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Ford Tool Link by Dewalt - ThingMagic.com http://www.thingmagic.com/applications-overview/toollink-by... 8/1/2008 9:27 AM
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Ford Tool Link by Dewalt
ThingMagic's Advanced Development Group worked closely with Ford Motor Company and DeWalt to develop an innovative
RFID-based solution to track tools on vehicles.
Ford work Solutions(TM) Tool Link (TM) from DeWalt (TM) uses UHF RFID technology to tell you what's in your truck and
what isn't.
How it works: Simply attach the included RFID tags to any tools or equipment you want to track. Place the tools in the truck or
van and use the Tool Link system to scan them. The system identifies each tag, and you can type in the name of the item.
Once the inventory is complete, the system can track the items you tagged whenever they are in the truck, and alert you if
they are missing. With a simple touch on the Tool Link screen, your truck will make sure you have the tools you need before
you leave for the job.
What it means for you: Check Tool Link before you leave for a job to make sure you have the tools you need. Check it again
at the end of the workday to see that all the gear you used at the job site is back on board. You can add new items to an
existing inventory, and even create job-specific inventories. Off the job, use Tool Link to track the stuff you use for camping,
hunting or for your favorite hobby. Whether it's tracking a compressor or a tackle box, Tool Link is one seriously useful piece
of technology.
How ThingMagic's ADG made it happen: The primary challenges in designing the system were to understand the
performance of RFID tags on tools and develop innovative methods to increase read rates, creating a custom M5e-based
module capable of being powered by a vehicle battery, and ruggedized to survive and perform in the everyday environments
where Ford vehicles serve their customers.
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