several companies refuse orders or delay delivery. In order to deal with these ramifications, businesses have no choice but to find solutions.

Process Automation

Automation consists of systemizing operation which require human intervention. It assists man by alleviating any simple and repetitive tasks requiring precision and rigor.

The objective is simple: it increases your company’s productivity by freeing up precious time for your workers.

Example of tasks/Tools where automation applies

Routine tasks:

Several routine tasks that are carried out by construction workers, particularly maintenance of equipment, can easily be automated:

• Automatic lubrication

Have you ever asked yourself, how much time in a day does it take an operator to grease his equipment? Installation of an automatic greasing system will bring significant savings in time, as the system functions while the vehicle is working.

It also maximizes performance by eliminating wasted time, due to stopping for maintenance and repair.

• Tire-sealant, puncture free

Punctures can be costly, by causing delays, which affect productivity. Using a puncture free product, eliminates this inconvenience by sealing punctures the moment it happens. This reduces disruption and eliminates the shortfall.

Precision work:

Certain tools help to perform tasks quicker while improving the workflow. Working quickly and efficiently saves time!

• Weighing system for chargers and other equipment

A weighing system is actually a controlling device which calculates the bulk material weight transported by a loader (or other equipment). Regardless of where the loading takes place, the weighing system is always available. Installation of a weighing system enables to achieve optimized loading and avoids overloading and loss of time.

Security tools:

Security systems can further improve the process. Production stoppage due to an incident, equipment failure or a work accident can lead to a major waste of time and loss of money.  

• Camera system & Radar detection system

A camera system can eliminate blind spots for the driver. This is a valuable tool to help create awareness for the driver. Increasing visibility in the work zone and allowing the operator to be more productive.

• Range limiting device

A range limiting device eliminates the risk of contact between the excavator and surrounding obstacles. The device facilitates monitoring of the work environment and eliminates human error, responsible for several serious and fatal accidents.

• Security system for dump trucks

Conceived to help the driver be more vigilant. This system helps avoid embarrassing situations such as, striking a viaduct or electrical wiring. The consequences can be very expensive in both time and money (halting of the service unit, maintenance, CSST investigation, etc.). 

• Pedestrian and obstacle detection system 

A detection system helps prevent collisions between construction equipment and pedestrians. This will reduce the operating equipment costs by warning the driver of an obstacle that could cause damage thanks to a camera that recognizes and detects obstacles. It also helps improve productivity on your work site by allowing the driver to monitor hidden areas without turning, thanks to a screen located in the cab. 

Process automation

Several other production tools are also available to automate your equipment / your procedures. Automation will not completely eliminate labor shortage. However, it will maximize the full potential of your current workforce.

Assigning your staff to specific tasks is a good starting point to increase productivity!

A heat wave is settling over Quebec for the next few days!

*** Notice to all workers on construction sites *** 

Attention au coup de chaleur; adaptez votre rythme de travail et prenez des pauses, de préférence à l’ombre ou dans un endroit frais.

​How to prevent heat stroke

Tips to prevent heat stroke!

• Drink at least a glass of water every 10, 15 or 20 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
• Wear light clothing, light colored, preferably cotton (promotes sweat evaporation).
• Cover your head to work outside.
• Adjust your work pace according to your acclimatization to the heat and climatic conditions (e.g. heat, humidity, sunshine).
• Take breaks (hourly, and for an appropriate length of time) in the shade or in a cool place.

Source: CNESST 

Visit the CNESST website for more advice.

For simple, precise and efficient weighing!

The WK60XS Pfreundt scale is now offered with a 7 inch touch screen; thus offering better visibility.

Feature overview

• Accuracy of 0 +/- 1%

• Dynamic weighing

• 10 assignable flexible base data (expandable 300)

• 10,000 weighing data (expandable 100,000)

• 2 users (expandable 5)

• 2 connected devices (expandable 5)

• Socket for printer printer

• Target weights

• USB port for data transfer

• Totals statistics

• NOT LEGAL FOR TRADE

Now compatible with thermal printer!

Having the same housing as the other models of the series (WK60S, WK60), the WK60XS scale now has the Bluetooth connection module which allows the thermal printer to be connected.

Several other options are also available:

Additional functionality (option): Speed Weigh Technology (SWT) – for even faster weighing

Digital angle sensors allow existing measuring ranges to be extended.Weights will show after brief lifting. The measuring range will no longer need to be fully passed with constant speed.

In addition, the PFREUNDT Speed Weigh Technology is much more stable for all terrains and less subject to pressure fluctuations. The system is suited for use on wheel loaders, also with hydraulic parallel guidance or boost cylinders.

Speed Weigh Technology (SWT), discover the difference:

Contact your distributor for more information::

Your target: Zero accidents

• Enhances safety, working conditions & productivity
• Protects against the risk of people/vehicle collisions
• Proven in the field, to be the most efficient collision avoidance solution on the largest installed base of industrial vehicles*.
• Based on studies carried out by Safety Authorities

Using Artificial Intelligence, Blaxtair distinguishes, in real time, a person from an obstacle/object and alerts the driver to the danger, without sounding unecessary alarms.

Enhanced pedestrian safety

• With its ability to differentiate pedestrians and obstacles in real time, Blaxtair alerts the driver to the danger and helps to prevent serious accidents on industrial sites.
• Cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology reinforces the message to employees and business partners, that safety is your top priority.

Increased productivity and better working conditions

• Blaxtair generates only relevant alerts for the driver, avoiding nuisance alarms and alarm fatigue.
• Avoids incurring costs related to downtime, workplace accidents or fatalities.

Highly robust & easy to install

• Operational in harsh and tough environments, e.g. strong vibration, high impacts, wide temperature variance (-40°C to +75°C), glare, mud, snow, fog.
• Waterproof and dustproof (IP69K sensor head).
• Compatible with all types and brands of industrial vehicles (forklift trucks, wheel loaders, excavators, dumpers, etc).
• Customisable detection zones.
• Multiple configurations and options, as required.

BLAXTAIR 3 main elements

1. Stereoscopic sensor head: captures 3D images

2. Processing unit: recognises and localises people in danger thanks to AI algorithms

3. Alert devices: LCD display or LED/Buzzer alerts the driver through visual and audible alarms if a person is detected in the defined danger zone.

Find a distibutor: