Smart machines, smarter sites: The role of connectivity and telematics in Asia job sites

Job sites across Asia are evolving fast. The global construction equipment telematics market was valued at over USD 1.29 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 14.5% through 2035, driven largely by investments in urban infrastructure and fleet digitisation. In Southeast Asia alone, the telematics market is growing at around 11.5% annually, signalling increasing demand in countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. As infrastructure demand and sustainability goals gain momentum, contractors face mounting pressure to deliver faster, safer, and more cost-efficient projects.

Contractors are under pressure to manage costs, reduce downtime, and overcome labour constraints, so every decision counts. Digital technology is emerging as a game-changer, with real-time data helping contractors track machine performance, cut idle time, schedule predictive maintenance, and optimise operations.

Volvo CE is helping customers across Asia take control of their operations with intelligent machine solutions. From in-cab operator tools to fleet-wide telematics, Volvo CE’s connected systems deliver real-time insights that help contractors improve productivity, optimise fuel use, and reduce unplanned downtime, enabling them to keep projects moving and stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

The rise of connected construction in Asia

Digital adoption is gaining momentum across the construction industry in Asia. Countries are driving investment in smart infrastructure and encouraging modern construction practices. As digital job sites become more common, connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Contractors are increasingly looking to data to solve everyday challenges such as tracking machine performance, reducing idle time, identifying training needs, and scheduling maintenance before issues arise. Connectivity delivers these answers, and Volvo CE is making it easier than ever for customers to act on them.

Volvo CE’s connected solutions

Volvo CE’s suite of smart technologies is designed to give operators and fleet managers full visibility into their equipment and operations. At the core is CareTrack, Volvo’s telematics system that provides detailed information on machine location, fuel consumption, utilisation, idle time, and service status. These insights help customers reduce operating costs, increase uptime, and make better fleet decisions.

In the cab, Volvo Co-Pilot supports operators with real-time data through a touchscreen display. Applications like Load Assist, Dig Assist, and Haul Assist guide operators with precision, helping them load the right amount, dig to exact specifications, and manage haul cycles more efficiently.

Volvo also offers powerful fleet management tools such as Connected Map and Efficient Load Out. These solutions help customers optimise fleet movements, enhance site logistics, and coordinate operations across multiple machines and job sites with ease.

In addition, ActiveCare, combines 24/7 machine monitoring and fleet utilisation reporting with insightful analysis, all handled by a dedicated Volvo Uptime Centre. This proactive service helps identify potential issues before they become problems, enabling smarter maintenance planning and reducing unplanned downtime.

Together, these systems empower operators to work more accurately and safely, while helping project managers monitor progress, improve coordination, and achieve stronger overall performance.

Preparing for the future

Volvo CE’s focus on connectivity is about more than just machines; it’s about supporting customers on their journey toward a smarter future. With operator training, digital onboarding, and ongoing dealer support, Volvo CE ensures customers get the most from their connected equipment from day one.

Volvo CE’s connectivity services, together with Volvo Fluid Analysis and Volvo Service Contracts, provide optimum customer support and machine uptime. This integrated approach ensures that customers have both the insights, and the service infrastructure needed to keep their operations running smoothly.

Gerard Lim, Head of Uptime and Parts, Region Asia, Volvo CE, commented:

“Connectivity is a powerful enabler for our customers in Asia. By giving them access to actionable insights, on everything from fuel consumption to operator performance, we’re helping them improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and make smarter decisions across the entire job site. Through these connectivity services, we’re delivering optimum support for machine health and uptime, helping customers stay productive and competitive.”

As construction in Asia becomes more complex and competitive, visibility and control are key. Volvo CE’s connected solutions help customers unlock the full potential of their machines, so they can boost productivity, reduce emissions, and build a stronger business.

When you have the right data, the right tools, and the right partner, every job site becomes a smart job site.