Worksite Performance Solutions Case Study
Self-Serve Onsite Yard Streamlines Equipment Access and Cuts Costs
Challenge
A full-service mechanical and HVAC contractor working on a large data center construction project was tired of scheduling equipment deliveries and waiting for the equipment to arrive. They sought faster access to equipment as project needs arose and hoped to reduce delivery costs and spend less time receiving deliveries and tracking rentals and returns.
Solution
United Rentals provided an innovative solution: A self-serve onsite laydown yard powered by an easy-to-use digital platform that lets workers rent equipment the moment they need it. Codes sent automatically to a worker’s mobile device enable ignition keypad access. The solution continues to delight the customer.
“This makes life way easier. If one of our guys requests a lift, we have it in the building within 15 minutes.”
– Material foreman
A well-established East Coast contractor known for its turnkey mechanical solutions worked hard to maintain its reputation for quality, reliability, safety and sound environmental practices. But on a large data center construction project, the traditional equipment rental process was reducing productivity. In addition, frequent deliveries were driving up freight costs and tying up workers.
To minimize downtime, control costs and maintain its reputation for excellence, the firm sought a more streamlined approach to procuring and managing rental equipment.
Automated onsite equipment yard: An effective end-to-end solution
United Rentals proposed a seamless, end-to-end solution: A self-service onsite equipment yard managed through an intuitive digital platform called Onsite OnDemand.
After working with the contractor to determine operational needs, United Rentals created the yard on top of a concrete pad, installing security fencing and supplying an office trailer and generator. Then it stocked the yard with a fleet tailored to the project needs, including more than 40 scissor lifts of different types. A secure equipment return area was established for easy returns of rented equipment.
To secure materials and keep unauthorized personnel from accessing the yard, a digital padlock was added to an access gate. A QR code sent to authorized users and stored in their digital wallet opened the lock.
Fast, self-serve equipment ordering
Through the Onsite OnDemand platform, a manager can quickly and easily put a piece of equipment on rent from a desktop, laptop or mobile device. When someone rents a unit, a PIN for the ignition keypad is sent automatically to their mobile device.
The security and self-service nature of the yard means there is no need for the contractor to appoint someone to manage it.
The platform captures rental details including who ordered the equipment, the rental start date and duration, the jobsite, the purchase order and allocation codes.
Benefits quickly realized
The contractor initially had concerns about the learning curve for workers needing to request equipment. Those concerned vanished after the first order placement.
“This makes life way easier,” said the material foreman for the project. “If one of our guys requests a lift, we have it in the building within 15 minutes.”
Very quickly, the benefits of the solution became clear.
- Speed of ordering. A worker can put equipment on rent in as little as two minutes, with zero phone calls or availability checks.
- Immediate equipment availability. The equipment is already on hand when it’s needed. A quick walk to the equipment yard replaces a 24-48 hour wait for equipment delivery.
- Significant cost savings. By streamlining equipment deliveries, the contractor saves approximately $300 per rental. Minimizing deliveries also reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduced theft and damage. The access-controlled yard mitigates the risk of theft and reduces equipment damage by keeping equipment secure and protected when not in use.
Custom solutions that change how work is done
For busy contractors, every day and every dollar matters. That’s why United Rentals is committed to providing its customers tailored, innovative solutions that save time, reduce cost and improve operational efficiency.
Exceptional coordination and collaboration across the local United Rentals team enabled smooth, fast deployment and implementation of the Onsite OnDemand solution. No United Rentals competitor currently offers an equivalent end-to-end onsite equipment rental and automated access system.
The solution proved to be a game-changer for the mechanical contractor, delivering easy schedule and budget wins and delighting the team with its surprising ease of use.