The ground support industry's source for news, articles, events, product and services information.
Issue link: https://groundsupportworldwide.epubxp.com/i/665839
14 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE APRIL 2016 COVER STORY Xced's new GroundSmart lease program, integrating data collection and asset man- agement services, has been developed to address specifc client challenges. A more expansive launch of the service this sum- mer will make the program available to all airlines and ground handlers in North America, giving them the ability to main- tain and track the usage of all their GSE — both motorized and non-motorized. "By integrating three separate technol- ogies, Xced's new program, GroundSmart, accumulates vast amounts of real-time data. This provides our clients with a much needed tool to better manage their operation. If you can't measure it, you can't manage it," Bill Brooks, director of opera- tions for Xced, says. Through a small attachment on each piece of equipment, Xced collects and integrates real-time usage data to improve utilization and equipment security, enhance safety on the ramp, increase accountability of operators and the lifespan of GSE and, most importantly, change the maintenance culture from one of reaction to one of pre- vention. Clients have the ability to decide which data is critical to managing their business, and Xced manages the process and provides them with that critical data. GroundSmart also allows GSE manag- ers the ability to track the location of all associated equipment through GPS capabil- ities, accurate to 13 feet, in the battery-sized GroundSmart attachment. Additionally, given the vast number of GSE contracts in play on airport ramps, the equipment is spread across a large number of gates. It is not uncommon to see artifcially infated feets and nearly non-existent equipment inventory tracking. GroundSmart allows Xced clients to "right size their feets" to maximize utilization, further reducing their costs. GroundSmart provides an ignition smart card attachment in which only authorized personnel are able to start the equipment and take off. The smart card element can be further customized to limit GSE usage based on an operator's qualifications. That's a big safety feature. Additionally, geo fencing can limit where the GSE travels, reducing misplaced equipment scurrying around the ramp. The goal of GroundSmart is to lower the GSE cost of ownership to the airlines and ground handlers. GroundSmart provides cost savings through effciencies in feet utilization, timely refurbs, fexible leasing terms, strategic replacement of aged GSE, and service based on real-time usage and maintenance data. Not every client will need all of GroundSmart 's capabilit y, however. "Our clients can select any or all of the features of GroundSmart," Long says. "Somebody may only want the software capabilities. Additionally, if they have their own maintenance service capabilities, we can certainly incorporate their maintenance program into our GroundSmart program. This f lexible and powerful product is designed to be fully customizable, realiz- ing that our clients all have different needs and requirements." IS YOUR FLEET IN SAFE HANDS? Call Us Today for a quote! 614.443.7492 www.columbusjack.com • TEST • CERTIFY • REPAIR • All brands up to 100 tons! • Now 2 locations! Columbus & Dallas • Keep your jacks working properly with an annual test & certifcation WE CAN HELP. AviationPros.com/10134078 Xced's goal with GroundSmart is to provide cost savings to both lessee and lessor through effciency in utilization, refurbs, fexible leasing , buy backs and immediate service based on real- time maintenance data.