Tools and equipment tracking is all the hype nowadays. You might’ve heard a lot about it if you work in construction or any other tool-intensive industry. You might also have heard how it helps you save a lot of time and money. But seldom does anyone talk you through what it really is.
If you’re making up your mind as to whether to get a tool tracking system, you’d want to get to know more about its basics. It’s your lucky day because you’ve come to the right place to know what exactly a tool tracking program is and how it works.
Why is this the right place? We’ll tell you all about inventory tracking and all that you need to do to make it work in a quick 4-minute read. In the end, you’ll be introduced to an industry-leading tool tracking software that you can utilise to upgrade your tool management instantly!
What is a Tool Tracking System?
itemit’s tools and equipment tracking software, otherwise known as tool tracking system, is a smart and streamlined way to track all your tools, no matter how small or large they are. You can add and track individual tools in their respective asset profiles. You can name them, enter their details and even add images!
Of course, itemit organises a tool’s data in an elegant and organised manner, so you’re never caught up in a mess of jumbled-up information. Looking up a particular piece of equipment also becomes a walk in the park with the itemit’s tool tracking system. It gives you a clear overview of all the tools you have, where they are, who has them and every other intricate detail that’s worth recording.
What’s more, all of this information is stored in an online database and can be accessed by you at any time with any device with an internet connection. Apart from you, your team members can also access and track tools so that every tool is tracked in real-time.
Benefits of Using a Tool Tracking System
Implementing a tool tracking system brings several key advantages that streamline business operations:
- Enhanced Accountability: With a proper tool tracking solution in place, accountability across your team increases dramatically. Knowing who checked out which tool and when ensures that everyone takes responsibility for the assets they use. Misplaced tools can be a major issue in industries such as construction, so knowing where each tool is at any given time helps reduce these risks.
- Time and Cost Savings: Without a tool tracking system, hours can be wasted searching for misplaced tools or sorting through paperwork to find the required information. A digital solution like itemit saves valuable time by providing instant access to your tool inventory. As a result, your team spends more time on productive tasks rather than tracking down equipment.
- Maintenance Tracking: Tools and equipment require regular maintenance to stay in optimal working condition. Tool tracking systems allow you to schedule maintenance reminders and log repair history, ensuring that no piece of equipment is neglected.
- Reduced Loss and Theft: Asset tags and check-in/check-out features reduce the chances of tools being lost or stolen. The ability to track usage also deters misuse of company assets.
Adding a Tool to the Tool Tracking Software
It all begins with adding a tool to the system, and it’s as easy as it gets.
- Open the itemit app or web portal to add a new tool.
- You’ll see a button that says ‘Add’. Click on it.
- Add the tool’s name and other details you wish to track.
- This adds the tool to your itemit asset register.
Once a tool has been added, it becomes a part of the itemit system. You and your team members can view it by logging into itemit from any device. So, now that you’ve added a tool, what happens next?
Well, it depends. You could either assign a tool to an employee, start using the booking and check-in/check-out feature, or you could leave it until the tool’s details change in some way, and you have to update it on the tool tracking system.
Assigning Tools to Employees
Every member of your team will have a specific set of tools they work with. So, all the tools and equipment that one individual is using can be assigned to them via itemit. This allows you to see instantly who is responsible for which tool.
To assign a tool:
- Open the asset profile in the app.
- Click ‘Assign to a User.’
- Choose an itemit user or a contact from your list of contacts.
- You have successfully assigned a tool to a team member.
Watch videoAssigning tools to employees organises your tools better and promotes responsibility among employees for the tools that are assigned to them. This way, each employee is responsible for tracking and keeping tool details up-to-date in their respective asset profiles.
Innovative Ways Businesses Use Tool Tracking
Tool tracking isn’t just about monitoring equipment—it can transform the way businesses operate across different industries. Let’s explore some unexpected and creative ways companies are maximising their tool tracking systems.
Construction: Managing Warranties and Preventative Maintenance
In the construction industry, heavy machinery and tools often come with warranties that cover repairs and replacements. However, these warranties are only useful if they’re tracked effectively. Tool tracking systems can log warranty details, ensuring that businesses don’t miss out on free repairs or replacements.
Beyond warranties, tool tracking systems can schedule preventative maintenance, ensuring that equipment stays in top condition. For example, a construction company can set reminders for servicing machinery, reducing the risk of breakdowns and project delays.
