From the Flathead Valley to Bozeman, roadbuilders are gearing up for the construction season with a clear goal: deliver smoother, safer, longer‑lasting roads in partnership with Department of Transportation (DOT) officials.
When talking with roadbuilders about this season compared to the past, margins are tighter, fuel prices are rising and finding the right operators may be more challenging than ever. And yet, Montana's miles of roads still need to be built, rebuilt and maintained — often under more scrutiny.
That reality is why many roadbuilders are turning to machine monitoring, sensors and data sets within the John Deere Operations Center. Conversations increasingly focus on using technology not as a luxury, but as a practical tool to improve efficiency.
"Contractors are being asked to do more — more miles, infrastructure work and documentation — with fewer people and tighter resources," said Craig Lamarque, Wirtgen Group's vice president of digital products. "Our focus is helping them meet those demands through digital solutions that improve planning, execution and documentation.
Document Without Paper
DOT officials now regularly require detailed proof of work, from quantities placed to how the job was executed. For crews already stretched thin, keeping up with documentation can quickly become a burden.
"Digital tools automate much of what used to be manual," Lamarque said. "Instead of sorting through spreadsheets or paper logs, contractors can generate complete reports that show quantities, production rates and material consumption. Those records streamline invoicing and protect contractors if compliance or quantities are ever questioned."
John Deere's Operations Center acts as a centralized hub for planning, monitoring and machine data, helping contractors avoid blind spots.
"Paving crews we work with say machine data can influence decisions day‑to‑day over the course of a project," said Cody Wagner, paving technology product manager of RDO Equipment Co. "Having access to density results, production trends or material behavior helps crews spot potential quality issues early while there's still time to adjust."
Do More With Paving Equipment
Modern equipment already includes baseline telematics, such as location tracking and fuel consumption. Some manufacturers are going further by integrating advanced data capabilities directly into their machines.
"But the easiest tool that contractors can adopt — and see immediate value from — is intelligent compaction (IC)," Wagner said.
IC uses GPS and integrated sensors across the paving train to deliver real‑time feedback on material stiffness as compaction occurs. By tracking temperature variation, stiffness, drum behavior and pass counts, contractors gain a clearer picture of job quality and consistency.
"There are a few things that have become standard, but they're still incredibly important," Lamarque said. "Precise depth control and automated features like eco modes help operators mill efficiently, consistently and with less waste."
Plan Ahead With Digital Models
Better planning also can reduce rework and overruns. Through digital modeling for milling and paving, contractors can visualize the project before equipment ever hits the road.
"Contractors and road authorities can see the entire milling process ahead of time, which significantly reduces the chance of rework," Lamarque said.
That foresight is especially valuable in Montana, where projects are spread across long distances and crews often run lean. When a digital model reaches the machine, the operator validates the starting position and GNSS guidance handles the rest.
Technology Enhances Operators' Abilities
Importantly, these tools aren't designed to replace experience in the cab.
"Technology shouldn't be intimidating," Lamarque said. "It should make operators' jobs easier. When crews buy in, efficiency improves across the board."
When every hour, gallon and operator matters, small efficiencies add up. Connected machines and usable data help crews work smarter, protect their work and finish projects on time and on budget — with RDO there to help guide the process every step of the way.
For more information, visit RDOequipment.com.
