Stop Tool Loss
Automated construction resource management systems help rental companies keep better track of tools. Using bar codes to label tools and scanning devices to track tool assignments, these systems organize information about assets. Broad tool management capabilities allow companies to keep a record of who is responsible for each tool, making them easy to find when they are needed. Mechanics who need a tool have their employee number and the tool scanned to create a record of responsibility. If the tool isn't back within a set period of time, an employee can call the mechanic to arrange its return. A successful construction resource management system can dramatically simplify the process of tracking and managing resources. Denver, Colo.-based ToolWatch offers tool tracking and management systems, helping organizations maximize utilization and productivity, minimize losses, and keep better track of tools, equipment and supplies. For more information visit www.toolwatch.com.
Dig Safe
The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) launched a new website, www.call811.com, to serve as a national resource for professional excavators. The site will help educate industry audiences about the new 811-Call-Before-You-Dig telephone number, which will launch in May. The site, launched in January, has resources to educate professionals and consumers about the Call Before You Dig service. The new number was created to eliminate the confusion of multiple dig numbers. The service connects callers with local One Call Centers who notify the appropriate local utilities, who then send crews to the requested site to mark the approximate location of underground lines for free. The CGA has made a fully downloadable set of campaign materials available free and created an online forum to share best practices across the digging industry. Rental centers can share this resource with contractor and homeowner customers to educate them to call before they dig, for their own safety and the safety of others.
Integrated Solution
Qualcomm, a provider of business-to-business wireless applications and services, and TMTsoftware, a provider of fleet maintenance software, have integrated TMT's Transman maintenance management solution with Qualcomm's GlobalTRACS equipment management system and OmniTRACS mobile communications system, creating a complete and automatic maintenance management solution that helps manage the entire fleet maintenance process. With the integration, the Transman system receives hours and location details from the GlobalTRACS system and miles and location details from OmniTRACS on a scheduled basis. This provides companies control over both their assets and workflow processes and is designed to improve organizational efficiencies and profitability because maintenance can be scheduled in a timely manner and only when needed. Benefits to the solution include accurate hour meters and odometer readings for equipment, hours/miles maintenance predictions and automatic maintenance scheduling. Transman works seamlessly with back-office applications and is available in Microsoft Windows, iSeries and Internet environments.
Site Spy
Manitou's new worldwide website, www.manitou.com, has replaced the company's old web addresses. The main website allows site visitors to connect to the United States-based site. Old web addresses will automatically redirect visitors to the new U.S. site, www.us.manitou.com. Pave Tech also has a new site, www.pavetech.com (pictured), which features an advanced search to help visitors find what they are looking for on the site. Pave Tech's website links to new products, industry news, product specials and an events calendar. The installation and education link has how-to articles on building steps, walkways and patios. Visitors can also view pictures of completed customer projects and read customer letters to the company.
Submit new technology, computer products and websites for consideration in Megabytes to Katie Eagan at [email protected].
