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Geomachine
Adopting digital tools for ground investigation is easy with Geomachine’s guidance. You don’t need to understand the technology or speak in complex terms. All you need to know is the direction in which you want to develop your operations.
“In the ground investigation industry, things have been done the same way for years, using familiar methods,” says Pasi Majakangas, who designs digital services for Geomachine. “Learning something new alongside your regular work can seem like a burden, so often, people prefer to stick with familiar practices. But what if embracing new solutions was made easy, and it turned out to be a smart and effortless investment from a business development perspective?”
Two ways to adopt
The core of Geomachine’s digital product family, the GMTracker data-logger, is automatically included with the purchase of a new machine. The data-logger can also be added to a machine already in use on-site.
Since digital tools are still relatively new in the ground investigation industry, discussions about their adoption are always led by the customer’s workflows, challenges, and needs, rather than product features. “Some of our customers know exactly what smart features they want from their new machine, and these are added to their GMTracker during the machine’s production phase. Other times, the customer might not have a clear vision of the best solutions for their specific operations. In those cases, we ask the right questions and determine the goals they have for the machine and their business development.”
The customer may also have identified pain points in their operations that they need solutions for. “If the areas that need improvement are already known, we focus on how our digital tools can help resolve these issues. If the goal is simply to get more out of their machines and processes, we’ll explain what’s possible with our digital services.”
Real-life examples
Pasi Majakangas shares that one issue may be long downtime due to maintenance queues, leading to slow and unprofitable project completion. “In such cases, we suggest adopting GMCare. It opens a two-way connection between the operator, machine maintenance manager, and service partner. The software gives the service partner a real-time view of the equipment’s condition, enabling preventive actions to reduce machine failures. GMCare also digitizes and standardizes maintenance documentation, storing it centrally in one place. The software uses machine learning to continuously build a knowledge base, making future machine maintenance more individualized and predictive.”
Another issue might be keeping the machine documentation up to date. “In that case, we suggest using GMFleet. This ensures all relevant equipment information is always available in real-time and kept up to date. GMFleet contains all the information related to the machine, including technical documentation and lifecycle data. It also provides easy access to information about the machine’s technical capabilities.”
A customer might also struggle with communication issues that slow down project progress. “In such cases, we recommend using GMSiteOps. It streamlines project management and resource allocation, automating related tasks. It digitalizes the project manager’s workspace and integrates it into the project’s value chain. GMSiteOps improves process transparency, real-time data, quality, and safety, while helping to transform the data collected from processes into business-driving actions.”
So, how to move forward?
If you’re interested in improving your business, the right place to start the conversation is with Geomachine’s Sales Manager, Alex Lindholm. “You can email or call Alex. He will arrange a meeting with you to review your business and needs. After the meeting, you’ll receive a proposal for the digital features that can help you reach your goals. If you’re integrating digital tools into an existing machine, the software installation will typically take 1–3 working days. It’s important to consider this when planning your project schedules.”
For those buying a new machine, the process is even easier. “Digital services are always offered with a new machine purchase, allowing you to share your operational optimization goals with our sales team. When the machine leaves the factory, it will already have all the intelligence you wanted pre-programmed.”
According to Pasi Majakangas, there’s no need to fear digital services. “Our product family is easy to understand and use, and our customers who already use the tools agree. If you want to boost your productivity and improve the quality of the data you collect, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll tell you which of our tools best suit your needs and how to get them up and running quickly.”
Interested? Contact Geomachine!
Geomachine
Geomachine aims to make ground investigation as efficient, profitable, and high-quality as possible. That’s why it develops cutting-edge digital innovations that will lead the industry into a new and smarter era.
Continuous development is deeply embedded in Geomachine’s DNA. In recent years, the company has focused particularly on digital innovations in its product development to enable companies in the ground investigation industry to conduct their business more intelligently and profitably.
“In the ground investigation industry, traditional methods have often been used, resulting in many manual workflows and fragmentation in the value chain,” says Pasi Majakangas, who designs digital services for Geomachine. “Four years ago, we initiated the development process for digital products with the aim of tackling these challenges.”
Geomachine’s digital product family currently includes four innovative tools. “The heart of our product family is the GMTracker data-logger. It is an extremely smart tool that provides full visibility into the investigation processes and gives an overview of the performance of the equipment used. In its StandAlone version, GMTracker works locally as an operator tool, and in its Cloud version, it creates a real-time, two-way connection between all project stakeholders. The Cloud version can also be extended with modules such as GMCare, which enhances machine maintenance and servicing, GMSiteOps for optimizing project management and planning, and GMFleet, the equipment registry.”
Step by step forward
As with all of Geomachine’s product development projects, the planning and development of the digital product family involved strong customer collaboration. “In the development of the GMTracker data-logger, we received invaluable support and insights from our long-time customer, Aluetaito Oy. They were involved in the project from the very beginning, and through iterative work, we developed the data-logger to the point where it could be launched to the market.”
The first version of the GMTracker data-logger was made for research methods used in Finland, and later versions were developed for Sweden and Norway. “From a product development perspective, the initial challenge was that there was considerable variation in the needs and practices of companies in the ground investigation industry. A single software solution for everyone was not an option at that point, so the product had to be configured individually for each customer’s specific needs. We focused heavily on customization in our product development. Today, customizing GMTrackerCloud to meet the unique needs of customers can be done with just a few clicks.”
Once the first version of GMTracker and its project management features were up and running, the product development moved forward. “In the next phase, we began considering solutions to enhance machine maintenance and servicing and improve equipment management transparency. These challenges were addressed with the development of the GMCare and GMFleet tools.”
Toolbox expands as needed
According to Pasi Majakangas, no other digital product family like Geomachine’s is currently available on the market. “Until now, individual tools could be purchased from various providers. However, this has resulted in customers having to manage a system architecture that could become messy and difficult to handle. Each program had to be learned separately, and integrating them could require a lot of effort. Managing the whole is now much smarter and easier when all the essential tools can be obtained from one provider.”
One of the strengths of Geomachine’s digital product family is its scalability. “Our products adapt to the needs of the user. You don’t have to purchase the entire extensive toolbox at once; it can be expanded as needed.”
Once all the innovative features of GMTrackerCloud are activated, it provides solutions for the efficient and data-driven execution of the key tasks in ground investigation projects. The transparency of supply chains immediately increases project efficiency, reduces equipment downtime, improves fleet management, and reduces the amount of manual, unnecessary work. In the long term, projects become more productive continuously, as machine learning makes maintenance and servicing operations more predictive. Data on operations and equipment performance constantly increases, helping to make the overall operation more profitable over time.
Continuously smarter and more versatile
Pasi Majakangas says that the development of the digital product family is still ongoing. “In the future, our product family will include even more analytics and 3D visualization features. With these, for example, risk assessments and quality assurance on work sites will be done even more efficiently. The drill rig will learn to identify ground characteristics and automatically suggest them to the driller. Additionally, it will take care of its own maintenance and identify its own issues. This way, maintenance can be performed as soon as the machine starts to show signs of failure, even before an actual breakdown occurs.”
Geomachine’s digital tools are currently in use by leading companies in the ground investigation industry in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. “Every ground investigation company that understands that project productivity requires transparency across the value chain can benefit from our innovations. We want to enable our customers to focus on the right things. Do more with less – that’s what we want to offer our customers in a nutshell.”
Interested? Contact Geomachine!
Geomachine
Updating the equipment used in geotechnical investigations becomes relevant for every industry player from time to time. Whether it’s a facelift or a complete renewal, the process is clear and seamless under Geomachine’s guidance.
“The geotechnical investigation industry in the Nordic region is relatively small,” begins Alexander Packalén, Geomachine’s Chief Operating Officer. “It’s a highly specialized field where industry professionals often know each other. That’s why the companies reaching out to us for their equipment needs are frequently already familiar to us.”
Regardless of whether the customer is a long-time partner or a new acquaintance, the discussion always starts by aligning with their needs. “Most of our customers are well-informed and have a clear idea—down to the model—of the machine that best suits their requirements. However, sometimes they only have a general idea of the intended use. In such cases, we explore the situation in more detail, and based on these discussions, we determine the best approach for moving forward with the procurement process.”
The needs of all stakeholders are considered
When a customer first contacts Geomachine about acquiring a machine, their primary concern is usually the cost. “When the time comes to make a purchase, it’s naturally important to understand the budget scale. Once the investment range is clear, the customer can proceed with internal decision-making within their organization.”
The next step involves diving into the details. “We arrange a meeting for a thorough needs assessment. In addition to the decision-maker, we also welcome the machine operators to this discussion. A skilled driller typically has a strong opinion on the features their tool must have. By mapping out these requirements during the design phase, we can ensure a cost-effective production process, avoiding unnecessary modifications later when the machine is already nearing completion.”
Should you upgrade or replace?
According to Alexander Packalén, the goal is always to find the best solution tailored to each customer’s needs. “We provide calculations for our customers to assess whether upgrading their existing equipment or investing in a new machine would be more cost-effective in their specific case. This analysis is especially crucial for companies continuously striving for better profitability.
Sometimes, an upgrade isn’t enough. Companies positioning themselves as industry pioneers and preparing for future changes in their business environment often choose to acquire an entirely new machine. “The geotechnical investigation industry is subject to increasingly stringent regulations, particularly regarding emissions standards. If a company aims to operate in densely built urban areas or participate in public tenders, acquiring a new machine is often the smartest choice. Even if an old machine has been upgraded with smart technology, a new boom, or other modern features, it won’t be competitive if its diesel engine exceeds emission limits.”
The geotechnical investigation sector is constantly evolving. “We closely monitor industry developments and regulatory changes. While no one can predict the future with certainty, we can at least provide well-informed insights based on our expertise.”
Start the conversation when the need arises
When it’s time to update or renew equipment, Alexander Packalén encourages reaching out to Geomachine without hesitation. “Our Sales Manager, Alex Lindholm, is the right person to contact by phone or email. He initiates the discussions and assembles the Geomachine team to drive the procurement process forward. Depending on the case, machine production times range from a few months to a year. That’s why it’s best to start the conversation as soon as a new purchase is on the horizon—ensuring that the machine is ready for use exactly when needed.”
Regardless of the level of preparedness or prior knowledge about equipment procurement, Geomachine is always a valuable partner. “We have been in the geotechnical investigation field for several decades and have learned to listen closely to our customers’ needs. We guide the procurement process in close collaboration with our clients, from the initial needs assessment to the moment the machine rolls off our production line. Customer satisfaction is always our priority, and we are known for this in the industry. That’s why we are the right partner for professionals who want to work with the best tools on the market and continuously improve their business success.”
Interested? Contact Geomachine!
