Evolving Technology
Hilti's ON!Track solution has been enabling customers to digitally track tools and manage assets for nearly a decade, but the launch of the all-in-one Nuron cordless battery platform takes this a step further by providing deeper insights through smart batteries and cloud connectivity. Nuron battery chargers have a SIM card built into the adapter, giving users remote access to real-time information about the usage of their battery-powered tools. This increased transparency allows construction industry professionals to make better business decisions based on which tools are being used and where.
Plus, all Nuron tools run on Hilti's 22V platform, allowing workers to perform light, medium or heavy-duty tasks with the same interchangeable batteries. As a result, job sites can consolidate tool cribs and save time previously spent searching for tool-specific batteries. And with longer run times and added safety innovations like Dust Removal System (DRS), Active Torque Control (ATC), Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) and tethering options, Nuron is equipping workers with the equipment they need to work more efficiently, safely and comfortably.
“Our vehicle and heavy equipment gateway solution is an extension of our efforts to help digitize the construction industry,” Weddle says. “Instead of relying solely on batteries and chargers to get tool usage and location information, customers can get that same data through Bluetooth asset tags.”
In fact, ON!Track can monitor tools and devices from any manufacturer, as long as they are equipped with asset tags. With this software, you can:
Manage supplies, receive alerts for low stock, review safety and compliance requirements, schedule maintenance and repairs, access equipment documentation, and know which parts need replacing
Another key innovation in telematics is the ability to mitigate tool theft: Customers are alerted if items are moved outside of business hours or from their designated location.
The future is now
Historically, tracking equipment and inventory has been an inaccurate and time-consuming task. To address this, organizations have historically overpurchased equipment to ensure every job site has the equipment they need. However, with cloud-based software like ON!Track, overbuying tool cribs and limited inventory visibility are a thing of the past.
ON!Track is designed to give customers transparency into what assets they own and where their inventory is at all times, with all data easily accessible from a user-friendly interface. This reduces unnecessary over-purchasing of assets believed to be lost or stolen, and streamlines tool crib management. “Both the desktop version and the phone app are designed to be as intuitive as possible,” says Weddle. “There are simple prompts on how to add and edit assets and materials, and how to transfer them from the warehouse to a field or individual, and vice versa.”
Remote inventory checks are also possible. Weddle points out that previously, users had to manually track assets. With the VIM and HEM Gateway, Bluetooth tags within a 100-foot radius of a connected vehicle are identified and automatically assigned to the nearest tool crib without any manual intervention. “This saves our customers valuable time in their daily workflow while also reducing the chance of human error,” he adds.
This is the wave of the future. By eliminating the need to manually monitor equipment inventory and usage, workers are much more efficient and equipment is protected from theft, maintenance issues and loss. Click here to see how connected tool services can benefit your organization.
