Tool Tracking Solutions
We’re revolutionizing the way organizations keep track of their business critical tools and equipment. CYBRA offers tool tracking solutions for companies looking to get instant access to the whereabouts and status of every tool and piece of equipment across their facilities.
Overview: Tool Tracking at Every Level of Production
Transform the way you manage your tools with our RFID tracking software and Edgefinity IoT. Contact us today to schedule a demo and experience the future of tool management.
RFID as a Solution
Tool tracking as an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) solution involves using RFID technology to monitor and manage a company’s inventory of tools or equipment. It’s a highly efficient and accurate way to keep track of various tools, ranging from small handheld devices to larger equipment, in industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and maintenance.
Depending on the use case, RFID may be combined or replaced with other technologies including:
Software Capabilities
Edgefinity IoT tracks the location and status of facility tools, assets, equipment, and inventory. RFID tags attached to equipment or have motion sensors that detect any movement or shocks immediately. Regular movement by authorized personnel, such as cleaning, maintenance and authorized use, are logged by the system to ensure proper PM and utilization analysis.
Working in tandem with other technologies such as UWB or BLE, Edgefinity IoT can automatically display images of the tools, in addition to its location, to help track and monitor items. The system generates automatic rules-based alerts when equipment is missing, located in unauthorized areas or in violation of any other rule that requires follow-up action. Edgefinity IoT prevents the loss of expensive equipment via a single, unified interface, and integrates completely with many ERP and access control systems.
Tool Check-Out and Check-In
Employees can use RFID-enabled badges or cards to check out tools. The system records the time and user information, ensuring accountability.
Tool Assignment to Work Orders
RFID systems can associate specific tools with work orders, ensuring that the right tools are used for each job.
Preventive Maintenance Scheduling
RFID systems can automate the scheduling of preventive maintenance based on tool usage and elapsed time since the last service.
Tool Location History
RFID logs provide a complete history of a tool’s movements, allowing for quick retrieval or investigation in case of loss or misplacement.
Alerts for Unauthorized Tool Use
If a tool is taken without proper authorization, RFID systems can trigger alerts, ensuring that only trained and authorized personnel have access.
Compliance with Quality Standards
RFID can assist in ensuring that tools meet quality control standards by tracking their usage and maintenance records.
Tool Theft Prevention
RFID acts as a deterrent against unauthorized tool removal from the facility, reducing the risk of theft.
Real-Time Inventory Management
RFID tags on tools enable real-time tracking of their location within the manufacturing facility, reducing the time spent searching for specific tools.
Maintenance and Calibration Management
RFID tags can store maintenance and calibration information, triggering alerts when a tool is due for servicing.
Tool Lifecycle Monitoring
RFID tags can contain information about a tool’s purchase date, expected lifespan, and retirement criteria, aiding in replacement planning.
Tool Usage Analytics
RFID data can be analyzed to track tool usage patterns, helping manufacturers optimize tool allocation and identify opportunities for process improvement.
Tool Configuration Management
RFID can store information about a tool’s configuration or settings, ensuring that it is set up correctly for each use.
Tool Return Verification
Employees can use RFID badges or cards to check tools back in after use, ensuring that all tools are accounted for.
Reduced Tool Procurement Costs
By efficiently tracking tool usage and maintenance, manufacturers can extend the lifespan of tools, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Solutions by Industry
RFID-based tool tracking software offers versatile solutions across various industries. Here’s a list of use cases where RFID technology is employed for efficient tool management:
- Manufacturing and Assembly Lines: Tracking tools used in production processes to ensure they are available when needed and returned promptly.
- Construction and Engineering: Monitoring and managing the use of specialized tools and equipment at construction sites to prevent loss or theft.
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities: Tracking medical instruments and equipment to ensure they are sterilized, available for use, and properly maintained.
- Aerospace and Aviation: Managing specialized tools and equipment used in aircraft maintenance and repair to ensure safety and compliance.
- Maintenance and Facilities Management: Monitoring tools used for maintenance activities, ensuring they are in good condition and available for scheduled tasks.
- Utilities and Energy Sector: Managing tools and equipment used in power plants, substations, and field operations to optimize maintenance schedules.
- Automotive Industry: Tracking specialized tools used in auto repair shops to prevent loss and ensure they are in optimal condition.
- Oil and Gas Industry: Managing tools used in drilling, exploration, and extraction operations to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
- Government and Military: Tracking and managing tools and equipment used in defense and security operations to ensure readiness and accountability.
- Education and Research Institutions: Monitoring tools and equipment in laboratories and workshops to prevent loss and facilitate efficient resource allocation.
- Retail and Warehousing: Tracking and managing tools used in retail stores, warehouses, and distribution centers for efficient operations.
- Hospitality and Events: Managing tools and equipment used in event setup and hospitality services to ensure they are available when needed.
- Mining and Extractive Industries: Tracking specialized tools used in mining operations to optimize maintenance schedules and prevent loss.
- Transportation and Logistics: Managing tools used in transportation operations, such as maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
- Government and Public Works: Tracking tools and equipment used in public infrastructure projects to ensure they are available and in good condition.
By employing RFID-based tool tracking software, businesses in these industries can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Improved Accountability
RFID tracking ensures that tools are assigned to specific individuals, reducing the likelihood of loss or misplacement.
Real-Time Visibility
RFID provides instant, accurate information about the location and status of tools, reducing the time spent searching for specific items.
Optimized Tool Utilization
By tracking usage patterns, businesses can allocate tools more effectively, ensuring they are in use when needed and not sitting idle.
Check-Out and Check-In
Automation of the check-out and check-in process minimizes administrative tasks, allowing employees to focus on their core responsibilities.
Additional Resources
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RFID and Barcoding Solutions
Since 1985, CYBRA has been solving some of the most vexing auto-ID challenges in the world. Relied on by many of the biggest names in retail, manufacturing, and safety & security, trust CYBRA with all your barcoding and RFID needs.