Tool management is a key process for improving workshop productivity. It can free up your time and optimise workflows, enhancing safety and improving tool accountability. Do you know who has which tools and equipment in your workshop?
Can you account for all tools and equipment 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?
Ensuring tool availability is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted operations, whether in highly automated manufacturing environments or in emergency services departments where every second counts. From large-scale factories to smaller machine shops, and from fire stations to paramedic units, reliable access to the right tools and equipment is essential.
What are the hidden costs of inefficient processes?
Missing tools, spare parts, and their consumables can bring operations 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.
A key feature of digital tool management software is tracking via item tagging and assignment to workers via ID passes. 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, increases accountability and ensures that workers return tools without delay.
What is digital tool management?
Digital tool management refers to software systems and processes that centralise the tracking, and optimisation of physical tools and equipment. Ensuring the right tool is available at the right time with accurate data. Digital tool management minimises search time, duplication, and stock waste while optimising procurement and maintenance through predictive alerts. It enhances collaboration across teams, supports scalability via cloud-based SaaS models, and lowers costs by preventing excess inventory. For enterprises like those using asset tracking, it aligns with RFID integration for end-to-end visibility.
Why is digitising your tools and equipment management a game changer?
To quote our latest customer BAE Systems Australia; by replacing manual processes and extensive paperwork with automated workflows and digital tools, a digital shipyard significantly improves the management of complex shipbuilding projects, optimises resource usage, and fosters innovative approaches to naval construction.
Collaborating with Australian company Hardcat, we have introduced a tool tracking system, that replaces manual processes with an innovative pass-swiping asset management capability. Checking out a tool is now as simple as scanning a pass, the tool or consumable, and then scanning them back in when done. The software also tracks tool usage, duration, job assignment, and operator qualifications which eliminates time, mistakes, and paper.
Managing the enormous amount of materials and millions of parts needed to build six ships is critical to the program’s success. Through ‘Project Pinpoint’, we are implementing a new digitised inventory tracking system featuring mobile capabilities that will streamline material management processes. Using handheld devices, the warehouse and logistics teams will be able to perform material management activities and complete data entry while remaining mobile. This system will increase capacity, speed, and accuracy of data entry, by replacing manual sheets with efficient barcode scanning.
“The Hunter Class Frigate Program is transforming shipbuilding with state-of-the-art manufacturing methods and automated equipment to deliver world-class quality while saving time and money. We’re not only radically improving our construction processes, but we’re also transforming the entire Osborne Naval Shipyard to make it digital.
To enable digital transformation of BAE’s Osborne Naval Shipyard, we’ve implemented several initiatives to strengthen digital threads. Collaborating with Australian company Hardcat, we have introduced a tool tracking system, that replaces manual processes with an innovative pass-swiping asset management capability. Checking out a tool is now as simple as scanning a pass, the tool or consumable, and then scanning them back in when done. The software also tracks tool usage, duration, job assignment, and operator qualifications which eliminates time, mistakes, and paper.” BAE Systems Australia
How can you simplify maintenance and calibrations?
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.
Accurate calibration and proper documentation of test equipment is also essential to avoid manufacturing errors and compliance issues. Define calibration intervals, monitor schedules, and log measurement results, ensuring precision and readiness at all times. Schedule maintenance and calibration alerts. Receive damage notices and repair requests from the field. Track the history of all these activities so that you can keep your tools and equipment working.
Tool management 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 management solution has replaced slow, paper methods. We offer an automated system to manage thousands of tools with these key features:
Tool management case study
At Hardcat, we understand the challenges that organisations face when it comes to tool tracking. That’s why our tools 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. BAE Case Study PDF
Conclusion
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 tools management.
Read our online tool and equipment management solutions PDF aimed at streamlining processes.
