Is GPS tracking practical for hand tools and power tools?

For most hand and power tools, QR and barcode scanning are sufficient for identification, assignments and audits. GPS is more practical for high-value plant, generators and vehicles because it requires hardware on each asset. BLE beacons offer proximity detection at lower cost per item. Mix tracking methods by tool type and value to keep costs proportional.

Who publishes this tool tracking comparison?

MapTrack publishes this guide and includes itself as one option among others. We are transparent about authorship and do not claim to be the single best solution. Fit depends on your tool mix, workflows and budget. We encourage you to shortlist two or three platforms and run a demo before deciding.

What if I have mixed tool brands (Hilti, Milwaukee, etc.)?

Vendor-specific apps (e.g. Hilti ON!Track, Milwaukee ONE-KEY) focus on their own ecosystem and offer the deepest integration for that brand. For mixed-brand fleets, look for platform-agnostic tool tracking (e.g. MapTrack, Asset Panda, Tenna) so you have one register for all tools regardless of manufacturer.

Can I reserve tools by job or project?

Not all tool tracking software includes reservations. MapTrack has a built-in planning view so you can reserve tools by job and avoid double-booking. Asset Panda offers Gantt-style reservations with approvals. Tenna and ToolSense offer equipment scheduling. Verify reservation capabilities with each vendor if that is a requirement.

How do contractors use tool tracking day to day?

Typical workflow: register tools in a central system, assign to crew or job, check in/out from site via QR or barcode scan, run periodic audits (bulk scan to verify presence and gaps), and tie pre-starts or inspections to individual tools. Reservations help plan who gets what for the week or project. Book a demo to see workflows that match your operations.

What pricing models exist for tool tracking software?

Milwaukee ONE-KEY is free but limited to Milwaukee tools. Per-user platforms like MaintainX start around $20 per user per month. Per-seat options like SafetyCulture start at $24 per seat per month. Per-asset platforms like MapTrack price by tool count with unlimited users included. Tiered platforms like Asset Panda start at roughly $3,000 per year. Expect $2,000 to $15,000 per year for mid-market deployments depending on tool count, users and features.

Which tool tracking platforms suit contractors with mixed-brand fleets?

Construction teams typically need mixed-brand tracking, reservations to avoid double-booking across jobs, compliance (pre-starts, inspections) and maintenance for tools and plant. MapTrack, Tenna and ToolSense are built for construction and field teams. Hilti ON!Track and Milwaukee ONE-KEY suit brand-specific tool fleets. Evaluate based on your mix of tool brands and whether you need one system for tracking, compliance and maintenance.

Why does offline support matter for tool tracking on job sites?

Job sites often have poor or no connectivity, especially underground, in tunnels or on remote builds. Offline mode lets field teams scan, assign and complete forms without a signal and sync when connectivity returns. MapTrack, MaintainX, SafetyCulture and Tenna support full offline. Asset Panda does not offer offline mode. Verify before committing.

How long does it take to move from spreadsheets to tool tracking software?

Most teams are operational within one to two weeks. Vendors support CSV import or an API. MapTrack offers AI-assisted import to auto-match columns to fields. Start with high-value tools first, tag them with QR labels as you go, then expand to the full inventory. Book a demo to discuss migration steps for your situation.

Software guide

8 best tool tracking software 2026

Comparing the best tool tracking software for contractors and field teams? We evaluated 8 leading platforms across tracking methods (single-brand vs mixed-brand), reservations, maintenance, compliance, mobile/offline support and pricing so you can shortlist and verify with vendors. We don't rank a single "#1". The best fit depends on your tool mix, workflows and budget.

Lachlan McRitchie

GM of Operations

|Reviewed by Jarrod Milford

Published 15 January 2026Updated 21 February 2026

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Quick verdict: best tool tracking software by category

Our top picks by use case. Click any card to jump to the full review.

MapTrack

Best for all-brand tool tracking with reservations

Hilti ON!Track

Best for Hilti-centric tool fleets

Milwaukee ONE-KEY

Best free option (Milwaukee tools)

Asset Panda

Best for customisable tool workflows

SafetyCulture

Best for tool inspections and safety

MaintainX

Best for tool maintenance workflows

Tenna

Best for construction tool and equipment tracking

ToolSense

Best for facilities tool management at scale

In this guide

How we evaluated these platforms

We assessed each platform across seven criteria that matter most to contractors and field teams tracking tools: tracking methods (QR, barcode, GPS, BLE, Bluetooth, OEM), reservations and planning, maintenance and CMMS, compliance and inspections, mobile and offline support, pricing model and trial availability. A key consideration for this guide is whether a platform supports single-brand or mixed-brand tool fleets. Vendor-specific apps (Hilti ON!Track, Milwaukee ONE-KEY) offer deep integration for their own brand, while platform-agnostic options track all tool brands in one register. Where we could not confirm a capability from public sources or vendor documentation, we note "verify with vendor" rather than guess.

This guide is published by MapTrack (rated 4.9/5 on G2 and 4.9/5 on Capterra). We include ourselves alongside other options and do not claim to be the single best fit for every use case. We encourage you to shortlist two or three options and run a demo with your real workflows before deciding.

Tool tracking software comparison table

Side-by-side overview of 8 platforms plus spreadsheets. Verify current features and pricing with each vendor.

Software	Best for	Tracking	Reservations	Maintenance	Compliance	Offline	Pricing
MapTrack	All-brand tool tracking	QR, barcode, GPS, BLE, OEM	✓	✓	✓	✓	Per asset; unlimited users
Hilti ON!Track	Hilti tool fleets	Barcode, BLE tags, NFC	?	✓	✓	?	Quote only
Milwaukee ONE-KEY	Free (Milwaukee tools)	Bluetooth, QR	✗	✗	✗	?	Free
Asset Panda	Customisable workflows	Barcode, QR	✓	✓	✓	✗	Tiered; from ~$3K/yr
SafetyCulture	Inspections and safety	QR, barcode, GPS	✗	✓	✓	✓	Per seat; from ~$24/mo
MaintainX	Maintenance-first (CMMS)	QR, barcode	✗	✓	✓	✓	Per user; from ~$20/mo
Tenna	Construction tools + equipment	GPS, BLE, QR, OEM	✓	✓	✓	✓	Custom quote
ToolSense	Facilities at scale	QR, IoT/GPS	✓	✓	✓	?	Tiered; custom quote
Spreadsheets	Manual tracking	Manual list	✗	✗	✗	✗	Free / included

✓ Confirmed✗ Not available? Verify with vendor

Tool tracking software reviews

Detailed review of each platform including features, pricing and best fit.

MapTrack

Best for all-brand tool tracking with reservations

Track tools across all brands with reservations, compliance and maintenance in one platform. Per-asset pricing with unlimited users suits contractors.

MapTrack is a unified platform for tracking tools, equipment, plant and fleet across all brands and sites. It combines a single register with reservations and a planning view, compliance (pre-starts, inspections, AI-assisted custom forms) and maintenance (work orders with meter, inspection and schedule triggers) so you have one system for accountability, audits and servicing without lock-in to a single tool vendor.

Identification options include QR, barcode, GPS, BLE beacons and over 150 OEM/telematics data feeds for meter-driven work orders and utilisation reporting. AI-assisted asset creation (snap a photo), form creation (upload a PDF or describe) and smart data import accelerate setup. Heavy-duty QR labels survive harsh job-site environments. Per-asset pricing with unlimited users lets you roll out to the whole field team without per-seat cost. Rated 4.9/5 on G2 and 4.9/5 on Capterra.

Key features

✓Tool register; all brands in one system
✓Reservations; planning view; avoid double-booking
✓Pre-starts, inspections (AI-assisted forms)
✓Work orders; meter/inspection triggers
✓QR, barcode, GPS, BLE beacons
✓Mobile and offline; iOS/Android/tablet
✓Bulk scanning for audits and stocktakes
✓Heavy-duty QR labels for harsh environments
✓AI setup: assets from photo, forms from PDF
✓Geofences and utilisation reporting
✓Cost tracking and depreciation
✓SSO, RBAC, API

Pricing: Per asset; unlimited users · Trial: 30-day free trial

Book a demo Get pricing

Hilti ON!Track

Best for Hilti-centric tool fleets

Solid tracking for Hilti-heavy fleets with BLE tags and gateways - vendor lock-in limits mixed-brand teams.

Hilti ON!Track is a cloud-based tool and asset management platform for construction. It tracks tools, equipment, supplies and consumables (any brand) via barcode, Bluetooth tags and Hilti gateways. Job costing integration with Trimble Viewpoint and on-site implementation support included.

BLE tracking uses Hilti’s own tags and gateways for warehouse, vehicle and jobsite visibility — but this is “last-seen” proximity, not real-time GPS. Quote-only pricing and hardware costs (tags, gateways) add complexity. Free productivity analysis and on-site tagging support included. Strongest fit for teams already invested in the Hilti ecosystem.

Key features

✓Barcode and BLE tag tracking (Hilti hardware)
✓Van, warehouse and jobsite gateways
✓Maintenance scheduling; service history
✓Safety certs and training records
✓Job costing via Trimble Viewpoint
✓On-site implementation and tagging support

Pricing: Quote only · Trial: Free consultation

Hilti ON!Track alternative →

Milwaukee ONE-KEY

Best free option (Milwaukee tools)

Free app with built-in Bluetooth on 120+ Milwaukee tools, but Milwaukee-only with no CMMS, compliance or reservations.

Milwaukee ONE-KEY is a free connectivity platform for tool and equipment inventory and Bluetooth tracking. 120+ ONE-KEY-enabled tools have built-in tracking; add Bluetooth tags (TICK) for non-Milwaukee items. Community BLE network for crowd-sourced location.

Smart-tool customisation (torque, speed, ramp-up) is unique to Milwaukee ONE-KEY-enabled tools. Procore and Autodesk integrations for project management. No full CMMS, no compliance/inspection workflows, no reservations — best for contractors with primarily Milwaukee fleets who want free basic accountability.

Key features

✓Free app; no subscription required
✓Built-in Bluetooth; 120+ Milwaukee tools
✓Community BLE network
✓Smart-tool customisation (torque, speed)
✓Procore and Autodesk integrations
✓Service reminders (date-based)

Pricing: Free · Trial: N/A (free)

Compare MapTrack vs Milwaukee ONE-KEY →

Asset Panda

Best for customisable tool workflows

Highly configurable with Gantt reservations, but no offline, no live GPS and tiered pricing with user minimums.

Asset Panda offers configurable asset and inventory tracking with barcode/QR scanning, customisable workflows and reservations with Gantt views. Used by 3,000+ organisations including Amazon, NASA and Harvard across many industries.

Strong customisation options for multi-team operations and request-fulfilment workflows. No offline mode in the mobile app (confirmed by PCMag) and GPS at scan only (not live tracking) may limit fit for field-heavy teams. Tiered pricing starts at roughly $3K/yr with minimum user counts.

Key features

✓Configurable workflows; custom fields
✓Barcode/QR; audit trails
✓Reservations; Gantt view
✓Work orders; PM
✓Custom forms; document storage
✓Integrations: Zendesk, JIRA, Slack

Pricing: Tiered; from ~$3K/yr · Trial: 14-day

Asset Panda alternative →

SafetyCulture

Best for tool inspections and safety

Inspection powerhouse with 10K+ templates, but no tool reservations and per-seat pricing.

SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) is a mobile-first operations platform for inspections, audits, checklists and training. Used by 85,000+ organisations with over 1 billion checks completed. The Assets module adds asset management, pre-starts and work orders.

Strong for teams where inspections, safety and training are the priority. The free tier (up to 10 users) lowers the barrier to entry. Per-seat pricing from $24/mo and no asset reservations or planning view may limit fit for teams managing tools across multiple job sites.

Key features

✓Inspections/audits; 10K+ templates
✓Asset management; pre-starts; work orders
✓Training (LMS) built in
✓AI template builder
✓Free tier (10 users)
✓Full offline

Pricing: Per seat; from ~$24/mo · Trial: Free tier (10 users)

SafetyCulture alternative →

MaintainX

Best for tool maintenance workflows

Top-rated CMMS for work orders, but no tool reservations or per-asset pricing.

MaintainX is an AI-powered CMMS for work orders, preventive and predictive maintenance, parts inventory and checklists. Rated #1 CMMS on G2 (Winter 2026) with strong mobile and offline support, it is popular with frontline maintenance teams in manufacturing, facilities and fleet.

A free Basic tier with unlimited requester accounts drives adoption. Best fit for maintenance-heavy operations where work orders and procedures are the priority. Less suited for teams needing tool reservations, a planning view or per-asset pricing with unlimited users.

Key features

✓Work orders; preventive/meter triggers
✓Checklists, procedures
✓Parts inventory
✓Mobile-first; offline
✓Free Basic tier
✓Samsara, Titan GPS integrations

Pricing: Per user; from ~$20/mo · Trial: Free Basic tier

MaintainX alternative →

Tenna

Best for construction tool and equipment tracking

Construction-focused mixed fleet tracking - custom-quote pricing and US focus.

Tenna targets construction and civil with mixed-fleet tracking (heavy equipment, fleet, tools, attachments) via GPS, BLE and QR. Real-time tracking, maintenance, scheduling and safety compliance in a unified construction stack. 650+ construction businesses; recently acquired by John Deere.

Own hardware ecosystem (TennaBLE beacons, GPS trackers) plus OEM integrations (Volvo, Komatsu, John Deere, Caterpillar via AEMP). Strong for construction-specific workflows including DVIR and Procore/Viewpoint integration. Custom-quote pricing and US/Canada/Mexico focus.

Key features

✓GPS, BLE and QR tracking
✓Equipment scheduling
✓Work orders; meter triggers
✓Custom inspections; DVIR
✓OEM integrations
✓Procore integration

Pricing: Custom quote · Trial: Contact vendor

Compare MapTrack vs Tenna →

ToolSense

Best for facilities tool management at scale

Enterprise asset ops with IoT depth - niched into facilities with custom pricing.

ToolSense is a cloud-based asset operations and CMMS platform with QR and IoT tracking (GPS, runtime, battery, fuel), work orders, inspections, equipment scheduling and lifecycle management. 700+ customers across 30+ countries including ISS (500,000+ machines).

Own IoT hardware (BLACKBIRD, ROCBIRD, SIRIN) and deep OEM integrations (Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo via AEMP). Enterprise stack integrations (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics). 100+ languages and SOC 2/ISO compliance for global deployments. Custom-quote pricing and offline status unconfirmed.

Key features

✓QR and IoT tracking
✓Equipment scheduling
✓Work orders; rules engine
✓Safety inspections
✓Own IoT hardware
✓SAP, Oracle, Dynamics

Pricing: Tiered; custom quote · Trial: 30-day free trial

Compare MapTrack vs ToolSense →

Spreadsheets

Status quo for many teams

No software cost but no single source of truth, no mobile workflows and no compliance or maintenance tied to tools.

Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) are where most teams start. They work for a small number of tools with few users but break down as you scale — versions drift, there is no audit trail, no mobile field workflows, no reservations and no compliance or maintenance tied to individual tools.

Key features

✓No software cost
✓Familiar interface
✓Flexible for simple lists

Pricing: Free / included · Trial: N/A

Spreadsheet alternative →

Also worth considering

These platforms did not make our top 8 but may suit specific use cases:

•GoCodes: Simple QR + GPS tool tracking for SMB construction. Transparent pricing from $500/yr. Android offline only; user caps per tier.
•ShareMyToolbox: Simple loan/borrow/transfer for construction tools. Free tier (100 tools, 3 employees). Per-user pricing; US construction focus.
•EZOfficeInventory (EZO): Asset lifecycle management with a request portal, fulfilment centre and unlimited users on all tiers. Strong for IT, education and healthcare check-out workflows. Offline on higher tiers only. From $40/mo (250 items).

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What is tool tracking software?

Tool tracking software is a digital system that keeps a central register of your tools and lets you identify, assign and audit them via QR codes, barcodes, Bluetooth or GPS. It replaces or reduces reliance on spreadsheets and paper logs by giving you one place to see what you own, who has it and where it was last recorded.

A key distinction is single-brand vs mixed-brand tracking. Vendor-specific apps like Hilti ON!Track and Milwaukee ONE-KEY offer deep integration for their own tools but limit mixed-brand fleets. Platform-agnostic options like MapTrack track all brands in one register. Many solutions go further: reservations and planning so you can allocate tools to jobs; compliance (pre-starts, inspections) attached to each tool; and maintenance (work orders, meter-based triggers).

What does tool tracking software do?

•Centralise the register: One list of tools with details, photos, documents and lifecycle history, all brands in one system.
•Identify and assign: Scan QR/barcode or select to assign to person, crew, site or project; check-in/out with accountability.
•Reservations and planning: Reserve tools by job or period; see availability in a planning view; avoid double-booking across crews.
•Compliance and inspections: Pre-starts, inspections and evidence attached to each tool. Failed checks can trigger work orders automatically.
•Maintenance: Work orders triggered by meters, inspections or schedules. Service history and parts tied to each tool.
•Audits and stocktakes: Bulk scanning to verify what is on site, identify gaps and reconcile against the register.
•Reporting and utilisation: Know what is being used, where, and what is due for servicing, compliance or audit.

How to choose the right tool tracking platform

1. Assess your brand mix. If your fleet is almost entirely one brand (e.g. Hilti or Milwaukee), a vendor-specific app may offer the deepest integration. If you run mixed brands (Hilti, Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, Bosch and others), choose a platform-agnostic system so every tool is in one register. This is the single biggest decision for tool tracking.

2. Decide what goes in one system. Do you need tracking only, or tracking plus reservations, compliance and maintenance? Unified platforms reduce the number of tools you manage and keep evidence tied to each tool. If you only need CMMS, a maintenance-first platform like MaintainX may be a better fit.

3. Check mobile and offline support. If field teams update from job sites, underground or remote areas, offline mode is essential. Not all platforms offer it. Verify before committing. Look for mobile apps that work on iOS, Android and tablet.

4. Compare pricing models. Per-asset with unlimited users scales well when you roll out to many field workers. Per-user pricing suits small teams. Free options (Milwaukee ONE-KEY) work for single-brand fleets. Compare total cost for your tool count and expected user count.

5. Run a demo with your real workflows. Shortlist two or three options, prepare a list of your tool types and typical workflows (assign, audit, inspect, maintain, reserve) and see how each platform handles them. A 15–30 minute demo is usually enough to gauge fit.

How much does tool tracking software cost?

Tool tracking software pricing falls into four common models. The right choice depends on your tool count, user count and which features you need.

Per-asset pricing

Price scales with tool/asset count; unlimited users included. Suits field-heavy teams with many workers. Example: MapTrack.

Per-user pricing

Price scales with user/seat count. Works for small teams or when user count is predictable. Examples: MaintainX (from ~$20/user/mo), SafetyCulture (from ~$24/seat/mo).

Tiered / custom quote

Enterprise or hardware-bundled pricing. Contact for a quote. Examples: Tenna, Hilti ON!Track (quote), Asset Panda (tiered from ~$3K/yr), ToolSense (custom quote).

Free

No subscription cost but limited to one brand or basic features. Example: Milwaukee ONE-KEY (free app, Milwaukee tools only).

Most platforms offer a free trial (14–30 days) or a free tier. Factor in hardware costs (GPS devices, BLE tags, labels) if applicable. Get a MapTrack pricing estimate for your tool count.

Why tool tracking matters for contractors

Tools are high-value and easily lost, stolen or misplaced across sites and crews. Without a single source of truth, accountability is unclear, audits are slow and jobs are delayed when the right tool is not where it should be. Good tool tracking software improves who-has-what visibility, speeds up stocktakes, supports compliance (evidence attached to each tool) and can tie maintenance to real usage rather than guesswork.

For construction, electrical, plumbing and civil contractors, the right platform can reduce loss and shrinkage, support audit readiness, improve job readiness through reservations, and give operations one place to look. One MapTrack customer recovered $142,000+ worth of stolen equipment in under 48 hours. Reservations ensure the right tools arrive at the right job, reducing downtime and preventing double-booking across crews.

Conclusion: choose the right fit for your tools

The best tool tracking software depends on your tool mix (single-brand vs mixed), scale, need for reservations and maintenance, and budget. This guide compared 8 platforms across tracking methods, compliance, mobile/offline support and pricing so you can shortlist with confidence. MapTrack is built for mixed-brand tool fleets with tracking, reservations, compliance and maintenance in one platform; if that fits your needs, a demo can show how it works for your team.

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Frequently asked questions

What is tool tracking software?: Tool tracking software is a digital system that lets you register tools, assign them to people, crews or jobs, track check-in/out via QR codes, barcodes or Bluetooth, and run scan-based audits. Many platforms also support reservations, compliance (pre-starts, inspections) and maintenance (work orders). The right fit depends on whether you need single-brand or mixed-brand tracking, and whether you want tracking only or tracking plus compliance and maintenance in one system.
Is GPS tracking practical for hand tools and power tools?: For most hand and power tools, QR and barcode scanning are sufficient for identification, assignments and audits. GPS is more practical for high-value plant, generators and vehicles because it requires hardware on each asset. BLE beacons offer proximity detection at lower cost per item. Mix tracking methods by tool type and value to keep costs proportional.
Who publishes this tool tracking comparison?: MapTrack publishes this guide and includes itself as one option among others. We are transparent about authorship and do not claim to be the single best solution. Fit depends on your tool mix, workflows and budget. We encourage you to shortlist two or three platforms and run a demo before deciding.
What if I have mixed tool brands (Hilti, Milwaukee, etc.)?: Vendor-specific apps (e.g. Hilti ON!Track, Milwaukee ONE-KEY) focus on their own ecosystem and offer the deepest integration for that brand. For mixed-brand fleets, look for platform-agnostic tool tracking (e.g. MapTrack, Asset Panda, Tenna) so you have one register for all tools regardless of manufacturer.
Can I reserve tools by job or project?: Not all tool tracking software includes reservations. MapTrack has a built-in planning view so you can reserve tools by job and avoid double-booking. Asset Panda offers Gantt-style reservations with approvals. Tenna and ToolSense offer equipment scheduling. Verify reservation capabilities with each vendor if that is a requirement.
How do contractors use tool tracking day to day?: Typical workflow: register tools in a central system, assign to crew or job, check in/out from site via QR or barcode scan, run periodic audits (bulk scan to verify presence and gaps), and tie pre-starts or inspections to individual tools. Reservations help plan who gets what for the week or project. Book a demo to see workflows that match your operations.
What pricing models exist for tool tracking software?: Milwaukee ONE-KEY is free but limited to Milwaukee tools. Per-user platforms like MaintainX start around $20 per user per month. Per-seat options like SafetyCulture start at $24 per seat per month. Per-asset platforms like MapTrack price by tool count with unlimited users included. Tiered platforms like Asset Panda start at roughly $3,000 per year. Expect $2,000 to $15,000 per year for mid-market deployments depending on tool count, users and features.
Which tool tracking platforms suit contractors with mixed-brand fleets?: Construction teams typically need mixed-brand tracking, reservations to avoid double-booking across jobs, compliance (pre-starts, inspections) and maintenance for tools and plant. MapTrack, Tenna and ToolSense are built for construction and field teams. Hilti ON!Track and Milwaukee ONE-KEY suit brand-specific tool fleets. Evaluate based on your mix of tool brands and whether you need one system for tracking, compliance and maintenance.
Why does offline support matter for tool tracking on job sites?: Job sites often have poor or no connectivity, especially underground, in tunnels or on remote builds. Offline mode lets field teams scan, assign and complete forms without a signal and sync when connectivity returns. MapTrack, MaintainX, SafetyCulture and Tenna support full offline. Asset Panda does not offer offline mode. Verify before committing.
How long does it take to move from spreadsheets to tool tracking software?: Most teams are operational within one to two weeks. Vendors support CSV import or an API. MapTrack offers AI-assisted import to auto-match columns to fields. Start with high-value tools first, tag them with QR labels as you go, then expand to the full inventory. Book a demo to discuss migration steps for your situation.

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About the author

Lachlan McRitchie

GM of Operations

Lachlan leads operations and go-to-market at MapTrack, focusing on SEO, product-led acquisition and helping heavy-industry teams discover better ways to manage their assets.

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Reviewed by Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

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