SMACNA - Arizona Chapter
Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association
Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association
The ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) is no longer “the next big thing.” In this day and age, it is a common part of the world, making almost everything in our lives, from homes to cars, ‘smart.’ Consumers now have virtual, interactive, and instantaneous experiences daily – shaping their buying behaviors and decisions.
With this digital revolution at hand, new and robust capabilities such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) are giving rise to the digital jobsite. Indeed, an abundance of solutions have risen to help companies plan, budget, and approach their projects more efficiently. Most recently, Milwaukee Tool’s One-Key™ system has provided a way for tradesmen to manage their tools and equipment. The application offers a variety of functionalities to increase company and user productivity – including the ability to manage inventory, track tools in real-time, and even customize compatible products.
Now, Milwaukee Tool has put the tracking potential of One-Key™ in the hands of all users with the introduction of the TICK™ – a professional-grade Bluetooth™ tool and equipment tracker. Designed to withstand the harshest jobsite environments, the TICK™ can be easily attached and hidden from sight on any product, regardless of brand, providing users an invaluable way to track anything in their inventory through the ONE-KEY™ app.
“Tool loss, and the time spent looking for missing tools, contributes significantly to a company’s bottom line. A single lost or damaged tool on a jobsite can increase the time spent completing a task by over 30%. This, multiplied across the length of a large project, can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in wasted labor, and cause significant overruns on project schedule. The goal of ONE-KEY™’ is to simplify the process of managing tools, removing costly or cumbersome methods used today. The ability to quickly identify a tool’s location can save time and money if a tool goes down or is needed on short notice,” said Steve Matson, Senior Product Manager. “By harnessing the same Integrated Tool Tracking technology found within ONE-KEY™* enabled tools, we’re giving users a way to track any tool, simply by attaching the TICK™. For professionals everywhere, their tools and equipment are key to their livelihood – the TICK™ ensures they have eyes on everything to better manage their investment.”
With its low profile design, the TICK™ can securely attach to anything through glue, screw, rivet, or strap. Its flat back enables a snug fit to a variety of surface types and itscircular shape fits into a range of places hidden from view; for instance, the underside of a ladder or miter saw stand. Each TICK™ is also laser engraved with a serial number so users can easily identify and assign multiple TICK™s. Once attached and hidden from view, the TICK™ makes tracking tools and equipment as simple as pulling out your phone.
Products with a TICK™ attached are paired via the ONE-KEY™ app. Tool records and locations are updated when any device with the ONE-KEY™ app comes within 100 feet of the TICK™. These location updates are transmitted through any ONE-KEY™ app that’s in-range, regardless of whether the app is open or not, allowing users to pinpoint missing tools more quickly. In addition, users can easily manage all of their tools through the app’s Simplified Tool and Equipment Management features. These features allow users to assign and store detailed information for all of their tools and equipment – whether it’s a tool equipped with a TICK™, a ONE-KEY™ enabled tool or any other tools and equipment.
Fully embodying the Milwaukee promise of “Nothing but HEAVY DUTY,” the TICK™ is ruggedly protected from the harshest environments – giving professionals peace of mind that they’ll receive updated locations of their tools and equipment, no matter what. Its water and dust-tight closure protect the internal components from weather elements, and UV rated plastics keep the TICK™ from getting brittle when exposed to extended periods of direct sunlight. In addition, its rugged electronics housing can stand up to high vibration and impact, as well as heavy duty tracking applications, like underneath a generator.