Utility locating has always been a critical yet complex aspect of underground construction. As discussed in the recent article “The Challenges of Locating Utilities in the Modern Age", written by Cory Dellenbach and published in Dig Different on September/October 2024, contractors today face a multitude of challenges—from inaccurate or outdated utility maps to tight project timelines and high expectations for precision. Missteps can lead to costly delays, safety hazards, and even legal repercussions.
Key Challenges in Utility Locating
The article highlights several pain points:
Inaccurate or Incomplete Maps: Utility maps may not reflect actual field conditions, leading to surprises during excavation.
Dense Urban Environments: Multiple utility lines in close proximity complicate accurate locating.
Regulatory Compliance: Keeping track of locate tickets and adhering to legal requirements can be a logistical nightmare.
Communication Gaps: Miscommunication between field crews and office teams can cause unnecessary delays and errors.
For utility contractors, managing these challenges while maintaining efficiency and safety requires advanced tools and clear processes. That’s where Equappment comes in.
How Equappment Tackles These Problems
Equappment is designed to simplify utility locating and streamline project management for underground contractors. Our app’s features directly address the issues mentioned in the article, particularly through Locate Ticket Management and Bore Logging capabilities.
1. Locate Ticket Management
Equappment’s Locate Ticket Management feature keeps your tickets organized and accessible in one centralized platform. Here's how it helps:
Automatic Tracking: Receive alerts for expiring tickets to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary project delays.
Centralized Information: All locate ticket details are stored digitally, eliminating the risk of losing critical paperwork.
Improved Communication: Share locate ticket details directly with field crews, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
With this feature, you’ll avoid the common headaches of misfiled or expired tickets, staying compliant and efficient throughout the project.
2. Bore Logging
One of the most challenging aspects of utility locating is ensuring accurate and real-time documentation of pilot bores. The Bore Logging feature in Equappment allows crews to log their work directly in the app, including:
Path and Depths: Document the bore path and depths at each entry point for easy reference.
Real-Time Updates: Management can track bore progress in real-time, reducing communication gaps.
Issue Documentation: Crews can upload photos of challenges encountered, such as unexpected utility conflicts or adverse soil conditions.
This data isn’t just for immediate use—it’s stored for future reference, making it easier to analyze past projects and improve bidding accuracy.
The Bigger Picture
Equappment isn’t just about solving today’s problems—it’s about preparing for the future. As the article notes, utility locating is becoming increasingly complex, but with the right tools and processes, contractors can stay ahead of the curve. By leveraging Equappment’s features, you can reduce errors, improve communication, and keep projects on schedule and within budget.
Ready to Simplify Utility Locating?
If the challenges outlined in the article resonate with you, it’s time to see how Equappment can make a difference. Schedule a demo today and discover how our Locate Ticket Management and Bore Logging features can transform your workflow and give you the competitive edge.
Learn more at Equappment.com.
This post references insights from the article “The Challenges of Locating Utilities in the Modern Age,” written by Cory Dellenbach and published in Dig Different on September/October, 2024*
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