Published in NSSGA’s Stone, Sand & Gravel Review
The aggregates industry has long been one of the most demanding sectors in construction materials – and one of the slowest to modernize. For years, producers have relied on traditional methods of communication, scheduling, and reporting, leading to inefficiencies and data silos that drain productivity.
That’s changing fast. Cloud computing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies are reshaping how aggregate producers operate. Together, they’re bringing real-time visibility, automation, and agility that help teams work smarter, not harder – all while improving safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
Outdated Systems, Familiar Problems
Disconnected systems make it nearly impossible to run an efficient operation. Dispatch, scale houses, accounting, and customer service often work in isolation, forcing teams to juggle phone calls, emails, and paper tickets. The result: duplicated effort, delayed communication, and limited visibility.
Without real-time tracking, managers can’t see where trucks are or whether loads have been delivered, making it hard to adjust to traffic, equipment failures, or last-minute schedule changes. Paper-based records also complicate audits and compliance efforts, adding unnecessary risk.
At the same time, the workforce is evolving. Experienced operators are retiring, and younger, tech-savvy employees expect mobile-friendly tools and digital workflows. Customers, accustomed to on-demand updates from apps like Amazon and Grubhub, now expect the same from their material suppliers. Producers that can’t deliver instant visibility risk losing business to those that can.
Real-Time Data: Turning Insight Into Action
Cloud-connected systems give dispatchers, operators, and managers access to what’s happening as it happens – tracking truck locations, load statuses, and delivery confirmations in real time. That visibility lets teams respond instantly to changing conditions, reducing idle time and keeping projects on schedule.
The combination of cloud technology, IIoT sensors, and Edge computing takes this further. IIoT devices embedded in plants, scales, and fleets feed data directly to the cloud. Edge computing processes that data locally, minimizing latency and enabling quick decisions. These technologies connect the physical and digital worlds, allowing producers to predict maintenance needs, spot bottlenecks, and optimize every load and route.
Integration: The Power of Connection
Data is most valuable when systems work together. Cloud platforms use an API-first approach to integrate dispatch, accounting, logistics, and customer-facing systems into one connected environment. This eliminates duplicate data entry, ensures accuracy, and keeps departments aligned.
When a load is delivered, that information flows automatically to billing and customer portals. Everyone – from drivers to accountants – sees the same data instantly. For customers, this means electronic tickets, digital invoices, and real-time updates. For producers, it means fewer errors, faster payments, and better resource management.
Because these platforms are cloud-based, scaling operations or adding new functionality doesn’t require starting from scratch – making modernization simpler and more cost-effective.
Command Cloud and Command Edge: Built for Performance
At Command Alkon, this connected approach comes to life through Command Cloud and Command Edge – two solutions designed to bring intelligence and flexibility to heavy building materials operations.
Command Cloud serves as the foundation, providing scalable, secure infrastructure that supports advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven insights. It allows producers to analyze data, forecast demand, and make more informed decisions.
Command Edge delivers intelligence at the front lines. It captures and processes data locally, ensuring real-time response and resilience even when connectivity is limited. Edge devices keep plants, trucks, and scales operating efficiently – seamlessly synchronizing with the cloud for full visibility across the business.
Smart Applications, Real Results
These technologies are already transforming everyday operations:
- Scale Ticketing: Remote weighmasters can capture vehicle weights and create tickets, providing options to consolidate operations.
- Driver Convenience: Soon, automated vehicle ID and self-checkout will be available to streamline the scale process.
- Business Continuity: Operating from the cloud simplifies maintenance and disaster recovery.
- Smart Dispatch: Real-time truck tracking and route optimization cut fuel costs and reduce idle time.
Future advancements – such as vehicle-to-plant communication, event-driven workflows, and expanded plant automation – will deliver even greater efficiency.
Security and Compliance by Design
Security is often the first concern when adopting new technologies, and for good reason. In an industry where uptime is critical, data protection can’t be an afterthought.
Modern cloud and IIoT systems are built with security at their core. IIoT devices use cryptographic certificates – not passwords – for authentication, ensuring trusted communication between devices without human error. If a device fails, it can be replaced without creating security gaps or reconfiguring credentials.
In the cloud, centralized management simplifies compliance and access control. Features like Identity and Access Management (IAM), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and Single Sign-On (SSO) ensure that access is both secure and convenient.
Leading cloud providers undergo SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 audits and adhere to NIST cybersecurity frameworks, providing assurance that data protection and system integrity meet the highest standards. This “security by design” approach keeps data safe, systems resilient, and operations running without interruption.
Designed for the Modern Workforce
Usability is as important as functionality. Today’s cloud platforms feature intuitive dashboards and mobile-ready interfaces that minimize training and boost adoption. Operators and drivers can access the tools they need from any device – whether they’re in the field, at the plant, or working remotely.
Mobile capabilities streamline everything from capturing signatures and uploading delivery photos to confirming loads and receiving assignments. Everyone operates from the same, up-to-date information, creating seamless coordination across teams and locations.
Why Now Is the Time
The heavy building materials industry faces complex challenges – from labor shortages to rising customer expectations. Cloud, IIoT, and Edge computing offer a proven way forward.
Companies adopting these tools aren’t just improving efficiency; they’re building long-term resilience. Cloud platforms reduce IT costs, automate updates, and enable scaling without major infrastructure investments. Data-driven insights help anticipate problems, shorten cycle times, and improve margins.
Digital transformation is no longer optional – it’s the key to staying competitive. The sooner producers modernize, the sooner they gain the advantage of speed, accuracy, and agility that defines the next generation of construction materials operations.
The Road Ahead
The future of the aggregates industry is connected, data-driven, and built on the cloud. With Command Cloud and Command Edge, producers gain the tools to eliminate inefficiencies, secure operations, and scale with confidence.
Just as IoT transformed industries like logistics and manufacturing, IIoT and cloud technology are redefining how materials are made, moved, and delivered. For those ready to embrace it, the opportunity is clear: the faster you connect, the faster you lead.
Because in an industry where timing and precision drive success, real-time visibility isn’t just a competitive edge – it’s the foundation of the future.