John Deere has announced an agreement to acquire Tenna, a US-based construction technology company specialising in mixed-fleet equipment tracking and asset management solutions—a move expected to significantly enhance digital fleet optimisation for mining and heavy industrial operations worldwide, including Zambia.
As mining operations across Zambia increasingly adopt data-driven decision-making to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and manage rising operational costs, the acquisition signals John Deere’s growing focus on smart, connected equipment ecosystems that extend beyond its own machinery.
Enhancing Visibility Across Mixed Mining Fleets
Tenna’s integrated technology platform is designed to automate and optimise equipment operations using near-real-time data across mixed fleets—an important capability for mining companies operating diverse equipment brands across open-pit and underground sites.
At the core of the platform is TennaCore, which can be combined with additional modules to suit specific operational requirements. This enables mining contractors and operators to gain a comprehensive view of asset utilisation, maintenance trends, and equipment health across multiple sites.
According to Tenna, the platform provides users with a full-picture view of fleet operations, improving planning, jobsite coordination, and maintenance scheduling—key priorities for mining operations seeking to maximise equipment availability and reduce unplanned stoppages.
Relevance for Zambia’s Mining Sector
Zambia’s mining industry, anchored by large-scale copper operations and supported by growing exploration activity, continues to rely heavily on mobile equipment such as haul trucks, excavators, loaders, drills, and support vehicles. Managing these assets efficiently—often across remote locations—remains a major operational challenge.
Solutions like Tenna’s asset tracking, utilisation analytics, and geofencing tools offer mining operators improved control over equipment deployment, fuel usage, and maintenance cycles, while supporting compliance and safety requirements.
By integrating such capabilities into its digital ecosystem, John Deere strengthens its position as a provider of end-to-end fleet intelligence solutions for mining, construction, and infrastructure projects across Africa.
Tenna to Operate Independently
Following the acquisition, Tenna will continue to operate as an independent business, marketed directly to customers under the Tenna brand. Both companies have indicated that they will focus on scaling the platform through Tenna’s customer-focused mixed-fleet model, ensuring compatibility with equipment from multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in February 2026. Tenna is headquartered in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and is currently held by The Conti Group.
Key Capabilities of the Tenna Platform
Asset Management and Tracking
- Monitoring of all asset types, from heavy mining equipment to consumables
- Detailed performance, operational history, financial data, and asset status
- PTO and ECU-based mileage and hour reporting for improved accuracy
Mapping and Site Management
- Master map showing all assets, sites, and geofences
- Live tracking of moving equipment
- Trip history analysis by location and timeframe
- Project and site-based asset visibility
Utilisation and Analytics
- Equipment utilisation analysis by asset or project
- Custom dashboards and detailed reporting
- Instant insights into asset availability and performance trends
Maintenance and Diagnostics
- Preventative maintenance scheduling
- Work order management
- Fault code alerts and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) reporting
- Improved coordination between operations and maintenance teams
Resource and Dispatch Management
- Asset and service requests from the field
- Dispatch coordination between mining sites
- Labour and crew scheduling
Safety, Compliance, and Inspections
- Driver scorecards and performance monitoring
- Asset inspection tracking and missed inspection alerts
- Mobile DVIR inspections
- Electronic logging and fuel tax reporting where applicable
Data Access Control
- Role-based access to assets and data
- Secure visibility across subsidiaries, divisions, and departments
Supporting the Digital Transformation of Mining
As Zambia’s mining industry continues its drive toward operational efficiency, safety, and digital transformation, technologies that improve equipment intelligence and lifecycle management are becoming increasingly essential. John Deere’s acquisition of Tenna positions both companies to play a growing role in supporting modern, connected mining operations across the region.
