Safety first. Nobody knows that better than a pair of safety goggles. They protect your eyes from sparks, shrapnel, splinters and mean you can do your job safely.

What about when they’re checked out, though? There are so many people in your team that all need critical PPE. How do you make sure your favourite pair is always sitting ready to protect your eyes from the elements? The answer is asset management software.

A New Pair

A new pair of safety goggles arrived in the storeroom this week. They were set down among all of the other tools and equipment, ready to be tagged up and accounted for.

Excited, he (the safety goggles!) looked around the workshop, ready to meet all the fresh and all the rusty tools, to make friends, and to get right to work.

The store manager picked him up and placed a QR code asset tag on the side. He then opened his asset management software and scanned them in. Now, the safety goggles had their very own digital profile.

The safety goggles admired the tag in the mirror, loving his new work uniform. 

Getting to Work

The other workers began to walk in. The safety goggles watched in admiration, ready to get straight to work. 

“Who needs what?” One of the construction workers bellowed.

“We all need our PPE.” Another responded, walking over to the tagged up equipment. All of them drew out their phones and their asset management software and started scanning the asset tags of the equipment they need for the day and checking them out.

Helmets were checked out, high visibility jackets, gloves, all from the simple scan of a phone. The asset management software instantly updated to reflect which staff members had checked out which bits of kit.

Then, the workers approached the goggles. The new pair lit up with glee.

One by one, the goggles around him were all selected. Each and every one of them checked out with a quick scan of their asset management software. All but him.

Someone knocked him to the side. He fell, amongst the dust and rubble of the workshop.

Asset Management Software

A construction worker rushed through the door.

“Sorry, I’m late. I’ve missed it, haven’t I?” He said, out of breath. “Every day, we run out of equipment.”

The late worker’s eyes darted around. There was one of everything. Everything but a pair of safety goggles. That was the thing he really needed. That was the thing that was missing.

“Check the system.” The manager said, turning back to his work. 

The late worker opened the asset management software on his phone and searched for safety goggles. A brief glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a pair of safety goggles.

As easy as that, he could see there was one pair of safety goggles left. He breathed a sigh of relief. 

The easy to use asset management software showed the late worker that the goggles were located on shelf B.1.3. Much to his relief, he found the goggles waiting just for him and dusted them off.

The late worker scanned the goggles to check them out, and at the same time, he checked out all the other tools and PPE he needed for the day.

“You’re lucky,” The manager said, “You wouldn’t have been able to work without those goggles.”

It was a Christmas miracle. The late worker could get to work straight away, all thanks to asset management software!

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or, download the itemit app to get started

We know how important it is to get what you really want and need from your asset tracking system. An essential part of managing assets is tagging your assets so that they can be quickly and uniquely identified.

We know better than most that ‘assets’ are very varied and can encompass a laptop or tablet but can also be a valuable painting or Makita drill. As a result of this diversity, it’s only common sense that you may need to choose from a range of asset tags so that each asset gets a suitable tag that will stand the test of time.

Why do I need to use asset tags?

When you use asset tracking software that includes the ability to tag your assets, you create a critical link between the physical world and the digital world. All of a sudden, you can have instant access to user manuals, maintenance schedules and history and much more, exactly when you need it – simply by scanning the asset’s tag.

Tagged assets are uniquely identifiable. Why does that matter? Because even if three laptops look identical – they are not. If one of your three laptops is prone to overheating and turning itself off, then that is definitely not the one you want to take with you to your big presentation next week. Without the ability to uniquely identify each asset, you’re in the dark about which one is most suitable, and reliable!

Not only that, but using something as cheap and straightforward as a QR code asset tag allows your whole team to scan the asset using their phone and access useful information that will help them perform their daily duties.

With asset tags, you’ve got more efficient processes, happier staff, smoother operations and no risk that you’ve packed the dodgy laptop, perfect.

What tags do I use with itemit?

At itemit, we strive to give you the flexibility you need when it comes to asset tags, and we’re always adding more technologies and possibilities to the system to provide you with even more benefit.

Vinyl Stickers

As standard, we stock small vinyl sticker tags that are perfect for indoor assets, IT assets and tracking tools and equipment.

Here are the basics about the itemit vinyl asset stickers:

• Tag type – QR code
• Tag size – 23mm square
• Adhesive – Adhesive on the reverse
• Waterproof? – Splashproof, not suitable for being submerged in water for long periods
• Suitable for outdoor use? – No, suitable for indoor use only
• Cost – 500 x sticker tags, £129.99 excluding VAT and postage

Check out our full vinyl asset tag options here.

Anodised Aluminium Tags

For some tools and equipment and machinery, you’ll need something a little more robust. That’s why we also stock as standard an anodised aluminium tag.

Here are the basics about the itemit anodised aluminium asset stickers:

• Tag type – QR code
• Tag size – 25mm square and 50mm square
• Adhesive – 3M adhesive on the reverse
• Waterproof? – Waterproof
• Suitable for outdoor use? – Yes
• Cost – 500 x aluminium tags, £199.99 excluding VAT and postage

Check out our full metal asset tag pricing options here.

RFID Asset Tags

If you’re interested in RFID tags instead then we can supply you with those too. Due to the nature of RFID, it’s often best to try out a couple of different tags so that you can see how they perform in your environment. For example, metal and water can affect the readability of RFID tags, and you’ll need a different tag for your metal assets as this also interferes with RFID. Don’t worry too much about any of this, it may sound daunting, but we’ll be here to help you every step of the way if you’re looking for RFID asset tracking software.

Drop us an email: team@itemit.com and we’ll send you a free pack of sample RFID tags.

Custom Asset Tags

If none of these tags are what you’re looking for, then we will provide you with custom tags that are everything you need them to be. There are many ways you can customise your tags, including:

• Add your company logo
• Add your company name
• Add your company phone number
• Add a sequential serial number
• Have a much smaller tag for tiny assets
• Have a larger tag is that the QR code can be read from a greater distance
• Key fob asset tags
• Rivet holes on your asset tags for another attachment option

How do I customise my asset tags?

If you’re after a custom design, drop us an email with what you’re looking for so we can discuss further. Email: team@itemit.com, or give us a call if you prefer on 01223 421611. We’d be delighted to help.

How much are custom asset tags?

Because the customisations of our tags are unlimited, the pricing can, of course, vary a lot. To give you an idea, if you need a larger tag, the cost of the tags will increase, if you need a very small order quantity, your tags will also increase in price. Once we know a bit more about what you need, we will confirm the cost.

How do I buy custom tags?

Firstly, get in touch so we know what you’re looking for, and we can help you discover all the possibilities. Email: team@itemit.com, or give us a call if you prefer on 01223 421611.

We look forward to hearing more from you soon!

In the meantime, begin your free trial of the itemit asset tracking software by completing the form below, or head to the asset tags page to purchase some of our immediately available tags right now.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

In recent years, there has been a significant interest in BIM in the construction industry and increasingly so in Facilities Management. This is likely to be largely as a result of the UK government’s mandate that, since April 2016, all public contracts managed by the central government department require BIM Level 2 compliance. Thrown into the mix is also Digital Twin initiatives. You might be wondering what has all of this got to do with asset tracking? Let’s get stuck in.

What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the use of various methods and tools to create a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a building. There are multiple levels of BIM, as follows:

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/bim-news/what-is-bim/40457/

BIM was originally driven by the need to model a conceptual idea of a building through proper digital 2D and 3D designs to resolve any potential design faults before the building is constructed. This helps to significantly reduce the cost of construction and speed up project delivery. Subsequent BIM standardisation levels (levels 2 and 3) were added to expand beyond that scope, and take the benefit right through to ongoing building operations and facilities management.

What is A Digital Twin?

In the context of the construction industry and building management, a Digital Twin is a virtual representation of physical building assets from construction until usage and end-of-life decommissioning. 

In many ways, a Digital Twin continues where BIM has left off. Objects in BIM started as virtual objects to be physically constructed. In contrast, Digital Twin attempts to keep an accurate representation of the physical objects back into a virtual representation.

What does this mean for Asset Tracking?

Asset tracking is, therefore, a fundamental piece of the jigsaw that ties both digital and physical objects together, whether it is through BIM or the use of a Digital Twin.

To create the most efficient BIM process from design to construction, the only way in which a virtual object can be linked to a physical object during construction is by using some form of tagging. This can be achieved by using RFID tags, QR code tags or some other method.

Once the building has been constructed and handed over to become operational, BIM models are also passed over to Facilities Managers. Unfortunately, it is rarely the case that these buildings are handed over with physical assets that have been tagged and therefore linked to the BIM model. This disconnect causes great difficulty in managing those assets right from the very start as BIM data is often locked in architecture software applications or handed over in an almost human unreadable IFC or COBie file.

Therefore, the challenge of maintaining an accurate asset register and information about the physical assets rests on the shoulders of a Digital Twin. At itemit, we provide a digital twin profile for every single asset in the building. It can pull information from IFC/COBie to populate the digital twin profile, and subsequently, update the profile from a variety of sources. These include: automated last seen information simply from scanning the asset, manually entering and updating properties, and collaboratively managing assets as a team. 

In addition, itemit can also integrate into other IoT devices you’re already using (such as temperature sensors, motion sensors, etc.) to update the asset’s digital profile automatically.

If you’re keen to find out more about how itemit can help you create a digital twin, get in touch by emailing team@itemit.com.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

Here at itemit, we get the opportunity to help people track a wide variety of assets.

Whatever is important to you or your business, we can help you keep track of and manage it. Whether it’s for a production company, asset tracking for construction, artistic exploits, or for design, we can help you keep a hold of everything.

Creative Construction Companies

Any business will have a level of creativity when it comes to working out how to create a solution. Because of this, you may be a construction company with many High-Value Assets or bespoke tools and equipment that you’ve found to work the best.

What are assets? For construction companies, they are likely to be tools such as drills or hard-hats, for example. However, there are many more assets that you may not have thought of.

It’s the 21st century, and we’re approaching 2020, so the way BM systems and with the emergence of BIM, the way buildings are created has changed.

Now, instead of just using some blueprints and bricks and mortar, there’s a lot more of a technological element in project planning and building.

So, you can also track your IT assets using an effective ITAM software, and you can track any equipment used for 3D scanning or even printing. Technology is always developing, so why not develop with it?

Production Companies

What are assets when it comes to Production Companies? The answer is similar; it depends on what you’re using to build great movies or TV shows.

Assets can be your cameras, your sound equipment or even your hard-drives. If you’re renting out equipment, using a great asset management system can assist in managing all of this critical kit.

Scaling into the big time is possible if you’re saving a lot of money on your equipment. Then comes the marketing element. If you don’t successfully market your project, there’s a significant chance it won’t spread to be a BAFTA or Oscar-worthy piece of art as it simply won’t be seen as much.

Instead of just tracking your cameras and equipment, with itemit, you’ll also be able to track the IT assets you’re using to create marketing materials. Use it for GDPR compliance, and you’ll even be able to add software as assets so that you can see what’s most effective at bringing your project to your viewers.

Your assets can also be your props! So, if you want an extra level of accountability to make absolutely sure that Baby Yoda doesn’t run off again, use itemit to keep him safe and happy.

Designers and Authors

What are classed as assets for authors? There might be more than you think. In a quote attributed mainly to Hemingway, he stated that “there’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” 

So, with itemit, you’ll be able to track your typewriter and/or laptop. This way, when a warranty ends or when an upgrade is possible, it’s a much faster process to buy a better laptop.

There’s also writer’s fuel. Whether it be coffee or, like Hemingway, Daiquiri, you can track your kettle or your drinks. If you’re saving that vintage 2003 Champagne for when you’ve printed out your manuscript, why not track it as a high-value asset?

Designers will have similar things they can track, but they’ll also be able to track more of their creative assets, such as their equipment. You’ll be able to use iron-on QR code asset tags as well to track and manage any materials, display dresses, or other assets you may need.

So, What Are Assets?

Assets are what matters to you and your business. At itemit, we care about what you care about. Whether this is maintaining your car, making sure your Japanese Peace Lilly is watered, or even if it’s a small mascot you like having at the side of your desk to keep yourself moving in the right direction, itemit can help you keep everything safe.

Find out more about what you can track and manage by contacting us or by filling in the form below.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

If you’re searching for tool tracking software for your construction business, there are some key things you should be looking for and a lot of things you need to avoid.

Checking out all your options is crucial for any investment. You want to be confident that your tool tracking software will work reliably, that it does what the business needs it to do and that it can scale with you as your business grows.

So, how do you do this? What are you supposed to be looking for? How do you know when you’ve found the right software for you? We’ll shed some light on these vital questions.

What you Should be Looking For

When you’re looking for tool tracking software for construction, there are many avenues you can take. Ultimately, it’ll come down to your specific needs, but there is some core functionality you will need.

1. Free Trials: A free trial of the systems you’ve identified as potentials is crucial. By taking advantage of a free trial, you’ll be able to test whether or not a tool tracking software will work for you and it’s risk-free. Free trials also give you the opportunity to understand the support that is provided for using the system and helps to build a trusting relationship with the software provider. 
2. Reporting Capabilities: It’s one thing to have a range of data in a system, and it’s another, much better capability to be able to analyse that data in a useful way. With top-notch reporting features, you’ll be able to instantly see who is using what, where it is, and what has gone missing. A customisable reporting feature gives you the freedom you need to deliver useful analysis and improve operations. 
3. Simple Asset Tagging System: Many tools tracking software for construction companies will try and upsell you third party readers or a complicated asset tagging system. With a good tool tracking software, all you’ll need is a smartphone and some QR codes. 
4. Specific Features: You’ll know best what your construction company needs. The base level of accountability can be increased by a tools tracking system that can scan assets when they move, so perhaps that’s what you’re after. Or, you may need tool tracking software that has the ability to book equipment, create reminders, and add insurance information. Only you know exactly what you need.

What you Should Avoid

There’s also a lot that you should be avoiding when you’re looking for a tools tracking software for your construction business. Choosing the wrong system can mean you end up in more of a mess than you are in now.

1. Rudimentary, Not Real-Time: If your tools tracking software is too rudimentary and doesn’t update in real-time, it’s no better than a spreadsheet. Without real-time updates or too much manual intervention, you won’t save as much time as you could with a more streamlined system. 
2. Too Complicated: On the other hand, you also don’t want to purchase a system with too many bells and whistles as this can be hard to learn and use. If all you’re looking for is the ability to track tools and equipment from site to site, you won’t want to use a piece of software that you have to wade through in order to do so. 
3. Old-School Systems: What’s considered old-school? We all know how fast technology moves, so if you opt for a system now that doesn’t provide an app and isn’t cloud-based, then you’re setting yourself up for failure. Your solution will age very rapidly and you’ll be left wondering where on earth it all went wrong. 
4. A Siloed System: If you can’t easily share your assets or asset movement with your colleagues, you’re using a limited system. Without the ability for anyone to contribute to asset tracking, the responsibilities will all fall on one person and this does not give the best reuslts.

itemit – Tool Tracking Software for Construction Companies

Whatever you’re looking for to track and manage your tools, itemit can help. It has a simple, manageable user interface and doesn’t require much time to set up at all. All you need to do is add your assets and tag them, and you can get going.

And it comes with a free trial! Start yours today by filling in the form below.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

In the past, tools and equipment tracking was mainly done with spreadsheets. Over time, everyone came to the same conclusion about spreadsheets – that they are a very inefficient way to manage tools and equipment. They’re unwieldy, out of date and frustrating, to say the least.

Now, as we approach 2020, companies that need to track their tools and equipment are demanding something better. Without real-time updates and a well-integrated system, the accountability spreadsheets hoped to improve was still left out in the cold.

And so you have battled through the dark ages of tools and equipment tracking.

Now that the new decade is approaching, how do you keep track of tools and equipment?

Tools and Equipment Tracking of the Past

There was a simpler, far less efficient time when losses were just part and parcel of any industry that relied upon tools and equipment. Without a widespread use of apps and the ability to make objects smarter, losses stung less as they were considered unavoidable.

Then, the guise of a solution appeared in the early 21st century when excel spreadsheets took over. Suddenly, fixed asset registers could be created and maintained online, and accountability could be increased.

There are many limitations to spreadsheets, however. Typing in a register of all your assets and adding in the product information manually is fine and easy. Where do you go from there, though?

As soon as you try and add all the information you need to a spreadsheet, it’ll grow to an unmanageable beast. Adding in current value, depreciation, maintenance schedules, and insurance information onto one spreadsheet is unrealistic, and all of a sudden, your sheets have multiplied.

Then, the only way to track and maintain your tools and equipment involved typing in additional information every time an asset would change hands or user, and more worryingly, you’d have to remember to do so! It was as far away from an automatic process as it could be.

The Modern-Day Solution

When you want to track your tools and equipment well, you need a modern-day solution. 

Ditching spreadsheets and opting for a more suitable asset tracking system instead will save you precious time and money.

With the best asset tracking software, you’ll be able to use QR code or RFID asset tags in order to update changes to your assets in real-time. You’ll want cloud-based software which allows you and your extended network of colleagues to see changes as they happen. Now you’ll be able to manage your tools and equipment as a team.

Asset tracking software has a huge benefit in that it increases the accountability of those that utilise your tools and equipment. Instead of finding an asset in a spreadsheet, you need only scan it to update its location and edit its condition or status.

What this means is that it takes a simple scan to say that an asset needs maintenance or that it is undergoing repairs. If you purchase easy to use asset tracking software, scanning an asset’s tag will instantly update the asset’s location and record who scanned it and when. 

What are the Benefits of Using Asset Tracking for your Tools and Equipment?

The benefits of asset tracking software are simple. The greatest benefit you will have is the ease and speed of knowing what assets you have, where they are, who has them and their condition.

You need to track your tools and equipment to minimise losses, to avoid buying duplicates and to see and fix discrepancies instantly. You don’t, however, need to spend hours and hours a week trying to do this.

Imagine if you could spend more of your time in the field, helping customers, or being part of a more energised workforce instead of sitting behind a desk all day seeing if the spanner has really gone missing or if Dave just isn’t looking hard enough.

Tracking your tools and equipment better means you can hold your team accountable. What does that mean? Well, currently if an asset goes missing, you play a quick round of he-said-she-said going round in circles in an attempt to establish who last saw the elusive missing asset. Instead, you can check the system and see exactly who had it last and hold them accountable for its current whereabouts.

Fewer losses and more time mean no matter what your tools and equipment are, you get more time doing what you love without worrying about things going missing.

With itemit, you can achieve all of this and more. Find out more about what itemit can do for you by contacting us or by filling in the form below to try the asset tracking software for yourself!

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started