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.

Imagine what you could do with this capability.

Tool Link breaks new ground in UHF RFID... it's a consumer application of item-level tagging. A sure sign that the technology is mature, and ready to meet the demands of your vision.

SOURCE: ThingMagic, Inc.