Tattletale tools

Innovations in security make tools, toolboxes and equipment speak for themselves

It’s no secret that tools get consumed on jobsites. Some are used until they wear out, while many others mysteriously disappear through five-finger discounts by employees or full-scale attacks on jobsites after hours by organized thieves.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau and Associated General Contractors of America reports that more than $1 billion is lost annually due to theft of construction tools and equipment.

Contractors responding to a recent Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine survey indicated they sometimes forego purchasing favored tool brands because of theft and loss problems. Perhaps that’s why tool manufacturers are introducing new methods to discourage tool theft.

Leveraging RFID technology
Bosch Digital Power Tools recently introduced a tool tracking system that combines the benefits of the Tool Watch tool tracking system or other asset management program with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Result: A faster, more accurate and more resilient way of tracking tools.

“The Bosch Safe & Sound service uses RFID tags. Unlike bar code labels, the RFID tags can’t be damaged, rendered unreadable or simply removed. With an asset tracking and management system, either developed internally or from a third party software provider, tool crib managers can scan the tool without removing it from the plastic box, case or cloth bag,” says John Doherty, product manager, Bosch Digital Power Tools.

Nearly 70 tools are available with RFID tags already installed. “If you want to tag other tool brands, Bosch can provide RFID tags that can be installed by a qualified service representative,” Doherty says. These tags cost about $5 each; Bosch service centers will install RFID tags into existing Bosch tools for free.

While the asset tracking and RFID program can track tools, it can’t necessarily prevent them from walking off the site, although Doherty says companies instituting such systems can cut tool losses significantly and may negotiate better rates with insurance carriers.

The electronic article surveillance (EAS) system that’s also available through Bosch can deter tools from literally walking off of jobsites. The system uses an Acousto-Magnetic security portal that can be installed at jobsite gates. Sensormatic tags, like those found on products purchased at electronics stores, will set off an alarm if they pass through the security portal.

Stop, thief!
While the RFID and tool-tracking solutions can monitor tool possession during work hours, DeWalt has a new line of theft deterrent products for after work hours.

The heart of the Sitelock wireless alarm system is a base unit that monitors signals emitted from a variety of sensors attached to tools and equipment. The base unit can be controlled by up to six keychain remotes and can monitor up to 48 sensors up to 2,000' away.

Available sensors include a container sensor that mounts on toolboxes or storage containers to measure vibration if the box is disturbed; a security cable lock for ladders or portable equipment that triggers if the cable is cut or damaged; an infrared motion sensor that senses human heat sources up to 50' away inside protected areas; and a door/window contact sensor.

Users can subscribe to a security service that will call authorities automatically for around $40 per month, or have the service send a text message to any cell phone for about $30 per month.

Stronger boxes
Knaack Manufacturing Co. marketing experts claim that on average, contractors store $3,000 worth of tools, equipment, supplies or recreational equipment in truck boxes.

That’s why the new Weather Guard truck boxes are designed to withstand break-in attempts, and have a grommet installed in the bottom that allows 12-volt wiring to enter the box to install a sensor for the truck’s alarm system or to add a 12-volt receptacle that can power cordless tool chargers.

Eye in the sky
If you have a fleet of drivers on the road, DPL America has developed its SkyHawk Vehicle Tracking System that can monitor vehicle operation and location. It can track vehicle location and help increase driver productivity, which in turn reduces fleet costs.

The Titan equipment monitoring system is the heart of the unit, and can also be used to track off-road assets. The Internet-based system automatically tracks vehicle location, infinite route history archive, start/stop identifications, speed alarms, idle vs. drive time identifications and proactive maintenance notifications. It can automatically disable equipment so it can’t be started overnight, features silent alarms and can use GPS technology to track the unit if it is moved.

The SkyHawk system uses a wireless transmitter that’s mounted inconspicuously on the vehicle or equipment.

This article was published in the March 2005 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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