Ford Pro tests gadget tracking via GPS

The purpose of GPS tracking tools is to help ensure that company property is not forgotten or misplaced. (Photo: Ford Pro)

In the future, Ford Pro wants to offer companies the option to track their gadgets via GPS. Among other things, this is intended to counteract human oblivion. According to the service and distribution company with which Ford provides solutions for commercial customers, companies can do so Savings of up to 450 euros per vehicle per year. Depending on the size of the fleet, several thousand euros can be saved.

The system was developed at the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Aachen. Potential cost savings as a result of a pilot project can be calculated by the Head of Marketing at RWTH Aachen University. Specifically, for the system, powerful trackers that work using Bluetooth connectivity and GPS tracking are placed in toolboxes or on devices to establish a connection to the company’s vehicle and server. The goal of this technique is not only to counteract forgetfulness, but also to improve coordination between employees. Inventory can be more efficiently pre-checked and planned at any time, according to Ford Pro.

“Even the most attentive co-worker can leave a toolbox behind at the end of a long day or forget something when rushing to another job. On busy construction sites, work equipment can sometimes be mixed up or stolen if left overnight.”says Walter Beals, CV Supervisor for Ecosystems, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Europe. The company did not announce when the system would be ready for serial production.