Irrespective of the products you make, if your production line goes down it can be a real issue. Downtime can often be avoided or even predicted. Unfortunately, though, some companies fail to reduce production downtime as much as they could. 

This article contains some top tips that can realistically help you reduce downtime by using an equipment management system. A direct consequence of this will result in your company being more productive. Let’s take a look at some tips now.

Downtime is a period of the working day when some or all of your production lines don’t work very well, if at all. When this occurs, backlogs can become an issue and deadlines may not be met. Other problems such as inefficiency and lack of motivation may also arise. 

When you start to use an equipment management system you can significantly reduce the likelihood of downtime occurring. The first way to do this is by learning how to identify potential issues.

A really good way of helping to reduce downtime is by learning and training your team to learn how to pick up on potential issues. You may wish to analyse data that shows you how well your equipment is running. Should something begin to run slowly or there are patterns in the data, it may be time to check them out. 

Did you know that your equipment management system can help you with this? It could tell you the last time there was a problem. It could show you the list of what to do when something goes wrong. As long as you had previously input the information, you can access it on your chosen device whenever you need to.

When something goes wrong, ideally, you and your team will deal with it quickly. This could help you to reduce downtime. You can potentially make downtime less of an issue if everyone knows what to do. As we have already seen, you can add a list of instructions to your new equipment management system. You could also assign specific tasks to people via the software. Simply add a note stating what needs to be done and tag your chosen people in it. 

An additional way of dealing with issues quickly revolves around reading data to determine when something may go wrong. When you notice a problem you could resolve it by ordering parts or planning preventative maintenance.

Many people wait until something has broken before it is repaired. While it makes sense to only repair something that isn’t working, using preventative maintenance can be a real help. When you can help to minimise downtime and, therefore, minimise disruption, you know it makes sense. This is what preventative maintenance is all about. 

Take that data, look at how your equipment is behaving, and be aware of things going wrong. Then, resolve the issue before it becomes a real problem. One really effective way of dealing with issues before they arise involves setting up maintenance schedules. Using your chosen equipment management system, set up regular schedules for everything. Make sure you schedule the smallest piece of machinery to the largest one and everything in between. 

When you stay on top of maintenance you keep everything in a better working order. You could also save yourself some money by making your equipment last longer. Therefore, it makes sense for you to use preventative maintenance when and where you can.

The final top tip that could reduce production line downtime involves training your team. Your team should know what to look out for and how to deal with any problems. They should also be aware of how to correctly operate your equipment. While this may sound rather obvious, you could find that not everyone knows how to operate everything. 

Stay up-to-date with your training and be sure to offer refresher training sessions now and again. When you introduce new equipment to your factory, ensure everyone knows how to use it. You may also wish to train your team so that they know what to look out for in case something goes wrong. Don’t forget to train your maintenance team so they know how to carry out repairs. Don’t assume that they know how to repair everything. 

Your equipment management system can help you with your training sessions. It could show you who’s done what training. You could set up training schedules and invite the appropriate people along. When you stay on top of training your team will have fewer operational issues. What this means is that your production line is less likely to experience downtime. 

Would you like to speak with an expert about using an equipment management system to reduce production line downtime? Contact us today at team@itemit.com. 

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A lot of business-related work is carried out in the field. Work such as this can involve speaking with customers or checking the progress of a project. In any case, when you work in the field, it makes sense to know where all of your assets are. It also makes sense for you to understand who is using what equipment and even if the equipment is in a good state of repair. These things can all be understood when you make the most of mobile asset tracking.

Of course, a lot of businesses track the assets that they use when they’re not in the field. However, not all of them use mobile asset tracking when they are. Let’s explore what this is and how it can benefit your business.

Mobile asset tracking is very similar to a lot of modern tracking solutions. However, the major difference is that you can use the software when you’re out and about. You do not have to be confined to your desk or even a desktop computer. When you use a mobile solution, it allows you to track all of your assets no matter where you are. You could even be on the other side of the world and still track your assets. As long as they have a barcode or an RFID tag attached to them, your assets can be tracked. 

Did you know that when you track your assets this way you can make changes to your asset register? You can do this wherever you are. When you make those changes, they will be updated on all of your devices. So, no matter where you log in from, you can gain access to updated information.

Creating an asset register is very easy. In fact, it’s likely to be much easier than you think. All that you need to do is attach a barcode or an RFID tag to the assets you want to track. When you have one attached, tracking begins. Please just make sure that you give each digital profile a name and add a bit of information about the asset in question. When you do, you’ll find that asset tracking is a breeze.

Working in the field allows you to speak with your customers or to see how a project is progressing. However, you may find that your tools or equipment occasionally fail to work. What can you do about this? You may simply have to phone the right department and tell them what’s what. You may also have to collect a replacement or wait until your tool has been repaired. Sometimes it can take far too long for messages to be sent to the correct department. 

The good news is that when you use the right software, mobile asset tracking and maintenance is very easy. When something goes wrong, you can simply report the issue via the software. Log into it and select the asset that’s no longer working. Then, leave a message for the maintenance department so they know what needs to be done. You could also message another department to it a request for an additional asset so they’re aware one is required. As long as all departments have access to the software and receive notifications dealing with situations such as this can be easy. The software can make communication much easier. As a result, you could get your tasks completed sooner rather than later.

Did you know that you can assign assets to particular people? This is a great way of making sure that your team members have the tools they need. It also means that you have a better idea as to whether you have enough tools. When you can assign assets in this way it helps to make them more secure. But did you know your team members can make use of the check-in and check-out option? When they do, you can always see who is using what. When you use mobile asset tracking it helps you to keep a track of everything with ease.

You can access your register no matter where you are and via multiple devices. Login via your tablet or phone. Use a laptop or a desktop computer to update your register or send a message. You can gain full access to the tracking software via any device. Working in this way is highly convenient and it can help to improve operations. This is simply because you’ll save time and know how your business is actually running. 

Wish to chat with someone knowledgeable about asset tracking in the field? Contact us today at team@itemit.com.

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These days, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking is very popular. This is thanks to its ease of use and effectiveness. In fact, you may be hard pressed to find another type of tracking that is as easy and effective as RFID tags. This is no exaggeration. RFID tags consist of a tag and a reader. The reader picks up signals made by the tags, and every reader does this surprisingly well.  

Your new RFID asset tracking system can help you to keep track of your fixed assets so you know who’s using them and even if they break down. You can also save information about your assets in the digital profiles that you create. This ensures that using tags such as these is more convenient than you may have originally realised.

Fixed tracking is very simple. As long as you have an RFID tag attached to the asset in question, it can be tracked. We have already seen how a tag works, but did you know that you can attach a tag to almost anything? As long as you can place the tag on a flat surface, you’re good to go. 

While many businesses track assets that are not fixed, they also track fixed assets. While they may not move from location to location, they still need to be tracked for a variety of reasons. 

Perhaps you have lots of different assets and you want to make finding them easier. Maybe you would like to track your most valuable assets so you know they’re where they need to be. Finally, you could track all of your fixed assets, if you wish. Doing so means you can create digital profiles full to the brim with useful information. This information can be accessed by you and/or your team as and when it’s required. All that you need to do is choose an RFID asset tracking system that offers you features you’ll find useful.

RFID tags tend to last longer than QR codes and barcodes. This may well be because they have a lot more technology built into them. Alternatively, it may be that they stay in place more easily as they have been built to last. The reason could also be a combination of the two. This allows you and many others to enjoy using an RFID asset tracking system that lasts.

We see QR codes everywhere nowadays. They appear on television, on menus, on the tables in restaurants and in shop windows. Some tracking systems even use QR codes, allowing you to locate your assets. However, using an RFID asset tracking system instead is a much better option. Here’s why: 

• It’s possible to scan an RFID without the tag being visible 
• You put tags anywhere and it will be scanned
• They’re ideal if you don’t want to handle a fragile asset

Quite simply, RFID tags are more convenient.

What RFID asset tracking system you should use depends on your needs. However, when you find one that works for you, it will start to benefit your business. Below, you will find just a few reasons why:

• You can see who is using the asset
• Historical data will be created as soon as you begin using the software
• Your assets will be more secure as they can be tracked if they’re moved
• Reports about each asset’s usage can be created and exported
• You will have a clear idea of how your business is running
• Gaining access to your software is easy, allowing you to complete tasks quickly

These are just some of the benefits associated with using RFID tags.

When you create a digital profile for each asset, make sure you set up a maintenance schedule. Your RFID asset tracking system can help you to stay on top of asset maintenance, ensuring everything lasts longer. This will help to keep costs down. 

Should one of your assets be in high demand, you can let your team members add their names to a list. Seeing who wishes to use an asset, such as a laptop, for example,  will ensure everyone is able to. Should the list be long, it may indicate that you need to purchase another laptop. Finally, one major benefit relates to being able to access the software via multiple devices. You can log into your software via a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, the choice is yours. 

Would you like to speak with an expert about using an RFID asset tracking system to help you track your fixed assets? Contact us now at team@itemit.com. 

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An asset register is exactly what you may think it is, a register that’s full to the brim with details about all of your assets. You can add any assets that you like to your register. In fact, the more equipment, machinery, tools, and vehicles, etc. that you add, the better. The more tools, etc. that you add, the more you can track. Ideally, the asset register format that you choose will offer you what you need. Before we delve into this, let’s take a look at what this type of register actually is and how it works.

An asset register is a type of register that’s cloud-based. As such, you don’t need to download any software. All that you need to do is log into your software and you’re good to go. 

Your new register will allow you to add a lot of information about all of your assets. You can create a digital profile for your equipment, vehicles, tools, machines, and everything in between. When you have chosen an asset register format, depending on what it lets you do you should be able to add details about each asset. These details can be added to every digital profile you create.

As we have already seen, you can add some or all of your equipment, vehicles, tools, machinery, and everything else to your chosen asset register format. Just purchased a new computer? You can add that. Downloaded some software? Add that so you know where/who you purchased it from. 

Did you know that once you have created a digital profile you can add details about the asset in question? Add as many details as you wish. However, you may want to include the insurance and warranty information as standard. It would not hurt to add the instruction manual in PDF format or indeed a link to it. 

When you add some really useful details you will be grateful as and when you need them. You can access the details easily by logging into your account and selecting the appropriate asset. It is this simple.

Creating a register for all of your equipment, machinery, tools, etc. is easy. Log into your software so you’re ready to begin. Then, add a QR code or RFID tag to the assets you want to track. Scan the code or tag so a profile is created. Now it’s time to add details about the asset in question. Once you’ve added the details the profile has been created. Repeat this process until you have added every asset. 

Please make sure your chosen asset register format offers you everything you need as every brand offers something different. Make sure that you know what you need before you sign up for some software. When you have all of the features you need from your cloud-based register you can make the most of it.

Most businesses and individuals use an asset register so that they can track their assets. Being able to see where everything is all of the time is very useful. It can help you to save time if you usually spend at least 5 minutes looking for everything. You can simply log into your software via your chosen device and see where everything is located. 

Please make sure that the asset register format you’ve chosen makes location tracking easy. The easier it is, the quicker you’ll be able to locate the asset in question.

There are many benefits associated with using a register that tracks your assets. Some of these benefits include:

• Heightened level of security – Whenever you attach a QR code or RFID tag to an asset you automatically make it more secure. This is because the user knows it’s being tracked. So, your assets are less likely to go missing. 
• Less money spent replacing lost assets – When fewer assets go missing you will end up spending less money replacing them. This can only be a good thing. 
• Better asset maintenance – Setting up a maintenance schedule when you create a digital profile is a good idea. It helps to keep everything in better condition, ensuring it lasts longer. 
• Better idea of how your business is running – Thanks to the ability to create exportable reports, you can see exactly how your business is running. 
• Access via many devices – Gain access using your phone, a tablet, a laptop or a desktop computer, the choice is yours. 

As you can see, there are some amazing benefits to having a register that tracks your assets. Now it’s time for you to start taking advantage of them. 

Would you like to chat with an expert about using an asset register format? Contact us now at team@itemit.com. 

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Anyone who works in a hospital will tell you that organising and managing any type of equipment is easier said than done. With so many machines, carts, trolleys, files, and everything else floating around it’s hard to keep track of everything. This is when using an equipment management system can make a big difference. A system such as this has been designed to ensure that managing all kinds of equipment/assets is easy. Let’s now take a look at why this is the case.

Did you know that an equipment management system can help to lower costs? This is because using software such as this enhances security surrounding your assets. From time to time, things go missing or get lost, no matter how well you look after things. When you use a management system, however, people take better care of things. Both staff and patients are more likely to feel responsible for whatever it is they are using. What this means is that those assets will last longer, thereby reducing costs. This can only be a good thing as far as any hospital or clinic is concerned. Reducing costs is paramount and it can be achieved when you use the right management system.

Making sure that everyone has the equipment they need is so important. When you can control who has what, more team members can have the tools they need. A direct result of this means that patients are more likely to have an improved level of care. If this was not enough, when you use a management system such as this, it means every team member can get faster access to the tools, equipment, computers, and anything else they need. A doctor or nurse who gains access to diagnostic tools quicker can potentially save a life. A quicker diagnosis means patients may get the treatment that they need sooner rather than later. This can only be a good thing. 

When hospitals can and do provide a better level of care it’s not just the patients who feel better. Morale is improved and your workforce might be happier. This is simply because they are getting the outcomes that they want. So you see, an improvement in the level of care thanks to the use of an equipment management system can realistically work wonders for everyone.

Did you know that an equipment management system can help you to track your ambulances? It can ensure that you know where all of your vehicles are at all times. It’s likely that you use some type of tracking system anyway, but when you choose the right software it makes life easier. Tracking your ambulances, cars, and the tools and assets in them at the same time is possible, and it’s also very easy. Know where everything is all day, every day. Not only will this ensure that you can retrieve everything if you need to, it also enhances security even more.

As you’re no doubt aware, there is always something in need of repair. Whether it’s a bed, a monitor, a stethoscope, a trolley, or something else, there’s always something that needs looking at.  This is where an equipment management system can come in and help. When you start using a management system for the first time you can set up a maintenance schedule. You can do this for all of your assets. What this means is that everything is more likely to have its yearly/six-monthly repair so assets could be in better condition. Depending on the management system you choose, you could also find it easier to report issues with an asset. When you do, your maintenance team can receive an alert and deal with the problem. Therefore, you and your team will have more assets that are in a better state of repair.

Different departments and teams in your hospital need to use different equipment. Assigning the right equipment to the right people means everyone always has what they need. This feature is also ideal if you employ people who work in the community and if you lend equipment out to patients. You can keep a closer eye on who is using what and when. No longer need to send a scanner to ward 2? Simply un-assign it and take it to another ward or keep it somewhere else so it’s ready to be used again when it’s needed. When you have an equipment management system that offers you this feature it ensures that the right ward or teams are more likely to have the tools they need. 

Wish to speak with an expert about using an equipment management system in hospitals? Contact us today at team@itemit.com.

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