Automating Equipment Data with Web Scraping and Analytics

Client Overview

A global asset management firm, managing a wide range of industrial equipment portfolios, was seeking to modernize how it collected, updated, and utilized machinery-related data. The goal was to create a streamlined, reliable, and real-time data management system to support investment decisions and portfolio oversight.

Problem Statement

The client relied heavily on manual research to track information about machinery and equipment from OEM websites, auction platforms, and various public sources. This process was time-consuming, inconsistent, and prone to human error. With data scattered across sources and updated at different intervals, the client faced significant challenges in maintaining accurate and timely visibility into pricing, availability, and equipment lifecycle trends.

Solution Provided

Decimal Point Analytics implemented a comprehensive solution combining automated data capture with advanced analytics:

• Web Scraping Automation:
  Custom crawlers were developed to extract relevant data—including specifications, pricing, and availability—from multiple OEM and auction websites.
• Data Structuring and Standardization:
  The extracted data, often unstructured or semi-structured, was cleaned, normalized, and transformed into a consistent format for seamless analysis.
• Analytics Integration:
  Predictive models and trend analyses were applied to benchmark pricing, detect obsolescence risk, and assess inventory turnover rates across equipment types.
• Real-time Dashboard Interface:
  A dynamic, interactive dashboard was created to deliver actionable insights, enabling portfolio managers to track value, spot anomalies, and plan acquisition or divestment with greater confidence.

Outcome

80% reduction in manual data tracking effort
Real-time data updates from 25+ digital sources
Faster and more accurate investment decisions across machinery assets
Improved visibility into asset condition, pricing trends, and lifecycle status
Enhanced agility in planning equipment purchases, sales, and replacements

Key Takeaway

By combining automated web scraping with advanced analytics, the client transitioned from reactive, manual tracking to a proactive, real-time intelligence framework-empowering smarter, faster, and data-driven decisions in machinery portfolio management.

Struggling with fragmented machinery data and delayed insights?
Talk to our experts to see how automation can drive real-time visibility and better outcomes across your asset base.