In the fast-paced world of construction, contractors are often focused on immediate challenges—solving one problem and moving quickly to the next. With tight schedules and high-pressure environments, you probably don’t give your machine control technology provider much thought. But what if staying with the same provider means sacrificing quality service, support, or training?
Here are three key reasons you might be staying loyal to your machine control provider, and when it might be time to rethink that relationship.
1. Convenience: The Comfort Zone that Can Cost You
“Convenience is the number one reason contractors stay loyal,” says Ryan Sweeney, operations director for ABTECH US, a leading technology dealer for Leica Geosystems in the Northeastern United States. When time is tight and decisions must be made quickly, a one-stop solution often feels like the easiest path.
How much time and money have been lost waiting for service in the past month or year? These are critical questions to ask when assessing whether convenience is truly worth the trade-off.
Many equipment providers bundle machine control systems into the purchase or lease of heavy machinery. This integrated approach gives contractors a single vendor to deal with, simplifying the purchasing process. However, beneath the surface, this convenience can come with hidden costs. “In our market, we’ve seen that vendors are not coming through for customers,” says Tyler Sweeney, director of sales for ABTECH US. “Terrible support has become the norm.”
The biggest pain point? Downtime. Contractors often experience delays in getting their equipment repaired or serviced. “It may be hours before they get a call back, and a week or two before someone can actually come and fix the machine,” says Ryan.
To challenge this norm, ABTECH encourages contractors to evaluate their downtime. How much time and money have been lost waiting for service in the past month or year? These are critical questions to ask when assessing whether convenience is truly worth the trade-off.
2. Fear of Change: Embracing the Unknown
Change can be daunting, especially in an industry where efficiency and reliability are paramount. “Nobody wants change,” says Tyler. “Everybody’s afraid of it.” Concerns often center around learning new software, operator resistance, or potential disruptions to ongoing projects.
ABTECH addresses these fears with a hands-on approach. “The best way to put fears to rest is to test out Leica machine control for yourself,” says Ryan. “After 20 minutes of using the system, you’re going to be an expert.”
One contractor switched to Leica and ABTECH after losing millions of dollars on a job due to sub-par machine control performance. Initially hesitant about 3D milling, the contractor faced a tight deadline and needed immediate support.
ABTECH stepped in, providing hands-on assistance throughout the project. The results were remarkable: 97 out of 100 shots came within a quarter-inch tolerance, far exceeding the half-inch requirement. “Everyone was floored with how smooth the whole process was,” Tyler recalls.
By offering demos and step-by-step implementation, ABTECH ensures contractors can test the waters before fully committing. “You can start small, with just a few machines,” says Ryan. This gradual approach minimizes risk while allowing contractors to experience the benefits of Leica’s intuitive technology and ABTECH’s exceptional support.
3. Cost: An Investment in Long-Term Value
Switching machine control brands comes with upfront costs, but ABTECH aims to minimize these barriers. “Our goal is to get you up and running as quickly as possible,” explains Tyler.
“Leica machine control can live with you forever. If you sell your iron, we can take that system and put it on another machine in your fleet for just the cost of the installation.”
One of ABTECH’s standout offerings is comprehensive training—provided at no additional cost. Unlike some technology dealers who charge for training sessions, ABTECH includes both private and ongoing training with every purchase. “We hold your hand in the beginning and really make sure that you’re as efficient as we are,” Tyler adds.
RELATED: The Construction Technology Decision that Skyrocketed Sweeney’s Success
Additionally, Leica’s machine control systems are designed for long-term flexibility. Because the hardware is detachable and compatible with all major brands, contractors can move the system between machines in their fleet. “Leica machine control can live with you forever,” Ryan says. “If you sell your iron, we can take that system and put it on another machine in your fleet for just the cost of the installation.”
This adaptability ensures that you can maximize your investment, even as your equipment needs evolve.
Time to Rethink Your Provider?
While convenience and familiarity are compelling reasons to stay loyal to a machine control provider, they shouldn’t come at the expense of service, training, or long-term value. By starting small and exploring options like Leica’s flexible systems and ABTECH’s unparalleled support, you can make informed decisions that benefit your business.
And you can still take the easy path. “We’re willing to work with all the iron dealers to potentially roll the machine control purchase into your machine purchase,” says Ryan. “We do everything we can to make the purchase as painless as possible.”
To speak with a heavy construction expert who can guide you on your technology journey, contact us.
