CPA Bulletin

18 CPA Bulletin > November 2022 www.cpa.uk.net CPA CONFERENCE: 7 This year’s CPA Conference attracted a record number of suppliers exhibiting products and services that can help plant-hirers achieve their ESG ambitions. Point of Rental Software , which was the Conference’s Headline Sponsor, promoted the wide range of services it offers for hirers to handle all aspects of hire transactions. Besides hire management software suites, the company’s app modules for delivery drivers, mobile engineers and workshop technicians allow other areas of operations to be included. Amongst the latest developments to be launched soon is a ‘micro app’ called PoR Pay which integrates with programs such as Opayo (formerly Sage Pay) and Stripe to enable credit card payments to be processed. Capja offers tailored digital services allowing organisations to automate their business and replace paper-based processes in offices and work sites. This avoids duplication, saves time and conveys a professional approach. Services include QR documents, document scanning and OCR, intelligent eForms, mobile apps, customer communications management and digital designs. The CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) provides skills cards for the plant sector of the construction industry and allied activities. Part of the NOCN Group, CPCS says it is the largest plant card scheme and that it enables operatives to obtain and renew the qualifications they need to work safely and competently. The European Rental Association (ERA) promoted ESG tools it has developed for hirers. The Sustainable Supplier Framework sets industry best practice guidelines in sustainability assessments of suppliers, while the Equipment CO2 Calculator estimates the carbon emissions of construction machinery. The CSR KPI Guidance Framework enables hirers to assess their current approach to sustainability. Flannery Plant Hire promoted its new Skills Bootcamp in Plant Operations. Funded by the Department for Education, new industry entrants and those looking to upskill can learn how to operate machines in a competent, safe and environmentally friendly manner, and at the end of the course they are guaranteed a job interview. FuelActive ’s floating fuel pickup pipe draws clean fuel from the top of the level in the tank, avoiding contamination lying at the bottom which could damage Stage V engine injectors. Burning clean fuel increases energy efficiency, extends engine life and FuelActive says the system typically pays for itself in three months. Genquip Groundhog previewed its new i550, a twin-axle 5m long welfare cabin which has four solar panels, a large inverter and two lithium batteries that provide enough energy to run the unit in typical operation. A backup power source only operates if the batteries have 20 per cent of charge, cutting out again at 80 per cent. inspHire ’s software systems enable hirers to manage all aspects of the hire process, from booking and ordering equipment to invoicing and workshop procedures. inspHire Mobile allows personnel to work remotely on or offline, and digital resource management brings paperless environmental benefits. Cloud-based storage also removes the expense of having local servers. JCB displayed the 1TE electric high-tip dumper from the manufacturer’s E-TECH range of zero emission, low noise machines. The 1-tonne unit has a steel skip, an articulated chassis and, instead of individual wheel motors, it incorporates conventional drive axles and a drop box for full-time, all-wheel drive. L Lynch Plant Hire &Haulage highlighted its ESG initiatives. Regarding the Environment it is reducing carbon emissions by adopting digital working and new technologies, while Social goals prioritise leaving a positive legacy for the company’s teams, stakeholders and the wider community. On Governance, Lynch aims to create a fair and transparent workplace. Lifos promoted its new Lifos Fort battery pack which can incorporate a solar panel that is stored inside the unit. Wind turbines and generators can also be connected. To maximise useful life and reduce landfill waste, Lifos can swap the batteries after seven years and give the machine a further five year warranty. The MachineMax equipment management platform offers a digital solution for maximising off-highway plant profitability. It works with From theory to practice - Focus on the exhibitors