Ford introduces a digital office into the cab of its trucks with Ford Work Solutions

Customers will be able to experience enhanced connectivity and security on the go with Ford’s new Work Solutions, featuring out-of-the cab thinking and industry-first partnerships.

It’s an umbrella of helpful features that are intended to help owners better run key aspects of their business -- and four key technologies have been developed to meet the goal.

The first is an in-dash computer system that’s powered by Microsoft Auto and allows high-speed internet access right from the dashboard, using the Sprint Mobile network. Navigation is included with this feature and it’s the first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production. Customers can use it to access the internet virtually anywhere, as well as to print or store important information. There’s an SD card slot, a built-in stylus, and full Bluetooth connectivity.

Although the in-car computer puts a touch-screen to work in a tough environment that’s commonly filled with dirt and dust, Ford promises that the system is held to the same standards as the rest of their truck.

Next is the Tool Link system. This function uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are embedded into tools to display a real-time inventory of equipment that’s stored on board.

RFID uses a small ‘tag’ that’s energized by an external power source and emits a signal- allowing a scanner to determine how many of the ‘tags’ are present in a given area without actually seeing or touching them. For Ford’s application, the system was developed with DEWALT tools and ThingMagic- an expert on embedded RFID technology.

“Tool Link increases productivity and saves money,” said William Frykman, Ford Work Solutions product and business development manager. “It helps contractors and tradespeople guarantee they show up at the job site with the right tools for each job.”

From keeping track of tools to keeping track of an entire fleet of vehicles is Crew Chief-- it’s a telematics and diagnostic system that allows owners to manage their machines more easily.
The system is tied into the vehicle electronics and can warn of undesirable situations like excessive idling or the presence of a check-engine light. Using a web-based application, owners can dispatch workers to job sites quickly while keeping detailed maintenance records on all of the trucks. Crew Chief can also help calculate fuel expenses and even alert the office if a truck is in an unauthorized area--and for how long.

Finally, a Cable Lock security system was developed with Master Lock and aims to discourage theft of expensive tools that are too large to fit in the cab. A heavy-duty, ten-millimeter sheathed metal cable can be woven though large equipment that may have to stay in the vehicle’s box when it’s parked- like a tool-box or generator.

Ford Work Solutions will be available starting this fall on new Ford trucks and light vans, and certain components can be retrofitted to vehicles already in service.