Tool management and tool tracking are key processes for improving workshop productivity. They can free up your time and transform your business operations. Optimising workflows, enhancing safety, and improving tool accountability are essential. Do you know who has which tools and equipment in your workshop? Can you account for all tools and equipment you issued? Do you have measures to identify items not returned? Are tool calibrations, servicing, and break-fix status managed? Is the spare parts inventory managed in an efficient manner?
Tool Management is an issue now receiving much attention in industrial practice. It is recognised that the lack of proper tool management procedures may jeopardise the efficiency and effectiveness of the manufacturing system, whether conventional or computer integrated. Tool Management and Its Implications
The Cost of Inefficiency
Missing tools and their parts can bring everything to a standstill, and you can end up wasting a lot of time hunting for what you need. When tools and equipment aren’t where they’re supposed to be, it’s a real challenge that hits productivity hard.
Enhancing Accountability with Tagging
A key feature of tool management software is tool tracking via item tagging. It boosts accountability and reduces the chance of tools disappearing. By tagging tools with anti-theft designs or passive RFID tags, organisations can create a secure ecosystem. This measure deters theft and ensures that workers return tools without delay.
Digital Tool Tracking for Seamless Operations
In today’s fast-paced work environment, tools are often moved. This makes it hard to track their whereabouts. Tools and equipment management software solve this problem. It shows tool usage and ownership/location. Organisations can save time and resources with digital tool tracking and issuance (loan/lease). It eliminates the need for manual tracking methods.
Maintenance Made Easy
Regular maintenance is vital. It keeps tools in top condition and extends their lifespan. Tracking tools and equipment simplifies maintenance processes. It enforces consistent schedules and sends timely service reminders. It keeps tools working and helps organisations comply with health and safety rules.
Anytime, Anywhere Access
The full knowledge, control and power of Hardcat tool tracking is at hand whether you are in the workshop or on-site. Hardcat Cloud-hosted SaaS options are accessible on any web-enabled device. The smartphone and tablet application provides you with mobility and accessibility no matter where you are. So you can keep an eye on tools and equipment data, even when they’re out of sight.
Our tool tracking has replaced slow, paper methods. We offer an automated system to manage thousands of tools with these key features:
- Improved safety via qualification validation and traceability.
- Employee authentication through security pass scanning.
- Effortless tool issuance with job card association via wireless scanning.
- Robust tool calibration and service management.
- Enhanced compliance through traceability and strong reporting.
- Reduced losses by tracking all issued items.
- Increased efficiency, especially in the quick issue and return of tools.
- Effective qualification management by checking training and qualifications.
- Improved inventory tracking with full visibility of all issued items.
- Individual accountability through tracking tools and usage insights (what, where, who, and when).
- Optimised asset lifecycles through maintenance tracking and cost collection.
The Hardcat Advantage
At Hardcat, we understand the challenges that organisations face when it comes to tool tracking. That’s why our tool management solutions aim to streamline processes. It will empower your organisation to take control. Our tools and equipment tracking solutions have everything to optimise your operations. It features employee authentication, tool calibration management, and advanced reporting. Delivering significant outcomes.
The Hardcat system rigorously records details for both tools and consumables. This includes critical information like historical issuance and return dates, projected return dates, unique identification tags, serial numbers, tool classifications, calibration and service histories, qualification certificates, present location, and status (e.g., Issued, Available, Quarantined, Retired, Lost and/or Faulty). Additionally, it keeps track of inventory counts and any relevant notes. Business rules consider employee qualifications and certifications. Alerts are generated if a tool is issued to an employee without the necessary compliance or if an employee is issued a tool type they already possess.
From a maintenance standpoint, the system proactively generates alerts to prevent the issuance of a tool if its calibration and/or servicing status (e.g., Quarantined, Retired, Lost, Faulty). Moreover, the solution serves as a valuable asset for overseeing maintenance activities related to tool calibrations, servicing, and Break-Fix status, while also efficiently managing spare parts inventory. Additionally, the system offers a comprehensive array of reports detailing the status and availability of tools and consumables, empowering the organisation to facilitate strategic planning and meet essential compliance requirements. Shipbuilding Enterprise Customer.
Digital processes for managing tools and equipment, versus manual methods, show big efficiency gains. Digital workflows can save time and boost productivity and effectiveness. Streamlining tasks and boosting tool location accuracy and speed of finding equipment. Hardcat, is your ultimate solution for streamlined tool management. Our specialist software suite serves as a dynamic single source of truth, revolutionising the way organisations manage their tools and equipment base.
