Bosch enhances its connectivity offering for professionals

Better performance and results through networking

Bosch is expanding its offering of connected power tools and measuring instruments: from 2017, tradespeople will have seven new connectable devices in addition to the three already available, including a laser distance meter with an integrated Bluetooth module and an angle grinder. The power tools are compatible with "TrackMyTools," the cloud-based inventory management system for managing and tracking a company's work tools. With this system, which is part of the digitalization trend in the trades sector, Bosch offers professionals a complete solution - from product to inventory management - to optimize processes and increase the productivity of each tradesperson. Owners of connected Bosch power tools can, for example, customize and configure these tools via a smartphone app and save the settings made for future jobs.

Users also receive information on the status of tools and troubleshooting tips, such as when a tool stops working due to overheating. The app also allows users to track when and for how long a tool or measuring instrument was used.
In some cases, the application can also serve as a remote control to save the craftsman time and avoid trips.

Overview of all connected power tools and measuring instruments
In the field of measuring instruments, Bosch already offers connected solutions with the GLM 50 C Professional and GLM 100 C Professional laser distance meters and the GIS 1000 C Professional thermal detector that facilitate the management and archiving of measurement results by coupling them to mobile devices. The range is now expanded by a point and line laser with a pivoting mini tripod that can be remotely controlled from a smartphone: the GCL 2-50 C Professional. The remote control allows tradespeople to easily change the position of the laser lines at any time – even from a stepladder or ladder.
In the professional power tools segment, Bosch is offering the new connected models of an 18V drill/driver and an impact drill/driver from the "robustseries": the GSR 18V-75 C Professional and the GSB 18V-75 C Professional. Two further models from the "dynamicseries": the GSR 18V-60 C Professional and the GSB 18V-60 C Professional will follow in January 2017. These tools offer the advantage of being customizable and adaptable to individual needs, which is very useful for demanding applications. For example, users can use their smartphone to set their tool so that the "KickBack Control" protection function takes effect more quickly. Users also receive a warning message via their smartphone app if, for example, the electronics shut down the tool's motor due to overheating.

The GWS 18V-125 CI Professional cordless angle grinder also offers these possibilities. In addition to information and settings that can be accessed via smartphone, the grinder has a color display on the top. This display constantly displays information about the tool's status or important messages for troubleshooting, for example the remaining runtime of the new GBA 18V 6,6 Ah Eneracer Professional high-performance battery.

To quickly and optimally illuminate the work area, Bosch offers the LED GLI 18V-1900 C Professional construction site spotlight. Tradespeople can adjust the brightness at any time via smartphone, for example to avoid shadows. The brightness of the cordless spotlight is not only adjustable up to 1 lumens, but can also be stored until the following day. No need to adjust the brightness every time.

Configure and manage connected products from a single application
All measuring instruments and power tools in the Bosch Connectivity System can be easily configured and managed from a single app: the Bosch Toolbox app. From this app, tradespeople can access "TrackMyTools", the "Measuring Master" app for recording and archiving measured values, as well as classic "Bosch Toolbox" app functions such as the dimensioning camera, construction site documentation, the unit converter and the product catalog with all Bosch power tools for professionals.
The extensions to the "Bosch Toolbox" app can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play or the App Store for smartphones with Android or iOS operating systems.

The new Connectivity tools will be commercially available from 2017.