Product Spotlight

From the Product Manager's POV

  • By Security Products Staff
  • Apr 09, 2007

IT'S a name you recognize, but maybe not quite as likely in the security industry as perhaps construction or home remodeling. Make no mistake, DeWalt has jumped into the security arena to secure tools and equipment from theft. The household construction business knows the name well and you will too over the long haul. Security Products spent a few minutes with Maureen Silber, product manager for DeWalt to better understand the company’s newest product—MOBILELOCK.

Q. DEWALT enters into the security marketplace with a product designed to secure professional tools and equipment in the construction industry. What is MOBILELOCK, and how does it work?
A. MOBILELOCK is a standalone, portable, wireless locating and alarm system. It’s unique in that it uses a GPS locator and anti-theft alarm, allowing users to be notified in the event of a theft and locate stolen assets in real time using the Internet. The system is easily mounted to equipment using integrated, heavy-duty magnets or screws.

If a protected asset is disturbed, the MOBILELOCK alarm is triggered, and the contractor receives a phone call or e-mail, notifying the owner that there has been a security breach. The contractor then logs onto the MOBILELOCK Web site and enters a code to access maps and satellite imagery showing the location of the MOBILELOCK unit. This enables the contractor to quickly recover the stolen or lost asset.

Q. What types of equipment will the product help protect, and what types of applications can MOBILELOCK be used on?
A. MOBILELOCK is designed to protect mobile assets on commercial construction sites, including heavy construction equipment, office trailers, gang boxes, backhoes and remote storage containers. On residential construction sites, it can help deter theft of tool trailers and appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, and other equipment that can easily be stolen and traded for cash.

General contractors, home builders, remodelers, landscapers, earthmoving contractors, as well as electrical, mechanical and HVAC professionals can use the MOBILELOCK locator and alarm to monitor mobile assets on the jobsite.

Q. DEWALT is well-known for its professional grade of power tools. Why is the company now stepping into the security arena?
A. DEWALT conducted an extensive jobsite research study in 2004, surveying more than 1,500 construction end users and buyers, and it identified jobsite security as the industry’s top concern. More than 90 percent of those polled cited jobsite security as a major concern, while less than 15 percent used an alarm system at their jobsite at the time of the study. Company officials then determined that this disparity existed because of a general lack of industry-specific solutions.

This presented an opportunity for DEWALT to help end users save money and increase productivity on the jobsite by creating innovative security systems.

Q. Is this the first product DEWALT has launched in the security marketplace? How has it been received, and what has been the feedback?
A. In January 2005, DEWALT introduced SITELOCK, a patented wireless technology designed for the construction industry that monitors numerous pieces of equipment or areas simultaneously. With both MOBILELOCK and SITELOCK, DEWALT is able to provide more extensive jobsite security the construction industry.

DEWALT has received positive feedback from contractors regarding the SITELOCK unit. We expect MOBILELOCK, which launched in November 2006, to achieve many of the same results in the coming months.

Q. What is next for DEWALT in terms of its involvement in the security industry?
A. DEWALT is always analyzing new technologies to meet the needs of the professional contractor. If we determine that there is a need for additional security solutions, we will be sure to address those needs through product development.

About the Author

Security Products magazine and site provides information on integrated product and technology solutions for security professionals. It is an 1105 Mediasite.

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