Tool Connect Inventory Management System

DEWALT announces updates to Tool Connect , a system originally launched in 2015 that used Bluetooth technology to manage batteries on the jobsite. Now, Tool Connect features a three-part inventory management solution that encompasses the Tool Connect Inventory Manager web portal, the updated Tool Connect mobile app and connected products.

On average, professionals spend about one full workday a week looking for or waiting for tools on the jobsite, according to the company. Professionals estimate that thousands of dollars are lost every year due to poor inventory management. As a result, an inventory management system that can track tools and jobsite assets is critical.

The Tool Connect system from DEWALT works by pairing connected tools, equipment and materials with the Tool Connect app. The same data is also stored online, accessed by logging into the web portal with a DEWALT.com registration, username and password. This allows the user to track the last seen location of paired assets, as well as manage and assign tools and equipment to different jobsites. The system also streamlines tracking, check-in and check-out processes of tools thereby eliminating wasted time spent searching for such tools. This helps to save costs and increase productivity, as well as efficiency.

Connecting tools, equipment, and materials is key to this inventory management system. Connecting can be done in four ways: via new and existing Tool Connect tools, the new Tool Connect Tag, the new 20V MAX Tool Connect Connector, and existing Tool Connect batteries. Existing connected products are the stackable corded/cordless LED area light with Tool Connect and built-in charger (DCL070) and the 20V MAX 2.0 Amp (DCB203BT) and 5.0 Amp (DCB205BT) lithium-ion batteries with integrated Bluetooth capability. New connected tools include the 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Compact Hammerdrill (DCD797), 20V MAX XR Tool Connect compact drill/driver (DCD792), 20V MAX XR Tool Connect impact driver (DCF888), and the 20V MAX XR Tool Connect 3-speed Hammerdrill (DCD997).

In addition, the DEWALT Bluetooth Enabled 100 foot Laser Distance Measure TLM99S (DW099S) is a recent addition to Tool Connect products that allows users to store measurements, mark-up photos and save them on the Tool Connect app. Other functions include calculating area and volume, as well as performing simple addition and subtraction.

The Tool Connect app has customization and diagnostic features. The user can adjust the speed and torque for applications that require consistency and limited variability. The brightness and delay setting of each tool’s LED light is also customizable. Specific to the stackable corded/cordless LED area light with Tool Connect and built-in charger, power, brightness and schedule can be set from a mobile phone and adjusted within 100 feet. Another tool-specific feature that can be customized, found exclusively in the 20V MAX XR Tool Connect Hammerdrill (DCD997), is Bind-Up Control. Specific customization features of the 20V MAX XR Tool Connect impact driver (DCF888) is PrecisionDrive technology which allows the Impact Driver to stall for one second before impacting. This protects the fastener and material surface and provides the user with maximum control during applications that require a high level of craftsmanship. Finally, diagnostics can monitor productivity by counting the number of trigger pulls and duration of tool use. These features plus others provide important information on tool use, temperature, battery charge and more.

For assets that don’t have integrated Bluetooth capability, users can still connect by using the Tool Connect Tag (DCE041) or the 20V MAX Connector (DCE040). The Tag, which features more than three years of integrated battery life, can be attached to large equipment, pallets of material, ladders and more in a variety of ways. Whether glued, screwed or riveted to an asset, the Tag keeps track of any item on the jobsite. Rated IP68, the Tag is dust-proof, water-resistant and can withstand tough jobsite conditions. In addition, the Tag makes the connection process easy with a simple push of a large button, eliminating the need to disassemble the unit to connect. Not only is it easy to hide the small Tag on tools and equipment, it’s also easy to locate one particular Tag. With its integrated blue LEDs that light up when that Tag is selected in the Tool Connect app, finding an individual asset is easy.

For DEWALT tools that aren’t already connected, the 20V MAX Connector permanently attaches directly between the battery and tool. In addition to its permanent connection, the Connector can disable itself when it’s out of range, providing a layer of security and peace-of-mind. At only 4.1 oz., the Connector features a rechargeable internal coin cell battery that charges when a 20V MAX battery is inserted. Similar to the Tag, the Connector also features an easily accessible pair button, as well as blue LEDs that light up to indicate that it is paired or identified. Most of the more than 100 products in the 20V MAX system can now be connected to the Tool Connect system. With the tools, Tag, Connector and batteries, anything on the jobsite can become part of the Tool Connect system.

The benefits of the Tool Connect system are far reaching. One advantage is that the tools can be set to become disabled when they’re out of range, which helps to deter theft. It also solves for common time management issues and helps make jobsite reporting convenient and accurate. This system is designed for jobsite productivity and efficiency and to save owners, toolcrib managers and general contractors money due to lost or misplaced jobsite assets. In addition, the app is a secure, closed system so unauthorized accounts cannot see the whereabouts of assets. New connected tools, Tags, and Connectors will be available starting in summer 2017. Also coming in summer 2017, users will be able to access the Tool Connect Inventory Manager web portal by logging into the website with a DEWALT.com registration, username, and password and by downloading the updated, free Tool Connect app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.