ForConstructionPros.com

Pickup trucks serve many diverse roles on the jobsite - people mover, mobile office and tool box, to name a few. Manufacturers recognize the need to address the unique demands placed on these trucks, and have developed packages and options that allow you to tailor your vehicles for maximum return.

Package focused on productivity
Ford Motor Company recently developed its Ford Work Solutions options for its F-Series trucks, E-Series vans and Transit Connect. They are comprised of four product offerings: an in-dash computer, Tool Link, Crew Chief and a cable lock. You can configure a package tailored to your operation.

"All of the features are available individually (a la carte) with the exception of Tool Link, which requires the computer to display its list of what's missing," says Bill Frykman, product & business development, Ford Work Solutions.

The dash-mounted computer uses Internet connectivity (Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and navigation by Garmin) to bring the office to the jobsite. "Access the Internet to review wiring diagrams or reference documents. Navigate to a jobsite with Garmin's navigation application. Use the word processing application to develop a job estimate," says Frykman. "With LogMeIn, remotely access an office computer, open QuickBooks, edit an invoice and print it in the truck - on the work site - while saving the data back on the home/office computer."

Tool Link by DeWalt helps ensure you have the right tool for the job. "Tool Link uses RFID technology to read durable RFID tags (each less than $1) in the pickup box or in the back of the van," Frykman explains. "Tag tools and other critical equipment, add them to Ford's patented job list application on the computer and you will know if anything is missing. No longer will you forget to load a tool for a specific job in the morning, or leave a critical tool behind at day's end."