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The Work Truck Show, produced annually by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) claims to be North America's largest vocational truck event. Held in Atlanta, GA, the show included 538 exhibitors and covered more than 450,000 sq. ft. of display space.

This venue provided an ample opportunity to witness the latest developments in the industry. Following is a sample of some of the most relevant product introductions.

Innovative solutions from Ford
Ford Motor Co. has introduced technology to make F-Series Super Duty Trucks and E-Series Vans more productive on the jobsite. Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features: an in-dash computer that provides full high-speed Internet access and navigation; Tool Link, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system that enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box; the Crew Chief fleet telematics and diagnostic system; and a Cable Lock security system to discourage tool theft.

The in-dash computer (below left) was developed with Magneti Marelli and is powered by Microsoft Auto, while Garmin provides the navigation. This system allows customers to link to their home or office computer networks via a cellular broadband connection right on the jobsite. You can even print documents with a Ford-certified, onboard, Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered ink jet printer. The system provides high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.

Tool Link was developed with DeWALT and ThingMagic to provide owners with the capability to mark and scan high-value tools using RFID tags. When the vehicle is running a pair of RFID antennas mounted in housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for items on a pre-programmed inventory list. The data is transmitted to a reader inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer. The driver is alerted if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck. This will ensure that tools are not left behind.