The theft of construction equipment alone represents annual losses of up to 1 billion euros, according to a BauWatch report: “Threats on construction sites”. In France, a study by the Fédération Française du Bâtiment (FFB) found that nearly one in four construction sites is affected by theft each year. Globally, the theft of construction equipment is on the rise. In this context, it has become more critical than ever for professionals in the building and civil engineering sectors to secure their equipment. With this in mind, Haulotte has enhanced its SHERPAL telematics solution with a powerful new feature: Advanced Access Management (AAM).
“In 2021, we launched our SHERPAL telematics solution. We quickly realized we needed to go further by adding a key feature to address two major challenges: machine theft and operator safety”, explains Frédéric Menini, Digital Product Manager at Haulotte.
Smart access control: a response to today’s security needs
Frédéric Menini, Digital Product
Manager at Haulotte
In an industry where safety is a top priority for both workers and equipment, the AAM solution introduces intelligent access control, allowing machine use to be restricted solely to authorized operators. This is made possible through a machine identification system. With AAM, companies can:
- Deter theft by restricting unauthorized machine use
- Improve worksite safety by limiting access to trained and authorized personnel
“Today, anyone can start a MEWP with a simple key. The AAM keypad requires a code or RFID badge, ensuring that only authorized users can access the control box,” says Frédéric.
Seamless integration with SHERPAL
AAM is fully integrated into the SHERPAL telematics ecosystem, which already includes geolocation, usage tracking, machine energy management, and fault code alerts for remote diagnostics…
This integration enables centralized, intuitive fleet management from a remote web platform.
Concrete benefits for the construction industry
As theft incidents surge, highlighted by frequent reports across the sector, construction companies are actively seeking connected, automated, and reliable solutions. AAM checks all these boxes:
- Theft deterrence through access control
- Reduced costs linked to claims or premature wear and tear on machines used outside the contract or by untrained personnel
- Improved operator safety by limiting use rather than fully immobilizing the machine
- Better compliance, by ensuring only certified operators can use equipment
“Customers are particularly impressed with the ability to restrict machine use remotely, especially if suspicious activity is detected or when use occurs outside of rental agreement hours,” explains Frederic.
“Unlike competing solutions, we retain full control of the machine. This is fully in line with Haulotte’s DNA, which puts operator safety first. This is possible because we develop our own machines, telematics and access control solutions. By interconnecting everything, we can offer connected solutions that are both qualitative and secure.”
A concrete example of these protective measures: If an unauthorized operator attempts to start the machine outside the times set by the fleet manager, AAM solution will restricts the machine’s movement. However, if this happens while the platform is elevated, the machine won’t stop abruptly. Instead, it allows the operator to descend safely and move at micro-speed. This approach ensures both operator safety and equipment integrity.
Designed for the jobsite
AAM offers more than simple access restriction, it includes four smart conditions:
- Geofencing: restricts machine use to a predefined area
- Timefencing: limits usage to specific hours or days
- Remote restriction: enables manual shutdown from afar
- Tracker fault: blocks the machine if tampering is detected
“It’s a real toolbox for fleet managers. All settings can be adjusted remotely via the MyHaulotte platform,” says Frédéric. “In the future, customers may even be able to configure these restrictions directly on the platform of their choice. This flexibility is possible because we also control our APIs, allowing us to deliver functionality wherever the customer needs it.”
Towards responsible digital construction
The introduction of solutions like AAM reflects a fundamental trend in the construction industry: digitalization in the service of safety, performance and sustainability. With the AAM solution, Haulotte demonstrates how technology can positively transform practices in the field.
“The market is undergoing a major transformation. Companies want to increase productivity, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve safety. Our mission is to create the right conditions to support this transformation by providing our customers with a complete digital ecosystem, both on and around the machine. This enables us to offer solutions for operators, for the people who work with our machines on construction sites, and also for remote fleet management, » Frederic sums up.
In line with this commitment, Haulotte is also rolling out MyCompanion, an on-board solution installed on all new machines and available as spare parts on MyHaulotte if necessary.
Accessible via QR code on the machine, MyCompanion helps operators get familiar with the equipment and allows technicians quick access to support resources without needing to download an app.
By interconnecting its digital tools, including SHERPAL and MyCompanion, Haulotte sets itself apart, offering enhanced visibility into energy levels, safety alerts, and more… right at the operator’s fingertips!
« Today, there is a wide variety of digital solutions emerging on the construction market to manage worksites more efficiently. Successful digitalization for this market requires the creation of a digital ecosystem between OEMs, rental companies and construction companies, by interconnecting tools and sharing data. With our open system, via API, we’re already ready to provide the right data, on the right tool and for the right person to be aligned with this dynamic, » concludes Frédéric.