Komatsu began distributing Topcon retrofits in 2018, and then added digital solutions such as Sitelink and Dashboard. Over time, the structure of Smart Construction for Latin America was acquired, which has taken an important step from theory to reality in its multiple benefits for distributors.
If 2023 was the year of successful proofs of concept (PoC), 2024 is projected to be the year of tangible results in the field.
One notable achievement was the introduction of Topcon retrofits for bulldozers and motor graders. At the most recent version of the Annual Distributors Meeting, the GD655 – GPS Auto system was exhibited, evidencing an increase of more than 50% in efficiency, since these solutions mean that operators do not necessarily have a high level of experience in the operation of the equipment and can also work at night.
In order to increase the retrofit supply, at the end of last year, Aftermarket sealed the Komatsu Latin America-Earthbrain alliance to promote these kits specifically for excavators, whose additional benefit lies in the inclusion of Payload Meter. Field Days have already been held with distributors and will continue to be organized in this new period.
Two cases stood out in these rounds with customers. One of them was the proof of concept (PoC) carried out in Chile, at Compañía de Salitre y Yodo, because after their purchase of retrofits for D375A-6R bulldozers, they were also shown Smart Construction’s digital services (DX), flying with drones to digitize the terrain, post processing and later displaying the digital twin on the SC Dashboard. With both technologies, the efficiency of leaching heap formation, which heaps need to have defined height and slopes, increased by 50%.
The other case was with Argentinian company Contreras y Hermanos, who only had to see Smart Construction’s presentation to realize the great benefit that their GD655-5 motor graders could achieve thanks to the retrofits. The 40% productivity they achieved in the first months, in the leveling of roads of the construction and operation project known as «Sal de Vida», developed in a lithium mine, confirmed the decision.
«Thanks to the application of this technology, we were able to gain advantages, since a night shift could be implemented, work times were significantly reduced, the margin of error was eliminated, operators quickly became familiar with its use and it was demonstrated that the reduction in operating costs and resources justifies the investment.»
Carlos Laplace
Commercial Manager
Igarreta Máquinas S.A.,Komatsu distributor in Argentina
«Thanks to Smart Construction pilot projects with clients inside and outside Chile, which had positive results, such as the reduction in costs of planning, monitoring and control of earthmoving and forestry projects due to drone digitalization and the SC Dashboard platform. One key factor was the joint work between KHSA’s Aftermarket and Technology teams. In addition, together with Komatsu Chile’s leasing team, several live demonstrations were carried out for end customers, which resulted in leases and sales of the retrofit systems.”
Álvaro Valdivia
Assistant Manager of Automation and Technology
Komatsu Latin America
It will be part of this year’s work to demonstrate, with results in the field, that Smart Construction is the way to bring any project to a successful conclusion in less time and with significant savings.
Also, to increase sales of retrofits to increase the number of smart machines, such as those of DX digital services, by presenting a path that integrates various solutions.
«The goal is to go deeper with Smart Construction in a certain number of distributors in which tangible results are achieved and that serve as the best letter of introduction to new customers.» Kaid added, «we seek the digital transformation of the workplace through the adoption of this technology, so that it becomes part of the daily processes, for which Komatsu accompanies the distributor with training in all areas, technical and commercial.»
Eduardo Kaid
Aftermarket Director
Komatsu Latin America
*For more information contact: eduardo.kaid@global.komatsu
