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Photo Courtesy of Milwaukee
As technology continues to change, many tool companies continue to use technology to their advantage and that includes moving into the digital sphere. This includes creating digital apps and Milwaukee has done just that with its One-Key digital app. This app is designed with three specific tasks in mind: inventory management, tool reporting and tool control.
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The Inventory Management Home Screen
One Key was launched in September and inventory management was the first part of a three part rollout. This aspect of the app creates a central place for users to manage all their tools and equipment across their job network and operators.
This allows companies to keep records of each tool on the network…even those not related to Milwaukee. That’s right, which means One Key can keep track of any Bluetooth tool from any manufacturer. If a manger chooses to, he/she can assign locations or specific owners to each tool. This helps provide accountability and helps share information between the field and the office. Also, updates and edits are synchronized to the app’s cloud based system.
The Inventory System is available on Android, iOS devices and any web browser.
Starting in November, Milwaukee’s 2nd phase of the three part rollout was tool reporting. This allows Bluetooth devices to wirelessly communicate with other “smart tools” through its app. One really cool thing about One Key’s Tool Reporting is that it syncs tool performance data to the cloud for easy access. The user can also filter, sort and combine data by tool or another location.
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Sync Data Screen
The user also has the ability to download and share reports of a tool’s performance and combine reports for multiple tools into one job. Milwaukee says this will improve utilization and reduce overhead.
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The Tool Control Customization Screen
Finally, in January 2016, the last part of the rollout will be tool control. Many say this is the most interesting part of the app as it allows a user to customize their own settings to their specific needs on a jobsite. Tool Control has a 50’ range and communicates with other smart tools on the jobsite through a wireless network.
One of the coolest things about the app and is it allows up to four custom settings to be programmed into the tool’s memory…replacing the factory presets on One-Key compatible tools. You also control the tool’s output and configure the tool’s torque and speed through the app. Flexibility and precision are the two benchmarks that Milwaukee is planning to set.
Also, Milwaukee is also launching its own crop of Bluetooth tools starting with its One-Key FUEL series in 2016. These impact drivers and drills will be on sale in 2016 as well.
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Milwaukee says this is just the beginning and other features and products will be come out in the future. Other Bluetooth tools from Milwaukee are on the way which will be compatible with One-Key. You check out Milwaukee’s One Key launch page here. While many are excited about One-Key’s potential, others still have questions. Toolbarn will address some of these Frequently Asked Questions in our next blog.
