Turning Fleet Data Into Everyday Operational Improvements

Five years ago, digital technology was largely thought of in the industry as a standalone feature, something that existed alongside machine design, training and so on. Today, it’s become an integrated, experiential extension of JLG’s overall solutions strategy.

What’s changed most is how information is delivered and used. As the industry has moved toward mobile-first tools, JLG has focused on making information easier to access, easier to understand and available at the moment it’s needed, whether that’s during pre-delivery inspection, operator familiarization or troubleshooting in the field. Digital tools now help connect training, machine operation, maintenance and fleet oversight into one continuous ecosystem rather than separate steps.

When evaluating new technology, what problems are you trying to solve first?

In reality, it’s never just one problem. Compliance, mitigating risk, training efficiency, as well as maintenance, remote troubleshooting and so on, are all connected, and effective technology should address all of these — and more.

The guiding question is always: Does this help support easy, safe and more efficient operation without adding complexity?

For many rental companies — especially small and mid-size operations — technology must save time and reduce reliance on specialized labor. New features coming soon, like over-the-air software updates, are a good example: They help support compliance, reduce the likelihood of software-related issues in the field and address the global skilled labor shortage.

Ultimately, the goal is to meet customers with the right information at the right time and make the value of the technology obvious through everyday use.

How do you encourage customers to adopt and use digital technologies?

Adoption starts with transparency and education. Customers are more likely to use technology when they understand exactly what it does, how it helps their operation and how easily it fits into their daily workflow.

JLG focuses on making digital tools intuitive and accessible, while also supporting customers through ongoing education and re-education. Once technology is no longer perceived as a “feature” but becomes part of the regular rental and service experience, it naturally supports more informed decisions.

JLG supports equipment readiness through a combination of connected fleet tools, on-machine safety systems, and digital inspection resources. The JLG^® IoT (Internet of Things) platform, ClearSky Smart Fleet^™, provides fleet-level visibility into machine condition, utilization and diagnostics.

On the equipment itself, features such as platform load sensing, envelope control systems and proximity technologies help reduce risk during operation. In addition, digital inspection and augmented-reality tools support pre-delivery inspections, walkarounds and annual inspections, helping to make sure that machines leave the yard in ready-to-rent condition.

How do telematics or IoT tools help customers identify usage patterns or potential mechanical failures?

The foundation is standardized connectivity. With consistent data coming from connected machines, customers gain visibility into both usage behavior and diagnostic information across their fleet.

JLG ClearSky Smart Fleet, for example, allows customers to view data at the asset, product family or fleet level, helping them identify trends such as recurring fault codes, usage patterns or machines that require repeated service attention. Diagnostic trouble codes provide early indicators of potential mechanical issues, allowing maintenance teams to act proactively.

This proactive awareness supports safe, efficient operation while also improving uptime and maintenance planning.

How can data insights lead customers to redesign maintenance schedules or retire certain pieces of equipment?

Instead of relying on assumptions or fixed schedules, customers can use real-world usage and diagnostic data to make informed decisions. For large fleets, this data supports deeper analysis across multiple teams. For smaller rental houses, it delivers value without requiring dedicated data specialists.

Service technicians can filter machines by product family, active fault codes or service needs, allowing maintenance to be prioritized based on actual condition. Over time, usage patterns and historical machine data also help owners decide when to rotate assets, adjust utilization strategies or retire equipment. Having a documented service and usage history strengthens resale value and supports smarter capital planning.

How can customers use technology to help ensure rented equipment is operated appropriately once it leaves the yard?

Emerging digital access control capabilities allow machine owners to remotely restrict or enable equipment use based on rental terms or operating status, without requiring physical keypads or manual reprogramming. This gives rental companies greater control while simplifying compliance for end users.

How do you turn data into actionable changes rather than just reports?

Data becomes actionable when it’s connected to education and context. Modern machines include numerous sensors and systems, but digital tools help explain what those systems are doing and why they matter.

When customers can see fault events, indicators or operating thresholds — and understand how those relate to machine use — they’re better equipped to adjust training and maintenance practices. Digital platforms help translate raw data into insight, reinforcing educated decision-making rather than simply documenting past activity.

Digital pre-delivery inspections, maintenance tracking and machine-specific information, for example, create visibility into what’s been done, what still needs attention and where risk may exist. That transparency helps teams prioritize safety naturally, not because they’re required to, but because the information helps make it easier to do the right thing. Over time, this can help shift safety from a compliance exercise into a shared operational value.

What’s to come?

As you can see, JLG is already using digital technologies for monitoring, for training, for compliance, for mitigating risks and so on, but we are only skimming the surface of what is possible today. We anticipate an increase, and evolution, of all types of digital tools, in both the near-term and long-term.

Ready to learn more about how ClearSky Smart Fleet can help automate job sites? Download our free whitepaper at JLG.com/en/directaccess/automating-job-sites-with-jlg-clearsky-smart-fleet