#USA #construction #Towson #DEWALT #Tool Connect

DEWALT® Launches Tool Connect™ Partner Network

DEWALT®, a renowned brand under Stanley Black & Decker, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative called the Tool Connect™ Partner Network. This innovative network aims to revolutionize jobsite asset tracking within the construction industry, addressing a pressing challenge that professionals frequently face: the management and visibility of tools across various locations, including trucks, job sites, warehouses, and heavy machinery.

Construction tools and equipment are notoriously hard to keep track of, and often, when these tools move out of a certain range, visibility is lost, leading to potential losses that can accumulate significantly. According to estimates, the construction industry suffers from tool and equipment theft that could cost up to $1 billion a year. DEWALT is addressing this issue by expanding its Tool Connect capabilities.

The Tool Connect™ Partner Network offers a robust solution that allows DEWALT users to locate their tools across a broader range of job sites. By incorporating leading technology providers, DEWALT is creating an interconnected ecosystem that enhances asset tracking efficiency. Inaugural partners, including Geotab, Trackunit, and BoxLock, will play a crucial role in expanding the network's reach without requiring new hardware for users already utilizing Tool Connect.

The Impact of Tool Connect™ Partner Network

In a recent study conducted by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), it was revealed that construction site theft remains a significant concern in the U.S., with losses estimated to be between $300 million and $1 billion annually. Alarmingly, the recovery rate for stolen equipment is abysmally low—often falling below 25% and in some extreme cases, below 7%. With such staggering figures, it’s clear that robust tracking solutions are necessary. Beyond theft, U.S. construction sites also lose tools worth approximately $100 million each year.

The Tool Connect™ Partner Network aims to build on DEWALT's existing suite of connected solutions. This includes mobile devices that utilize the DEWALT Tool Connect app, along with the DEWALT Construction Asset Gateway (DCE082). This gateway, designed to attach to job boxes and tool rooms, uses Bluetooth technology to identify and track DEWALT Tool Connect tools and tagged equipment in proximity.

By integrating these tools with partner platforms, DEWALT will effectively expand the detection capabilities of its system. For instance, Geotab will leverage its sophisticated tracking and telematics tools to identify DEWALT equipment moving within their clients' fleets. Similarly, Trackunit, recognized as a leader in telematics for off-road machinery, will enable detection capabilities on heavy equipment around the job site, further enhancing visibility.

BoxLock is another pivotal partner that will introduce intelligent access control solutions, enabling storage units equipped with BoxLock technology to log DEWALT tools' location when accessed. This collaborative approach ensures customers have a comprehensive view of their tools’ locations with minimal extra effort.

Eric Loeliger, DEWALT’s Director of Product Management, emphasized that the lack of a cohesive tracking network has been a significant barrier for customers trying to implement large-scale tool tracking. The Tool Connect™ Partner Network turns existing infrastructure—like vehicles and heavy equipment—into a tracking network for DEWALT tools, simplifying the asset management process.

Looking Ahead

As the construction industry faces ongoing challenges related to asset management and equipment loss, the introduction of the Tool Connect™ Partner Network is set to deliver significant advantages. Expect more technology providers to join the network over the coming year, broadening the range and capabilities of this innovative tracking system.

For current Tool Connect users, partner integrations are already available through the Tool Connect™ website. Organizations unacquainted with Tool Connect are encouraged to create an account at Tool Connect or reach out to their DEWALT representative for assistance.

In conclusion, DEWALT has established itself not only as a leader in the production of construction tools but also as a frontrunner in the advancement of technology for asset and equipment management. The Tool Connect™ Partner Network exemplifies the brand’s commitment to enhancing jobsite productivity and safety by providing a comprehensive solution to construction professionals worldwide.