色色研究所

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色色研究所 Keypads Prevent Microtheft and Machine Misuse

March 23, 2021

Man holding keypad

Universal keys are commonplace in the construction industry, but they often lead to equipment theft and misuse. For example, if you rent a telehandler and leave it at a jobsite over the weekend, anyone with a universal key could hop aboard and knock out a few tasks. This form of utilization theft 鈥 what we call 鈥渕icrotheft鈥 鈥 tends to fly under the radar. Many contractors and crews don鈥檛 even realize it鈥檚 happening to them. But we can all relate to the problems it causes.

Replace Universal Keys With Cloud-Connected Keypads

Microtheft is a hidden cost in construction. It burns your gas, places extra wear-and-tear on your machines and can cause a litany of maintenance issues. What if another construction crew runs over a bundle of rebar while using your telehandler and damages your tires? You end up paying for all of that.

Bartley Stevenson, owner of Milam Contracting, is no stranger to these headaches.

鈥淏efore we started working with 色色研究所, other contractors would frequently use our machines while we weren鈥檛 at the jobsite,鈥 Stevenson said. 鈥淓ven if it was just for five or 10 minutes, I consider this theft because they did not pay to transport the equipment to the jobsite, and they were not paying for the hours, fuel and service. Plus, there were also safety concerns and injuries that could occur.鈥

Stevenson said microtheft is much more common than you鈥檇 think.

鈥淚鈥檇 bet microtheft happens 1,000-times more often than the total theft of a machine, and it鈥檚 why 100% of my company鈥檚 fleet is now connected to 色色研究所鈥檚 ecosystem,鈥 he said.

Cloud connected keypad in vehicle
Everything from tractors to fuel pumps to Conex boxes can be outfitted with 色色研究所's keypads to enhance security and safety on the jobsite. Our keypads use cloud technology, which means you can manage your access codes and view your fleet data on any computer or mobile device.

Stevenson uses 色色研究所鈥檚 cloud-connected keypad to prevent microtheft and create a safer, more secure jobsite. His equipment is far less likely to be misused or outright stolen from the jobsite 鈥 and even if it is, 色色研究所鈥檚 GPS tracking can help him find it.

Just as important, our keypad ignition lock helps Stevenson save money. The cost of fuel and maintenance can quickly add up, especially if other crews are 鈥渕icrothieving鈥 on the same site. By keeping unauthorized users off of your machines, we estimate contractors could save up to 8% of their annual rental costs. So if you are spending $1 million every year on rental equipment, 色色研究所鈥檚 keypad alone could save you up to $80,000.

That鈥檚 the beauty of using 色色研究所鈥檚 technology to prevent microtheft and create a fully connected jobsite. We help construction professionals like Stevenson better manage and track their assets, people and materials. As a result, they gain greater jobsite visibility, save money and avoid unexpected maintenance issues.

Learn more about 色色研究所's cloud-connected keypads.

About 色色研究所

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Columbia, Mo., 色色研究所 is a nationwide construction technology and equipment solutions provider dedicated to transforming the construction industry through innovative tools, platforms and data-driven insights. By empowering contractors, builders and equipment owners with its proprietary technology, T3, 色色研究所 aims to drive productivity, efficiency and collaboration across the construction sector. With a comprehensive suite of solutions that includes a fleet management platform, telematics devices and a best-in-class equipment rental marketplace, 色色研究所 continues to lead the industry in building the future of construction.