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Any tool you currently own can be tracked with this technology. "The Tool Link tags can be applied to virtually anything using their adhesive backing or a zip tie," says Frykman. "One contractor told us he tagged his estimates clipboard to help make sure it's not forgotten."

Crew Chief is an OEM-installed telemetry solution that remotely tracks where fleet vehicles are and how they are operating. "Using GPS technology, Crew Chief will monitor where the vehicle has been and when it stopped," says Frykman. "Hours of operation or geographic boundaries can be monitored.

"In addition, the telemetry box monitors the vehicle's (and driver's) performance via a direct connection into the vehicle's electrical system," he continues. "Now the fleet manager can remotely monitor fuel economy, jack rabbit starts, engine idle time and even seat belt usage. The dispatcher can easily identify the location of all the vehicles via the Crew Chief web site."

A Master Lock-developed cable lock mounts in the pickup bed and offers 10 ft. of 3/8-in. braided steel cable to lock up generators, compressors, etc., stored in the open bed. "When not in use, the cable retracts into a spool mechanism, so it's out of the way," says Frykman.

As with any technology, you need to weigh the benefits vs. the acquisition costs. The MSRP for Ford Work Solutions is as follows: computer, $1,195 with two price plans for connectivity; Tool Link, $1,120; Crew Chief, $380 with a $20 monthly service fee; and Cable lock, $120.