How To Track Manufacturing Equipment

Tracking manufacturing equipment may not be at the top of everyone’s list of priorities. However, when you use an equipment tracking system you can see just how beneficial it is. A tracking system requires you to add the details of your manufacturing equipment to a register. You also need to attach a QR code or an RFID tag to your equipment. Once you have done this, everything can be tracked in a multitude of ways. 

Let’s take a look at just how you can track everything.

Let’s start off by discussing why asset tracking is so important. The assets that a business owns encompasses all the possessions that do or will help it produce a good or deliver a service.

These could be anything ranging from buildings, land and furniture to IT equipment, software and small office fixtures.

While it goes without saying that a business should keep track and manage all of its assets, it is equally important to understand why doing so is beneficial for the business. Listed below are some of the major reasons why asset tracking is considered to be a fundamental business process.

When you use an equipment tracking system that’s modern and reliable, there’s an opportunity for you to monitor your inventory levels. You could, for example, order stock as and when it’s required. In addition to this, it’s possible to keep your stock levels to a specific amount at all times. When you have the right amount of stock your warehouse is less likely to become overcrowded. You also reduce the likelihood of under-ordering stock. What this means is that you potentially have the stock levels you need at all times. 

Everyone knows that maintaining your manufacturing equipment is a priority. However, it can be easier said than done. Machines can often fail to be checked over quite as often as they should be. However, when you use an equipment tracking system this becomes a thing of the past.

You could set up alerts every six months, once a year, every quarter, and so on. The alerts can be specific to your machinery, tools, and even your vehicles. Once an alert has been sent out, the maintenance team can get to work on your machinery. A result of this means that all of your assets could be in better condition. Consequently, you may end up spending a little (or a lot) less replacing damaged or broken-down machinery.

Did you know that when you use an equipment tracking system it indirectly helps to improve security? When you track your machinery you attach a barcode to it. This barcode can help you to see where your machinery, tools, etc. are 24/7. Therefore, you could have fewer assets go missing. As every member of your team knows that you’re tracking everything, those unscrupulous team members may leave your machinery alone.

You could receive real-time updates as to how your manufacturing equipment is performing. This can only be a good thing as you could see which machines are doing well and which need improvement. You could receive real-time updates about your stock holding and how many units you’ve manufactured. 

Receiving real-time updates could help you to understand your business in a new way. You could make better business decisions thanks to your new equipment tracking system. 

Were you aware that some tracking software allows you to export the data that it creates? Every time you track an asset, each time inventory is ordered, whenever something is manufactured, etc. data will be created. It’s this data (and more) that can be exported. The exported data could be printed off or read on-screen, the choice is yours. Access it via your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or desktop computer. Alternatively, you could simply print it off and distribute copies to the relevant teams. Make sure you recycle the paper reports once you’ve examined them so you stay as green as possible. Now, use the data in the reports to help you gain new insights into your business.

Not everyone is aware that it’s possible to track the location of your manufacturing equipment. You could even track the machines, etc that stay in one place at all times. The reason for this is it makes it easier to find your machines. If you work in a large building/warehouse, it could be hard to locate what you’re looking for. When you use an equipment tracking system, however, it makes locating everything easier. No longer will you have to spend 10-15 minutes looking for a tool, a machine, a vehicle, or anything else. You can simply log into the portal or your app and see where everything’s located. 

Tracking your manufacturing equipment has never been easier. You can potentially track all of your assets using the right software. Your day-to-day working life could become so much easier. Just make sure that when you’re choosing tracking software that you opt for software that offers you everything you need. When you do, you could find that you have more time on your hands to complete the tasks at the top of your to-do list. A result of this is that your business could be run more smoothly every single day. 

Would you like to chat with an equipment tracking system expert?  Contact us today at team@itemit.com. 

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