Have you ever had that moment when you can’t find your tool, and the clock is ticking? It’s a frustrating feeling, and it can waste time and money.
You might be thinking about investing in a tool tracking system. Tool tracking systems are designed to help you keep track of your tools – so you never lose them again. Not only does this save you time, but it also saves you money by preventing wear and tear on your tools.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how tool tracking systems work and what to look for when choosing one. We’ll also give some tips on how to get the most out of your tool tracking system. Let’s get started.
What is a Tool Tracking System?
A tool tracking system is a cloud based software application that helps businesses manage and keep track of their tools, equipment and other high value assets. This can include inventory management, preventive maintenance, and scheduling.
A tool tracking system usually integrates with other software applications, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution systems (MES). By integrating with these applications, a tool tracking system can provide a more complete picture of an organization’s operations and tool inventory. This can help businesses optimize their production processes and improve their bottom line.
Additionally, a tool tracking system can help businesses comply with safety regulations and standards. By having a complete and up-to-date view of an organization’s equipment, a tool tracking system can help ensure that the proper safety procedures are being followed.
What are the Benefits of Implementing a Tool Tracking System?
A tool tracking system can be a very valuable asset for any business, particularly one that relies heavily on tools and equipment. There are many ways in which a tool tracking system can save time and money, such as by:
- Helping to ensure that tools are always available when needed, as they can be easily located and tracked using the system.
- Reducing the amount of time spent searching for misplaced or lost tools.
- Avoiding the need to purchase replacement tools if they are lost or stolen, as they can be quickly located using the system.
- Allowing businesses to share tools and equipment between different departments or locations, as they can be easily tracked and located when needed.
- Helping to electronically track maintenance schedules for tools and equipment, which can help to extend their lifespan and avoid costly repairs.
- Providing businesses with data that can be used to improve efficiency and productivity, as well as to make informed decisions about purchasing new tools and equipment.
Overall, a tool tracking system can provide significant benefits for any business in terms of time, money, and productivity.
How Do Tool Tracking Systems Work?
There are a few different types of tool tracking systems, but most of them work in a similar way to manage tools.
The first step is to affix a tool tracking tag to each piece of equipment. These asset tags can be passive or active. Passive tags rely on a reader to scan the tag and collect information, while active tags contain a battery that allows them to transmit their data wirelessly.
Once the tags are in place, the tool tracking system can then be used to track the tools as they are moved around. Tool tracking systems can be used to monitor the location of individual tools, or to keep track of which employees are using which tools.
By providing real-time visibility into tool usage, tool tracking systems can help companies improve efficiencies, reduce losses, and avoid downtime.
Tool Tracking System Technology
As mentioned above, there are multiple asset management solutions and IoT technologies that can be used in tool tracking systems, including:
- GPS-based tool tracking systems use GPS receivers to track the location of tools and other small assets. GPS technology is very accurate, making it ideal for tracking assets that are constantly on the move. However, GPS tracking systems require a clear line of sight between the GPS receiver and the satellites, making them less effective in heavily forested areas or indoors.
- RFID tool tracking systems use RFID tags to track the location of tools and other assets. RFID tags are read by an RFID reader, which can be placed anywhere within range of the tag. This makes RFID-based tracking systems much more versatile than GPS-based systems, as they can be used in a wider variety of environments.
- Bluetooth tool tracking systems use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags to track the location of tools and other assets. BLE tags are read by a BLE reader, which can be placed anywhere within range of the tag. BLE-based tracking systems are similar to RFID-based systems in terms of versatility, but have the added benefit of being able to work with smartphones and other devices that support Bluetooth Low Energy.
- Barcode tool tracking systems use barcodes to track the location of tools and other assets. Barcodes are scanned by a barcode scanner, which can be handheld or fixed in place. Barcode-based tracking systems are very versatile, as they can be used in a wide variety of environments. However, they require close proximity between the scanner and the barcode, making them less effective for tracking assets that are constantly on the move.
Ultimately, the right tool tracking technology will depend on the needs of the business and its specific tool and equipment inventory.
How to Choose the Right Tool Tracking System for your Business
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the right tool tracking system for your business.
First, think about the size of your business and the number of tools you need to track. If you have a small business with only a few employees, you might not need a system that’s as robust as one that would be suitable for a larger company.
Second, consider the types of tools you need to track. Some systems are better equipped to handle certain types of tools than others. For example, if you need to track power tools, you’ll want to make sure the system you choose can handle that. If you are looking for small tool tracking, you’ll want to select a solution that offers unobtrusive asset tags with a low profile.
Finally, think about ease of use. You’ll want to make sure the system you choose is easy to use and understand so that your employees can use it without any trouble.
By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose the right tool tracking system for your business.
Save Time and Money While Keeping Track of Your Tools
A tool tracking system can keep your business organized and efficient while saving you time and money. It’s important to choose the right system for your needs, and our team at Radiant is here to help you do just that. Explore our asset tracking solution and request your demo below.
Last Updated on September 19, 2022 by Radiant