Digital tool management with GPS trackers can solve a number of problems in the construction industry. Machines and tools are needed in frequently changing locations. Dirt and weather make for demanding conditions that make regular maintenance especially important.
The danger of theft and mix-ups is omnipresent on confusing large construction sites. With its software, Timly offers the possibility of maintaining a permanent overview of the entire inventory – supplemented by modern IoT asset management.
The most important thing is to use tool management software
For tool management with an integrated GPS tracker to be used effectively, a certain infrastructure is necessary. It is a disproportionate effort to administer this locally.
Timly already provides the necessary technical requirements. The software is offered as a service via a cloud server. This means that the company’s internal network does not have to be adapted and access is still possible wherever there is an internet connection.
The provider takes care of the GDPR-compliant administration of the cloud storage. The integrated rights management system guarantees the required data protection. Any internet-capable end device is suitable for access. This means that entries can be made or updated directly on the construction site.
Digital tool management: construction industry has special requirements
Recording different work equipment in a uniform tool management system can prove to be a challenge. Timly uses flexible device profiles for this. In these, exactly the categories needed for an asset can be created.
In addition, it is possible to store documents of all kinds in the profile of a work tool. These can be pictures documenting the current condition, but also operating instructions and maintenance instructions. Officers can fill out inspection protocols for health and safety inspections on the equipment and save them in Timly.
This means that all employees always have the necessary documents with them – uncomplicated and protected from dirt – when inspections are due. Features such as GPS trackers make scheduling easier.
Timly’s intuitive app makes tool management easy.
(Copyright: Timly Software AG)
For more flexibility – the smart tool management system from Timly
Smartphones and tablets can be used autonomously as fully-fledged end devices, beyond sockets and network connections. Timly offers an app optimised for mobile devices. Recorded work equipment is provided with a QR code.
This way, scanning the QR code in the app’s barcode scanner is enough to access an asset’s profile. Updating information is possible without taking time. Foremen can see at a glance to whom a machine has been assigned. If the Global Positioning System (GPS) is also used, i.e. a GPS tracker, current locations can be tracked in the app at any time.
Employees have the opportunity to view valuable information about their work equipment. Has all maintenance been carried out? Are there any special features that need to be observed when handling the machine? Time-consuming queries of this kind are no longer necessary with Timly.
Monitor vehicles and machines online with GPS trackers
A GPS module is built into almost every smartphone as standard. On the way to Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing with the help of CAM systems, it is common for IoT sensors to provide information necessary for automation.
It therefore makes sense to also use GPS transmitters to monitor mostly high-value construction machinery. GPS trackers make it possible to locate equipment online at any time. Searches for work equipment are largely eliminated. In addition, GPS technology increases security. In the event of theft, the chances increase that the illegal removal of work equipment will be noticed immediately.
For example, alarms can be programmed to sound when the equipment leaves a defined zone. Other sensors are suitable for monitoring temperatures, filling levels of equipment or air quality. All information collected is seamlessly processed in Timly.
GPS tracker without SIM – not useful in a professional environment
Timly’s inventory app cooperates with the manufacturer adnexo in the area of IoT sensors used. The decisive factor for this is the requirement to use the best possible quality sensor technology from an established manufacturer.
Solutions that do without a SIM card for cost reasons, for example, always require direct contact with a gateway that forwards the collected data on tool usage. If such a device is outside the range of the gateway, the sensors become useless. In the professional environment of a company, it is advisable to ensure that stable and self-sufficient technology is used.
Otherwise, there is a risk that employees rely on the sensors used even though they do not function as intended.
Always have everything in view with smart GPS trackers
(Copyright: Timly Software AG)
Those who use Excel for tool management are giving away possible advantages
Excel is an established programme for the structured processing of large amounts of data. Nevertheless, it is only suitable to a limited extent for the management of tools in the construction industry. The useful tool data are thus only available in the office, at the company’s location.
Changes made on a daily basis can only be updated with a delay. It is virtually impossible to use the system for on-site work processes. Employees on the construction sites have no access to the maintenance calendar. Personal assignments have to be recorded differently – if in doubt, on the classic magnetic board.
Timly’s asset tracking software, on the other hand, creates the possibility to utilise all recorded data in the best possible way. The parallel use of several systems is not necessary. The use of extras such as GPS trackers and other sensors is already implemented natively.
No alternative in the professional sector: using freeware for tool management
Freeware offered free of charge is undoubtedly sufficient for many application purposes. For tool management, reliability is what is needed first and foremost. Commercial providers such as Timly guarantee permanent further development and bug fixing for their own software.
Hardware, such as the GPS trackers used, are precisely matched to the software solution. Professional support takes care of user problems. The product can be used out-of-the-box without the need for your own staff to take care of set-up and configuration. The saved working time also reduces running costs.
Tool management: Test first, then start
Developers of software solutions often set individual priorities. Timly was founded at the time to make the inventory management of the construction company Lang GmbH more efficient. For this reason, many of the integrated functions are ideally suited to the needs of construction and trade companies.
Hardware, such as GPS trackers, was suitably selected for the special conditions. In any case, it is advisable to test a software for digital tool management in practical use on site before introducing it. Timly offers a free test phase with full functionality of the software.
Download Excel template free of charge for tool management is no longer enough
Tools and other resources are an important cost factor in today’s world. Therefore, the available work equipment should be used in the best possible way, but also as sustainably as possible.
GPS trackers support this as modern aids. The prerequisite for effective and forward-looking use is that all necessary information is always available. Timly is without doubt a suitable tool for this.
