SMG has launched a data-driven and predictive maintenance service for its machines. The service uses sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor onsite progress as well as the wear and tear of parts. Thanks to IoT, spare parts and their installation manuals are dispatched in time to guarantee the lifespan and performance of the investment.
The company introduces the new GPS-based technology as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. “We can implement the technology on all our machines, but we have started off with the TurfMuncher, PlanoMatic, and MixMatic,” says Tobias Owegeser of SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau GmbH. “These machines represent a major investment for many companies and operate daily under very tough conditions.”
The technology allows for tracing the equipment and tracking its progress. “Managers no longer have to go onsite to monitor operations or determine how much work has been completed.” It also promotes more efficient operation. “Maintenance machines can follow pre-defined drive plans automatically, without the constant need for manual steering or supervision. It reduces the demand for personnel, especially for repetitive tasks such as brushing or surface cleaning. At the same time, it ensures consistent quality, as the machine follows the exact same pattern, speed, and overlap every time.”
The result is less stress on the surface. “In particular, autonomous maintenance machines reduce ground pressure on synthetic turf surfaces and minimize pollution from combustion engines — offering a more environmentally friendly maintenance service.”
Owegeser also points out the transparency now possible. “Field owners can see exactly which areas have been addressed and identify unnecessary overlaps.”
Smoother maintenance processes
An IoT platform uses this traceability to collect data from the machines and matches it with the data SMG has on file. “This knowledge allows us to determine whether it’s time to replace a certain part even before the company’s own technicians have identified it. This saves time and speeds up the maintenance process.”
Owegeser notes that people onsite are always under pressure. “They feel the pressure to deliver, as well as the stress caused by any hiccup or sudden weather changes that might prevent them from doing so. This pressure can make it easy to forget or neglect the service requirements of their equipment. Unfortunately, if that happens, the consequences can be serious.”
Service needs are also determined by the environment in which the machines operate. “The TurfMuncher, our synthetic turf removal machine, always works in a very dusty environment. This requires timely filter replacement, or else the machines can get damaged. Such neglect can lead to breakdowns.”
Approval required
Owegeser emphasizes that the technology is fitted only with the client’s approval. “We also sign an agreement that makes it clear we only collect data essential for maintenance and that we won’t share this information with any third party.”
The new service is possible because SMG has always stocked spare parts for all its machines. “We still have spare parts for machines we built decades ago.”
Together with the spare parts, SMG also sends the installation or replacement manual. However, this data is also available on their website. “We have translated all information into several languages, and everything — including video clips of the operating instructions — can be accessed through the customer’s individual login on our website.”
The new technology will be on display at the FSB Show in Cologne, Germany, during the final week of this month.