CPA Bulletin

14 CPA Bulletin > February 2024 www.cpa.uk.net This year’s Conference was the eighth organised by CPA and was the best attended yet with more than 200 delegates plus 20 exhibitors and event sponsors, which shows the appetite for information and the industry’s collaborative spirit. In closing remarks to the Conference, CPA President Brian Jones pointed out that the hire industry has a history of proving resilient during challenging times, as shown in the 1970s, 1990s and following the 2008 credit crisis, and it would prove so again. Indeed, when event convenor Merryn Myatt had asked for a show of hands earlier in the day, a significant majority of delegates showed they were optimistic about future prospects, not pessimistic. A very good sign, then, and one suggesting that the CPA and the wider industry will meet these future challenges with confidence. Rising to the Challenge There was a record number of exhibitors at the CPA Conference with products and services designed to give plant-hirers a competitive edge. Point of Rental Software , the Conference’s Headline Sponsor, promoted its Syrinx, Elite and Essentials hire management software solutions. These products help users make better informed decisions in the light of current and future challenges in areas such as utilisation and rental rates. Available on both iOS and Android platforms, Point of Rental’s Syrinx 365 app now combines the functionality of the legacy Operator and Workshop applications within POR One for easier remote working within the functionality found in a single location. Another feature under development will enable verified POR users to see where engineers are located in real time for the optimum response. BigChange promoted its mobile working job management system that allows multiple aspects of a hire operation to be stored in one place. Tasks can be scheduled, tracked and marked as complete, with integrated SatNav capability, and invoices and payments can be monitored together with an overview of job performance in a paperless environment. Capja’s paperless systems enable plant-hire firms to manage data efficiently. The company has won two Innovate UK awards, one for CapjaDocs that allows documents to be retrieved by scanning a QR code, and the most recent one is to develop the software to integrate with artificial intelligence to offer on-screen fillable forms. CESAR Scheme from Datatag ID promoted its CESAR ECV emissions compliance verification system, an advanced emissions identification solution to create green construction sites. Tamper-evident colour coded labels give access to detailed machine information, allowing site managers to see the emissions standards equipment meets. Venom forensic DNA fuel theft deterrent was also displayed. CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) gave details of the services it offers through grants, funding and training for every kind of plant and application. The organisation is currently piloting eight new training strands and is inviting industry feedback. CITB helps promote construction as a positive career choice to attract new talent. CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme)/NOCN demonstrated its new Health, Safety and Environment e-learning module, an interactive and neurodiverse suite that enables learners to participate remotely on-line, at a time and place that suits them. Users are verified via facial recognition and the educational resources can be viewed multiple times to ensure full understanding. EMS (Equipment &Machinery Supplies) offers a range of construction products including Optimas paving and kerb handling machines such as vacuum lifts, stone clamps, screeds, laser levelling attachments and small paving tools like stone splitters and paving aids. Also available is the TMU40 remote controlled tracked tool carrier from C4 Mecanica. CPA CONFERENCE: 5