Four tips to reduce equipment theft
Equipment theft is a significant problem for businesses. Learn how your company can reduce the risk of theft with 5 simple steps.
Using a tool crib to house tools and equipment such as power tools or personal safety equipment, is an easy way to manage a company’s equipment needs. Whether it's called a tool crib, tool workshop or rigging loft, assigning a designated location to store and maintain all tools and equipment is convenient, cost effective and saves time.
Tool cribs are places where tools and equipment are kept. This can be a separate container on a job site such as an intermodal container (commonly known as shipping containers) or a designated area of a larger facility such as a room in a warehouse. Tool cribs come in all shapes and sizes.
A tool crib can be managed remotely or staffed by a tool crib attendant who ensures items are checked out and in correctly and in a timely manner. A tool crib attendant may also ensure that tools and equipment are serviced and ready for use when needed.
Some tool cribs require key or card access, and some do not. The most important thing is that a tool crib has enough space for all required equipment and is has limited access for optimal overview of equipment.
Any business or organization that has a stock of tools and equipment, and has more than one person using that gear, could benefit from a tool crib. As they come in all shapes and sizes, a well organized tool crib can provide value to even the smallest businesses by making sure that tools are consolidated, available and maintained.
Re-purchasing equipment that a company already owns because of poor planning, overview or use is expensive and unnecessary. Using a digital system to track equipment means a company can benefit from reports that aid better planning of everyday tasks. With accurate reports its possible know in advance what tools, equipment and supplies exist already and what is really needed for daily operations. Digital reports help businesses make better decisions.
Do you know who was the last person to use your equipment? Or who currently has physical possession of your gear?
It can be difficult to know who the last person to use a piece of equipment was, or who is currently in possession of it now. Without clear processes and tracking, equipment can move between people and places, and easily end up lost or in someone's personal possession. Manually following up on this can be a time consuming headache. Finding a digital system to help instantly keep track of who has possession of equipment is a simple way to take back control, save time and save money on lost equipment.
Using pen and paper instead of a digital solution to keep track of the status of the equipment and supplies in a tool crib is outdated and leaves room for mistakes. Keeping accurate records can be made simpler, more collaborative and more accurate using digital tools. Digital tools can store serial numbers and other useful details, generate reports, and notify users when equipment is due for return. These and other functions can make it easier for equipment owners to keep control over every item, and ensure that workers always have the tools they need available.
Using scannable tags or asset tracking system means equipment owners can know exactly what equipment is checked in or out of the tool crib. Tools can be easily registers and followed up in a digital system that gives a clear overview, tracking and follow-up processes. Knowing what equipment is available and where prevents wasted time and enables business to be prepared to deal with missing or damaged tools between uses. This eliminates unnecessary downtime due to poor control of equipment.
