In the highly competitive automotive and commercial vehicle industries, precision, efficiency, and reliability are non-negotiable. This applies not only to vehicle performance but also to the production and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) processes that keep businesses competitive. Effective management of tooling, fasteners, and small asset inventory is essential to ensure seamless production workflows and minimize costly downtime during critical operations.
Today’s manufacturers and fleet operators face challenges such as supply chain disruptions, rising material costs, and the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. These issues make it more critical than ever to have full visibility and control over inventory, ensuring the right tools and components are available when and where they’re needed. From assembly lines to MRO facilities, the ability to track and manage inventory with precision can mean the difference between meeting tight deadlines and dealing with unplanned delays.
Typical tools and small asset inventory used by engineers in the automotive and commercial vehicles industries include:
| Inventory Type | Examples | Management Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Hand tools | Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, crowbars and pry bars, allen wrenches | Regular inspection and records for wear and tear. Proper storage to avoid loss or damage. Calibration for precision tools. Routine replacement due to wear. |
| Power tools | Drills and impact drivers, grinders and sanders, air-powered tools, cordless tools, electric screwdrivers | Regular maintenance checks. Inventory of spare parts. Periodic inspection and record keeping for safety. |
| Measurement and calibration equipment | Micrometers, calipers, and depth gauges, laser alignment systems, multimeters, voltage testers, and clamp meters, tire pressure gauges and wheel alignment systems, temperature sensors and thermometers | Regular calibration and certification to ensure accuracy. Scheduled maintenance and periodic testing. Safe and organized storage to prevent misplacement or damage. Tracking usage to manage lifecycle and replacement. |
| Fixtures, jigs, and dies | Assembly fixtures, welding jigs, stamping dies, molding tools, drilling jigs | Maintenance to avoid wear and tear, especially for high-volume use. Inspection for alignment and accuracy. Reconditioning or replacement as necessary. Tracking usage and ensuring that tools are stored properly. |
| Fasteners and hardware | Bolts, nuts, washers, and screws (various sizes), rivets and clips, cotter pins, pins, and springs, gaskets and seals, threaded inserts and anchors | Proper storage to avoid cross-contamination. Stock management with just-in-time replenishment. Quick identification and dispensing. |
| Lubricants, oils, and fluids | Engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, grease, pneumatic oil for air tools, hydraulic fluids | Correct storage to prevent contamination. Tracking usage rates and replenishment cycles. Shelf-life tracking for oils and lubricants. Safety handling and disposal protocols. |
| Consumables and safety supplies | Grinding wheels, sanding pads, cutting discs, welding rods, electrodes, and wire, safety gloves, goggles, and face shields, respirators, hearing protection, and work boots, shop towels, cleaning agents, and degreasers | Regular stock audits and reordering to prevent shortages. Safety inventory management ensuring availability and tracking usage and replenishment needs. |
| Vehicle diagnostics and repair tools | Diagnostic scanners, engine analyzers and diagnostic equipment, brake fluid testers and tire balancers, exhaust gas analyzers, A/C refrigerant service tools | Calibration and verification of diagnostic accuracy. Inventory management for diagnostic consumables. Maintenance and storage to ensure longevity and reliability. |
CRIBWISE – Tool & Inventory Management Software
for the Automotive and Commercial Vehicles Industries
CRIBWISE, part of Sandvik Group, is a proven tool and inventory management software for the automotive and commercial vehicle industries. CRIBWISE streamlines the management of tools, consumables and small parts, specialized equipment and safety gear by ensuring the ready availability, full traceability and accurate auditing of these assets – crucial for smooth manufacturing, repair, and operational processes.
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Enables the efficient tracking, storage, and monitoring of vital tools, small assets, and specialized equipment, improving both production and maintenance operations across automotive manufacturing plants and commercial vehicle repair shops.
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Ensures controlled access to critical tools and assets, reducing risks and ensuring the safety of workers in demanding environments, such as assembly lines, maintenance facilities, and commercial vehicle workshops.
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Automates calibration, lifecycle management, and inventory replenishment for specialized equipment and assets, minimizing manual workloads, improving operational efficiency, and reducing errors in time-sensitive manufacturing and maintenance tasks.
Benefits of using CRIBWISE
Reduce the amount of capital tied up in asset inventory
Prevent overstocking and reduce the cost
Get an insight into inventory usage and trends
Track your inventory in real time
Optimize asset utilization across workers, teams and functions
Know what assets need replacing or maintenance and when
Reduce the time wasted in manually searching for assets
Minimize asset misplacement
Quickly and easily pinpoint asset consumption
Allocate assets on a per-work order basis
Automate & streamline the purchase ordering process
Minimize administrative tasks and improve efficiency
Request a demo
Request a free demonstration of CRIBWISE and discover how you can benefit in your automotive or commercial vehicle operations.
