Dewalt has introduced a new Tool Connect CHIP, model DCE042, which will allow compatible tools to be integrated into their wireless app and hardware-based tracking system.
The Chip acts like a Bluetooth beacon that can be used for tool tracking and management.
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Dewalt says:
The TOOL CONNECT™ System is designed to seamlessly track, assign and manage jobsite inventory to optimize productivity, saving time and budget.
Tool Connect Site Manager software is available for mobile devices, and there is also a web-based interface.
Tool Connect isn’t a new development, but the Chip is. It’s essentially an add-on that can installed to compatible tools.
At this time, Dewalt says that there are plans to introduce more Tool Connect Chip-ready tools, with 15 additional power tool expected to launch within the next year.
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Here is a list of current Tool Connect Chip-ready tools:
- ATOMIC Compact Series™ 20V MAX* Brushless Cordless 1-3/4-In. Bandsaw (DCS377)
- 20V Max Brushless Hammer Drill with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE Technology (DCD999)
- 20V Max Brushless 4-1/2-In.-5-In. Cordless Grinder with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE Technology (DCG416)
- 20V Max Brushless Reciprocating Saw with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE Technology (DCS386)
- 20V Max Brushless 7-1/4-In. Circular Saw with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE Technology (DCS573)
- Select units within the ToughSystem® 2.0 Storage System
Basically, it works with the 20V Max Atomic series bandsaw, all four 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage tools, and select ToughSystem 2.0 storage products.
15 more tools will be Chip-ready.
The Tool Connect Chip works similarly to the Tool Connect Tag (DCE041), which Dewalt says already works with 31 Tag-ready tools. Several additional Tag-ready tools are also in development.
Whereas the Tag can be installed to anything, regardless of brand, make, or model, and using industrial double-sided tape, glue, screws, or even zip ties, the Chip inserts into a special pocket that’s integrated into compatible tools and secured using two screws.
The Chip has a user-replaceable battery.
Price: $15
Buy Now via Zoro
Buy Now via Home Depot
At this time, Zoro has the Tool Connect Chip for $13. Home Depot looks to have it for the same price, but have not yet updated their images.
Compare: Tag 4-pack via Amazon
Compare: Tag 25-pack via Amazon
Discussion
Tool tracking seems to be increasing in popularity, and it will no doubt increase in popularity.
One limitation with this type of product is in the scope of the network. Each Tool Connect product has a Bluetooth beacon, and app-equipped smartphone devices will pick it up and transmit its location data. This means that the app is an integral part of the system, not just for its active use but for its passive functionality as well. The more devices the app is installed to, the broader the network.
At $15 MSRP, the Chip seems to be reasonably affordable, and that will help to lower the barrier of entry. Plus it installs neatly within a tool itself. While the Tool Tag is not bulky, there’s no streamlined way to install it to many existing products, only larger larger equipment such as tool boxes, ladders, and larger power tools.
It will be interesting to see what types of products will be Chip-ready, and which won’t be. Dewalt’s FlexVolt Advantage tools, for instance, are Chip-ready. Their new 360°x3 green laser level is not, but it is Tool Connect Tag-ready.
Dewalt isn’t the only cordless power tool brand with a tool tracking and inventory management system.
Bosch has a Bluehound tool tracking system, a fee-based subscription service.
A couple of select Bosch tools have Connected-Ready sockets, such as the 18V FREAK, and they seem to work with a module that’s available on Amazon for $19.
Milwaukee has the One-Key Tick tracker, and a growing number of tools with One-Key built in.
According to Milwaukee, their One-Key system is the tool industry’s largest tracking network.
There’s also of course Apple’s new AirTag, but so far it looks to be a consumer product with unexplored tool industry potential.
Jared
My first thought was that these tracking add-ons are all way too much money and have limited utility. …But then, that’s a lot less expensive than I was expecting.
Cheap enough for a regular retail customer like me to at least consider, just to keep track of things. That will certainly help it compete with arguably more capable trackers like Apple’s, especially when this is designed to fit the tools.
Matt
So the Dewalt tool tracker is Makita Blue?
Stuart
Bluetooth-blue?
Serendipity
Tealtooth
Jim Felt
Two thoughts. Apple AirTag has already clobbered Tile as a tracking device because Apple has the largest interwoven Bluetooth usage “network” on the planet. AKA the ability to actually “track” stuff.
And no doubt some enough armored aftermarket versions will appear for mounting on nearly anything. Like tools.
Secondly I’ve yet to see any workers or larger contractors using any brand of tracking. At least not in the field where I’d think it would be most utilized.
If Google itself joined in besides Apple and a tracking Standard were to emerge then maybe?
Jim Felt
And no doubt “soon” enough…
AKA Butterfingers on this iPhone.
G New
Apple just Nerfed their tracking in a device firmware being pushed out right now. Apple Airtags are not for tracking stolen items. A thief will be warned rather quickly a tracker is following them and given the option to disable. The recent firmware updates also shortened the amount of time to beep. If your tag is moving, and you are not moving with it, after 8 hours it will start beeping. That means a company can not use them to track assets, you could not loan out a tool without a buzzing. Airtags are for tacking our personal keys and wallet, after that, its borderline useless.
Jim Felt
Interesting. But wouldn’t an App opportunity soon exist to fine turn or simply change the Apple “retail” concept.
Like someone once said “may you/we live in interesting times”.
Albert
The special pocket is in the left side of the battery compartment. A small section is visible from outside the tool, I would assume for an LED. This looks like a good design. I couldn’t figure out how to link a picture, but DCS573B on Home Depot’s web page shows the pocket.
Nathan
so this bolts on a battery? to go on a tool or does it bolt on the tool – at the base of the handle?
If you just had have some connect feature it’s not a bad idea.
Corey Moore
There’s a small slot on the underside of the compatible tools, inside the handle and flush with the top of the battery when in. Think an SD card. It’s about where the nut is that you mount the tool belt clip to.
Stuart
As Corey said, tools need to be designed with an integrated pocket that accepts this.
I’ll try to take an image over the weekend – the FlexVolt Advantage tools have such a slot.
Bob
I think milwaukee allows some programable features of the tool via blue tooth? Not sure if that is part of one key or not. Tool diagnostic info (torque specs for instance) or additional features (max rpm) via bluetooth seem like a great idea.
Not so sure about tool tracking. A lot of companies just have QR codes or old school record of serial number. If it doesn’t come back from a job it comes out of your paycheck. I guess for tools that are issued to multiple people I guess you could figure out a bit more like what day it disappeared. It’s only the guys working that day that get hit with a short pay check?
Eddie
If a tool gets stolen can if literally be tracked down not jus its last known location? I would think not since its cheaper then the tag that cant do that either. Thats what i really want.
Tracy
My first thought was that these tracking add-ons are all way too much money and have limited utility. …But then, that’s a lot less expensive than I was expecting.Thank you for the great post information.
Doc John
Ive tried a variety of these at the hospital attached to my surgical headlamp- the drawback is most of the devices just give you the numerical address – not specific location on a large clinical campus- or construction site for that matter. I now have a apple thingy attached and it is more accurate- not great, but better .
Do the Dewalt trackers get specific? On multiple level structures? I know but we need better and more specific locators.
Great column Stuart- quality and professional. Y
Doc John
Great comments Dawg