Although CAN data is often associated with vehicles, the technology is also used in many types of machinery and equipment. Valuable data can be collected from these machines as well. Recently, on behalf of GPS-Buddy, a specialist in fleet management and asset tracking, CAN measurements were carried out on a mobile lighting tower, a milling machine and a lawn mower. Thanks to the Beijer CAN Library, important signals such as fuel consumption and operating hours can be monitored in real time, providing valuable insights into CO₂ emissions.
Almost every modern machine is equipped with a CAN bus: an internal communication network through which different systems continuously exchange data. Previously, this data was only accessible to the dealer or manufacturer.
By making these signals accessible in real time, valuable insights can be gained into machine performance and usage. This enables organisations to plan maintenance more effectively, optimise fuel consumption and operate more sustainably.
The demand for CAN data in fleet management is growing, even beyond the traditional automotive sector. Beijer Automotive is therefore increasingly encountering CAN networks in applications such as:
CAN measurements were carried out on machines belonging to several GPS-Buddy customers to accurately assess CO₂ emissions. A wide range of machines was examined, including a mobile lighting tower, rotary mowers and a milling machine.
These examples demonstrate just how widely CAN data can be applied. Although a lighting tower or lawn mower may be considereda relatively simple machine, real-time data such as fuel consumption, fuel level and operating hours can also be retrieved from these machines.
The machines and equipment measured included:
Key signals measured:
The Beijer CAN Library is a software solution that enables aftermarket hardware to access real-time vehicle and machine data. Depending on the vehicle, machine or equipment, an extensive range of signals can be made available (hence the name ‘Library’). This provides valuable insights into performance, consumption and maintenance.
This software is also integrated into GPS-Buddy’s XT-4, allowing the company to offer real-time tracking and insights into vehicle and machine performance, consumption and driving behaviour through its Flowter platform. It also helps businesses make their operations more sustainable by optimising factors such as fuel consumption and maintenance.
The collected data also makes it possible to accurately assess CO₂ emissions per machine or project. This supports organisations with sustainability reporting and tender processes, where CO₂ performance is playing an increasingly important role.
We would be happy to explore the possibilities of CAN data for your machinery and equipment.
