The ability to ensure that the correct tool is in the correct place at all times is crucial for any construction site. Whether it is in time, labor or even replacement costs, loss occurs whenever a tool isn’t available when needed. Having complete control over construction site tools and equipment provides the efficiency and cost savings needed to compete in today’s market. In addition, this control can prevent the unfortunate reality of tool and equipment theft that is often rampant in the industry.
1. Tool inventory management
Versatile equipment and tool management software can provide construction companies with the oversight and accountability needed to ensure tools are tracked and returned, even across multiple tool room locations and construction sites. This will not only save money by reducing tool hoarding and equipment losses, but it will also make issuing and returning tools a much faster process. There will also be less time spent looking for misplaced or lost tools and equipment.
2. Tool scheduling
Keeping track of tools and equipment across multiple project locations can be extremely difficult and time-consuming without tool and equipment management software. There are many benefits to multiple location inventory control, such as:
- Tools are checked out and returned efficiently and accurately
- Tool costs can be recaptured by billing clients for usage at each construction site
- A complete look at company assets can be easily accessed, no matter where the tools or equipment may be located
- A history of the usage for each tool or piece of equipment, as well as seeing which employees are using them
3. Predictive maintenance for tools
There are many challenges when ensuring predictive maintenance is completed and that it complies with industry standards. Tool and equipment management software can remove the uncertainty often associated with preventative maintenance, while optimizing tool and equipment quality control and safety. Compliance certificates and other documents can be easily stored within the software, eliminating the need for handwritten documents. Other benefits include:
- Routine tool calibration can be completed on schedule
- Employee compliance for specific equipment can be tracked
- Regular maintenance will extend tool and equipment life
- Safety equipment is serviced and inspections are completed to ensure standards compliance
- Reports can be easily generated for tools and equipment needing service, repair and meter readings
4. Tool and equipment safety
In 2012, over 2.8 million injuries were reported in the workplace by U.S. employers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the misuse and failure of tools and equipment are the most common causes of industrial injuries. By tracking the maintenance and repair schedules for tools and equipment, there will be fewer tool and equipment breakdowns, increased tool life, higher tool resale values and safer construction sites.
It’s easy to see why tool and equipment management software is the best way to track, maintain and repair assets while increasing work site safety. The use of handwritten logs is no longer feasible when powerful software is now available.
