A1A Software demonstrates new features

A1A Software LLC, developer of 3D Lift Plan and iCraneTrax, is showing ConExpo visitors new features of its lift planning, fleet management and telematics software. The company is giving demonstrations of these new features at Booth G2231 in the Gold Lot.

A1A has rolled out a 2D version of its 3D Lift Plan that makes the crane lift planning tool compatible for use on tablets. New features and expanded libraries improve convenience for users and the accuracy of lift plans. “3D Lift Plan is increasingly used by crane rental companies and contractors for more than just technical crane lift planning. It’s also a business tool,” said Tawnia Weiss, president of A1A Software. New SVG mode graphics enable the full website version to be viewed in 2D on a tablet, improving convenience for 3D Lift Plan’s use in the field. The 2D version is ideal for sales people who need to produce proposals or lift directors who are verifying crane setup information with the lift crew on site. After data is input from the 2D interface, it can be retrieved back at the office for building a lift plan in 3D.

Also new is a drag-and-drop feature that makes it easier to place objects from 3D Lift Plan’s 3D object library, Weiss said.

Users no longer have to enter the X and Y coordinates for the placement of the object. Instead they simply grab the desired object, such as a building, and drag-and-drop it into position. While users have always been able to create videos of their simulated lifts, doing so required multiple steps. A new snapshot feature records all the information in the lift plan. Users simply select start and end points of the load placement or boom movement and the snapshot feature captures and merges the information to create an animation.

The extensive crane library is the backbone of 3D Lift Plan, but the application would not be complete without tools for selecting rigging, calculating ground bearing pressure, and selecting crane mats, according to the company. An expanded rigging gear database now includes a greater number of common sling configurations, spreader beams, hook blocks, and shackles. 3D Lift Plan calculates capacities based on configuration, allowing lift planners to confirm appropriate rigging selection.

A1A Software also expanded the maintenance, reporting and dispatching features of its fleet management software, ICranTrax.

Drawing data from equipment telematics systems, iCraneTrax generates automated notifications regarding upcoming maintenance tasks, based on prescribed service intervals and actual equipment usage. Notifications are designated for receipt by specific individuals or departments.

“Automating maintenance alerts based on actual equipment usage is a more efficient way for fleet managers to be proactive with upcoming maintenance items,” said Weiss.

In addition to maintenance alerts, an improved reporting system allows users to customize a variety of other automatically generated email alerts in real-time.

“Some examples include if a machine leaves a geofence or if a driver exceed the speed the limit. Notifications to appropriate personnel provide the opportunity to take corrective action,” said Weiss.

Also new is the ability to track fuel tax owed each jurisdiction in which the motor carrier operates in order to comply with the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). Using telematics data, iCraneTrax processes the number of miles driven in each jurisdiction and automatically generates reports at customer-prescribed intervals.

Finally, dispatchers and human resources departments will appreciate the new time block feature. During an established job schedule, individual pieces of equipment and personnel can be assigned for the duration or for more specific segments of time.