The inaugural Digital Innovation Award attracted a wide variety of entries, from simulation-based training to plant-hire solutions, but the judges felt that two innovations deserved awards for tackling genuine on-site issues. The Gold Award was presented to BOMAG GB for its BOMAP App, which simplifies measurement, documentation and control for soil and asphalt compaction. The App is designed to work on standard smartphones and tablets. Machine operators can simply plug their own device, loaded with the App, into the cab rather than having to use special hardware. The judges felt this “bring-your-own-device” approach should make operators feel comfortable using dynamic compaction control systems, making adoption of the technology much easier. 

With the BOMAP approach, customers can choose how far down the automation route they want to go, from simple roller pass-counting to completely integrated solution that track and document multiple construction jobs, machines and operators. The judges praised BOMAG’s open approach in developing a solution that works on compaction equipment made by any manufacturer. Silver went to water treatment specialist Siltbuster, for its online, real-time water quality monitoring and reporting system Clarity.