The power tools are compatible with the cloud-based ‘TrackMyTools’ inventory management system, which is designed to help companies manage and locate their equipment. With these tools, Bosch is at the forefront of digitisation in the trades by offering professionals a complete system, from products through to inventory management that can be used to optimise procedures and work more productively.
Users of networked Bosch power tools can for instance personalise their tools via an app, set up a custom configuration for them and save these settings for future work. Users also receive information regarding the status of their tools as well as tips for troubleshooting. In addition, the App provides clear information about when and for how long each tool has been used. In some cases, the app also functions as a remote control, enabling tradespeople to save time and unnecessary walking.
Bosch already offers networked measuring solutions with the GLM 50 C Professional and GLM 100 C Professional laser measures and the GIS 1000 C Professional thermo detector, which can be coupled with mobile terminals to facilitate documentation. This range is now being expanded with the inclusion of a combi laser with a rotating mini-tripod that can be controlled remotely: the GCL 2-50 C Professional. This provides tradespeople with a convenient way to align the laser – even when using a ladder.
The new networked products in the area of professional power tools will follow in 2017, these include the GSR 18 V-75 C Professional drill/driver and the GSB 18 V-75 C Professional combi in the ‘robustseries’ and the GSR 18 V-60 C Professional and the GSB 18 V-60 C Professional in the ‘dynamicseries’. These tools enable tradespeople to configure custom settings for their tools and adapt them to suit specific tasks – a particularly useful feature for challenging applications. Users can, for instance, set the ‘KickBack Control’ function to trigger earlier via their smartphones. Users also receive warning messages via the app when the motors of their tools are stopped, for instance due to overheating.
The GWS 18V-125 ISC Professional cordless angle grinder also offers this feature. In addition to the information and settings that can be accessed via smartphone, this tool is equipped with an electronic HMI colour display on the top of the tool. This ensures that tradespeople always have direct access to information regarding the status of their tools and important tips for identifying problems.
The GLI 18 V-1900 C Professional worklight offered by Bosch quickly provides ideal lighting for work spaces. The brightness of this worklight can be conveniently changed using a smartphone, enabling tradespeople to prevent shadows or glare for example, and save the settings for future use.
All measuring and power tools in the Bosch Connectivity system can be conveniently configured and controlled using a single app: the Bosch Toolbox App. This App also provides tradespeople with access to ‘TrackMyTools’, the ‘Measuring Master App’ for documenting measured values, and functions including a measurement camera, a building documentation, a unit converter and the mobile catalogue for professional power tools from Bosch.
Extensions to the Bosch Toolbox App are available for free in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store. The new Connectivity tools will be rolling out at specialist retail outlets from autumn 2016 onwards and the Connectivity system will be continually expanded throughout 2017.
