Trade-specific tools to ease construction
Measuring app for ‘ smart ’ construction sites
SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS
Trade-specific tools to ease construction
Trade-specific tools from Milwaukee , such as battery-powered drain cleaners for plumbing applications and large hydraulic cable cutters , are available locally from distributor Upat . Globally , the company offers a broad range comprising over 100 types of hand tools , over 120 tools operated on the M18 battery platform , over 65 tools operated on the M12 battery platform , and over 150 corded tools . While Upat does not distribute the entire Milwaukee range owing to logistics and economies of scale , it focuses on those products that add specific value to the local construction and related industries — and in particular those tools that can improve quality of workmanship and reduce project time , Milwaukee product specialist Werner Koch highlights . Aftersales service is another focus : “ If our distribution partners cannot repair or service a tool in-branch , it is sent to the Milwaukee central service centre in Johannesburg , which we operate ,” Koch explains . Here the tool is stripped and assessed , and any recommendations made about the replacement of critical wearand-tear components , or general maintenance performed , such as re-greasing , following which the tool is returned to the customer as speedily as possible . Milwaukee also offers a standard one-year manufacturer ’ s warranty on all its tools , while the battery technology deployed has a standard two-year warranty for added peace of mind . In addition , Upat offers customers full training on all the Milwaukee tools that it sells .
Milwaukee
“ One of the main reasons we provide customer training is to ensure the correct and safe application of all our Milwaukee tools , which is why we place such a major emphasis on education and awareness ,” Koch highlights . Competency certificates are issued upon successful completion of the requisite training . A feature of these certificates is that they are issued to customers in both a full-sized and pocket version , which means that construction industry and related professionals can have a handy version on their person at all times to indicate that they are fully certified to operate the Milwaukee tools in question , which enhances safety on site .
Milwaukee provides trade-specific tools to make construction a cinch .
Measuring app for ‘ smart ’ construction sites
The Stabila Measures app allows construction industry professionals to use their smartphones for quick and easy documentation and processing of measurements . The app is compatible with Stabila ’ s LD 520 and LD 250 BT laser distance measurers , using integrated Bluetooth Smart technology . Stabila is one of the premium brands distributed locally by Upat SA . Available free of charge from the Apple App Store and Android Play Store , the app makes it possible to create drawings of spaces and objects and allows users to import images from a gallery and add dimensions directly to these items . Before measuring an object or surface area with a smart device , the user takes a picture and then applies the Stabila distance-measuring units . These measurements are transferred onto the picture captured on the smart device and can be moved where required . The user can draw lines and rejig measurements accordingly . The picture is assigned a job name and number , and can be emailed directly to the customer , or shared with the project office , in addition to being stored digitally for reference purposes . The app provides for improved design , functionality , and intuitive operation . Measurements can be transferred wirelessly from the lasers to a smartphone or tablet , making it possible to document projects on site and to communicate this critical information directly to the project team .
Additionally , the app ensures a clear project overview for managing drawings , including sharing , editing , deletions , and revisions , thereby facilitating project management . This is supported by a ‘ zoom ’ functionality to focus on pertinent details . The app has portrait and landscape modes for greater drawing flexibility . The drawing tool allows for freehandline and straight-line functions , and even modification of line type , thickness , and colour . Currently , the main users of the app are customers who need to compile quotes and keep detailed work records , such as building contractors , architects , electricians , pavers , security system technicians , air-conditioning installers , plumbers , and gas installers , among others . In addition , annotated site photographs can be sent directly to customers to verify that the specifications and designs are in line with their expectations . This ensures faster project delivery and turnaround times , as measurements can be sent through instantly . For example , a project manager can take a picture of any ready-mix delivered to site , and measure it using a Stabila distance-measuring device . The volume of the material can then be calculated to ensure that the correct quantity has indeed been delivered . This makes the app useful for quantity surveyors , as it can be a vital tool in the supplychain management process .
40 - CEC March 2018