If you are interested in managing a better tool inventory then you need to take the following steps. –

1. Build an accurate tool inventory list – This may not be as easy as it seems. With tools constantly moving in the field building an accurate tool inventory list without stopping the business can be tricky. We recommend that you:
   • Have each job site manage help take an inventory of their tools.
   • Distribute an Excel sheet to each job site and have the superintendent add a barcode label to each tool. They then enter the barcode number into the spreadsheet.
   • Collect the spreadsheets and import them into a central inventory system. Then any tools found without a barcode were missed in the count!
2. Make the tool inventory list available to everyone – This is a key step to keeping a tool inventory updated. Everyone needs to have access to search the tool list. Not everyone needs to update or change the list but they need to be able to see it and reference what is owned before buying new tools. We recommend that you:
   • Make the tool list accessible by mobile app,
   • Only allow changes to the list by select individuals.
   • Include in your tool purchasing process a step to update this list.
3. Install a system for assigning responsibility for tools – Assigning responsibility is harder than simply having a sign out sheet. Most tools are not lost when they are simply signed in/out. Most tools are lost as they move from person to person. Thus, a good tool tracking system requires the need to be able to transfer tool responsibility when a tool is transferred from person to person. Tool responsibility is best managed by:
   • Installing a mobile app on each team manager/ superintendent / foreman’s phone or tablet.
   • Allowing field personnel to swipe and assign tools to each other.
   • Requiring each tool assigned to be “accepted” or “declined” by each field person.
4. Push responsibility into the field – Most tools are lost in the field so it is important that responsibility for maintaining the tool catalog is also pushed into the field. It is nearly impossible for one person to keep track of every tool. Thus, crew leaders such as superintendents and foreman must be held accountable to track the tools assigned to them. Bringing them into the process is critical for success.

Is tool tracking worth it for construction companies?

How to Track Your Construction Tools? – Clearly, tool tracking pays off if you’re in the construction business and have lots of assets you need to track and maintain. You not only save time and energy but get the most out of your tools and seem more reliable. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s not—here’s how you can start tracking your tools!

How to keep track of your tools and equipment?

However, there are some tips and tricks you can implement to make sure you keep a good track of your tools and equipment. Tracking your inventory is the best thing that you can do. A good inventory tracking system means it is accurate and up to date.

How can mobile tracking help your construction project?

Use Unique Tracking Identifiers – Tracking identifiers like barcodes are a must-have. They provide each material unit with a unique identity—think of it as a social security number for items. With these unique serial numbers, you can track material from procurement, delivery to storage, and usage. Several common identifiers used in industries are:

BarcodesQR codesRFID Lots

Many products are shipped with UPC barcodes on their packaging. In many cases, you can simply use these barcodes for your inventory identifiers. Smartphones have made it easier to track items with serial numbers or UPC barcodes. Today, scanner apps work directly with smartphone cameras and mobile apps so workers can scan, track, and update the status of materials using just one device.

While barcodes are ubiquitous with serial numbers, we recommend using QR codes as they store more data, are able to withstand damage, are faster to scan, and can be scanned by any smartphone. When a QR code is scanned with a smartphone, data is sent to the software responsible for managing materials along with the context of the scan (e.g.

who scanned it, their location, date, and time) The updated inventory information is then sent back to the user so s/he can get the latest information on the company’s material stock levels. This enhanced workflow increases productivity and service quality while reducing operating costs which is a win for low-margin industries like construction. Leading companies all over the world are already benefiting from this trend; a Motorola-endorsed survey found that 67% of companies plan to use mobile tracking to manage inventory. Trying to manage your construction project without barcodes and technology is impractical.

How to manage tool tracking in the workplace?

Equipment Usage Accountability – Making individual workers accountable for the equipment they use is a sure-fire way to reduce thefts and counting errors. Here’s what you can do.

• Use technology : use a tool management system instead of a manual record and make sure your employees know how to use it. That way they can self-check-in or check-out the required tools.
• Bring your employees up to speed about the tool tracking system you chose and explain how everything functions. You can also put a tool handling and usage chart in the workplace for a better understanding.
• Create a tool handling agreement to make sure your workers understand accountability associated with issuing that tool. Tell them about established laws related to the theft of tools and remind them of the consequences.
• Establish rewards and fines : for an exceptional tool handling, you can also issue rewards. This will motivate people to handle the tools better. Fines can be given to those who don’t follow the rules. Workers who “lose” tools frequently can pay for the equipment out of their paycheck, if this will be your preferred method.

Is tool tracking worth it for construction companies?

How to Track Your Construction Tools? – Clearly, tool tracking pays off if you’re in the construction business and have lots of assets you need to track and maintain. You not only save time and energy but get the most out of your tools and seem more reliable. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s not—here’s how you can start tracking your tools!

What is the best way to keep track of inventory?

1. Make a list using an inventory management system – Your company will want to decide on an inventory management system to truly organize your tools. There are three main ways to keep track of inventory: by hand, using an inventory spreadsheet, or with the help of inventory management software,

• For most businesses, using an inventory app like Sortly is the most effective solution.
• That’s because inventory software offers a host of powerful automation features that make construction inventory management that much easier.
• These features—including barcode and QR code syncing and scanning, low stock alerts, and customizable reports—will enable you to complete the following four steps without friction.

No matter what method of managing inventory you choose, you’ll need a detail-rich inventory list to keep track of your construction company’s tools. Remember, your inventory list should include all the information you need about the tools you keep on hand, from location to value to SKU.

Do you know where to start when it comes to tools?

Tool tracking is essential when you’re in charge of a construction company and all its assets. You have to know where your tools are, who is using them, and what their current condition is if you want to count on your equipment and meet the deadline set by the client.

How do I Manage my tools and supplies?

Conclusion – If you’re a company that has to keep track of a lot of equipment, you should start managing it correctly. First, create an inventory list, share it with your team, and allow them to check assets in and out to promote accountability. That way, you can monitor who has the equipment and what condition the equipment is in.