Transforming safety and efficiency – A real-time telematics platform for the construction industry

Managing machine hours, tracking fuel usage, and monitoring load capacities no longer rely on manual processes or on-site checks. PVS Data (Plant and Vehicle Services Ltd) has transformed fleet management for plant and construction companies worldwide, encompassing brands from all OEMs. With the installation of the new D2 unit, businesses can access over 300 real-time data parameters, including live engine reports, precise machine locations through the w3w (What 3 Words) app integration, and safety metrics, including height, slew, and RCI (Rated Capacity Indicator) data from Xwatch Safety Solutions.

Xwatch Safety Solutions, part of the Hexagon Group, is redefining on-site and in-cab safety standards. Operators can now set precise height, slew, and RCI limitations directly from their excavator’s cab, providing a new level of control and assurance. Safety has always been a cornerstone of the construction industry, and Xwatch builds on this legacy with advanced in-app telematics across its product range. This innovation enables live, global visibility of key safety data, ensuring the highest levels of protection for operators, machines, and ground personnel.

Dan Leaney, Xwatch Safety Solutions, Sales and Operations Director, commented on the new technology, saying “The telematics system for the D2 units from PVS, branded as XW-Insite by Xwatch, represents our most advanced safety and telematics solution to date. Currently being trialled with a leading plant hire firm, a tier-one contractor, and through PVS’s own trials, this system integrates Xwatch’s precise height, slew, and RCI data with PVS Data’s cloud-based platform. It delivers seamless telematics access across fleets, covering all major equipment brands. Operators can configure and monitor critical safety parameters directly from the cab, while managers gain real-time visibility into machine performance and safety metrics, whether on-site or working remotely. This innovation is designed to prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and enable smarter, data-driven decisions. At Xwatch, we are proud to collaborate with PVS to lead the industry in making construction sites safer and more efficient, and we look forward to seeing comparable data emerge from these trials in the coming months.”

This collaboration between PVS Data and Xwatch Safety Solutions brings powerful functionality to fleet management. PVS Data’s cloud-based computing and live reporting provide seamless access to telematics across an entire fleet, covering all major brands, including JCB, Sany, Hitachi and Takeuchi to name a few. Site managers gain a clear visual overview of their machinery equipped with Xwatch Safety Solutions. They can monitor height and slew settings, view the exact weight on the hook, confirm whether stop and creep controls are active, and analyse overall capacity utilisation—all in real-time.

Combine this safety information with real-time data such as fuel usage, engine performance, fault reporting, idle and productive hours, and carbon dioxide emissions. The result is a construction site that operates more efficiently, ensures greater safety for ground personnel, meets zero-emissions goals, reduces costs and downtime, extends machinery life, and encourages smarter machine operation.

Scott McCabe, owner and director of PVS Data, commented on the partnership: “Heightened safety on site has been at the heart of the industry for decades. Our partnerships with innovators like Xwatch make the platform the logical all-in-one solution for fleet health and safety. We’re excited to see where our current trials take us, advancing the platform to show a greater number of meaningful data parameters, and growing our partnership with the Xwatch team”.

Hitachi Construction Machinery UK has been at the forefront of this partnership by delivering connected technology to their customers when purchasing new machines. Their custom-branded platform, created by PVS Data, is CTFleet Link®, and it’s changed the way their customers all over the country see their fleets of mixed-brand machinery.

Stephen Creaser, Director of Product Support for HCMUK, shared his thoughts on the intuitive platform and its capabilities:

“At Hitachi UK, we’ve always been proud to take the first step to a more connected industry, a safer industry for operators and ground personnel, and a wider network of opportunities by innovative organisations. PVS, the D2 units and their platform showcasing Xwatch’s safety solutions are the logical solution for fleets worldwide, connecting OEMs in a single sign-on solution. Giving users on and off-site the ability to check on machine status and driver controls for designated safety equipment is logical and works. We’ve seen no end of evidence that the more eyes on what’s going on in the operator’s cab, the safer the construction site becomes”.

A safer site has more eyes on the machines and the controls their operators are using. A more efficient site is well-connected, with pools of analysed data readily available to support decisions about an organisation’s economic growth and future investments. Construction sites can unlock significant potential by embracing the expertise, knowledge, and safety improvements offered by Xwatch Safety Solutions and PVS Data.

David Riches

In his role as Technical Director, David enjoys running projects from initial R&D, proof of concept right through to scaling and delivering a final solution, bringing the understanding, technical background and experience to ensure success. David builds like minded technical teams that deliver projects for rapid deployment. With successful businesses running across telecoms, wireless broadband and Research and Development David brings a unique perspective to the team.

Michael Abbot

With over 10 years of experience in data acquisition, processing and analysis, Dr Michael Abbott is leading our data development and running department. Mike is responsible for all the data processing streams for the business, and has completed a 4 year Innovate UK funded Doctorate programme. With a background in automotive technology, he is a key part of what makes the platform work so efficiently.

Kathryn Smith

Kathryn Smith
Kathryn oversees the general project management tasks required within the company, including the HR, financing and business operation functions. With a background in economics, she has over 10 years of experience in project management through top-level investment banks and school business management. As Operations Manager for PVS, she forms a crucial part of the team and heads up our Innovate UK requirements.

Scott McCabe

Scott McCabe
As the Owner and Managing Director of PVS, Scott brings with him over 30 years of experience and knowledge of the construction industry. From an engineering background, Scott recognised that electronics were developing within the sector and moved into the immobilisation and tracking world in 2004. After 6 years of looking after dealers, OEMs and contractors as a Consultant Technical Support Manager, Scott decided to take the plunge and start up on his own – which is how PVS was born. Through the company, Scott has continued to develop his passion for construction machinery, electronics and diagnostics. Scott has worked for major tracking and OEM dealers and contractors, offering support and assistance. Through this, he noticed the gap in the market place for a multi-fleet single login web-based platform. This is how PVS became the company we know it as today.

Rory McCabe

Rory McCabe
From working during the school holidays installing trackers onto plant machinery, Rory has been involved in the family telematics business from his teenage years. Rory’s role at PVS entails, product support, sales and logistics ensuring product is up to standard and delivered on time.

Alan Ridgewell

Alan Ridgewell
Alan has worked alongside Scott in immobilization since 2004. Alan’s areas of expertise include software, hardware and technical support for engineers whilst managing the Engineering Team at PVS. With previous experience at Finning as a Service Controller and Product Support, Alan has also previously worked at Komatsu and Caterpillar.