Renta and Hilti to collaborate on asset tagging for construction equipment

On December 13, 2023, Renta and Hilti announced a new partnership involving Bluetooth asset tags for construction machinery. Renta will install Hilti’s smart tags on powered equipment at all 170 depots. These tags can measure the cumulative usage time, daily utilization rate, and equipment location.

The Runtime Tag data will streamline Renta’s and the equipment users’ fleet processes, enabling new innovative services.

The Hilti smart tag can be installed on any tool regardless of brand

” The Hilti Runtime Tag is a real gamechanger,” says Joel Särkkä, chief information officer at Renta.

The system comprises Bluetooth smart tags slightly larger than a coin, Hilti Gateways, and Hilti ON!Track software. These runtime tags can be used with any powered item, irrespective of the make and model.

Hilti’s Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags have an IP67 protection rating and an operating temperature range of -20 to +60 degrees Celsius. When the tag is within the range of a Hilti Gateway, it automatically transfers usage data to the Hilti ON!Track monitoring application.

Gateways can be placed in locations such as depots, construction sites, vehicles, and heavy machinery, utilizing the Trackunit global network. Hilti and Trackunit announced a strategic partnership in early 2022. This was expanded in November 2023, when data from 500,000 ON!Track devices was added to the Trackunit online management platform.

The data from Hilti’s system will transfer to Renta’s digital platform and be accessible to users through Renta Easy around the latter half of 2024 (according to a preliminary timeline).

Renta’s large machines have already provided telematics data through Trackunit’s technology. With the Hilti Runtime Tag, crucial information for smaller devices – location, usage frequency, and maintenance status – can be digitized and utilized.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Equipment

The ultimate benefit for both Renta and the user lies in identifying surplus equipment and their locations, improving equipment maintenance processes, storage, logistics, and, from the user’s perspective, availability.

Hilti’s system has the potential to revolutionize how machines and equipment are managed and utilized during projects.

The key is utilizing data to make informed decisions, streamline operations, identify bottlenecks, and manage resources more efficiently – leveraging actual usage data.

” The power of the generated data enables us to rethink our fleet management processes and to deliver unprecedented services to our customers,” said Joel Särkkä.

Michael Neidow, executive vice president and head of business unit Tool Services for Hilti Group, added: “We are delighted to partner with one of the most innovative rental companies in the world for the launch of our BLE Runtime Tags.”

“Our solution, designed for the rental industry, will deliver sustainable process efficiency gains.”