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