Track, manage and optimize tools and asset inventory
In Light General Manufacturing
Businesses operating in light general manufacturing industries, such as metalworking, plastics manufacturing, automotive parts production, electronics assembly, and furniture manufacturing, need to efficiently track, store, and manage a wide range of tools, machinery, and small assets used in the production of components, parts, and custom-made products. Ensuring these assets are readily available, properly maintained, and in optimal working condition is crucial for meeting production deadlines and maintaining operational efficiency.
Efficient management of these assets enables businesses to reduce operational costs, improve safety standards, minimize downtime caused by equipment failures, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance overall productivity. Proper asset management also guarantees that high-value tools and machinery are calibrated and maintained regularly, extending their lifespan and improving production accuracy. This holistic approach helps light manufacturing businesses meet production goals, reduce operational risks, and optimize resources, leading to higher-quality outputs and greater customer satisfaction.
Tool & Inventory Management Software for light industrial manufacturing
Typical tools and small asset inventory used in light general manufacturing industries include:
| Inventory Type | Examples | Management Needs |
|---|---|---|
| Hand tools | Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, utility knives, files and rasps |
Regular inspection for wear and tear. Proper storage to avoid loss or damage. Calibration and maintenance for precision tools. Periodic replacement of worn-out tools. Tracking inventory levels to avoid shortages. |
| Power tools | Drills, impact drivers and wrenches, sanders and grinders, saws, electric screwdrivers, air tools |
Regular maintenance to ensure operational efficiency. Monitoring of usage hours for wear and tear Calibration for tools requiring precision. Inventory management for consumable parts. |
| Measurement and calibration tools | Calipers and micrometers, rulers, tape measures, and squares, laser measuring tools, digital multimeters, thermometers and temperature probes, laser alignment systems |
Regular calibration and certification to ensure accuracy. Proper storage to prevent damage. Scheduled maintenance for equipment that requires precision. Monitoring usage to prevent overuse or errors in measurements. Compliance with industry standards and regulations. |
| Fasteners and hardware |
Screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and rivets. Pins, clips, cotter pins, and retaining rings. Threaded inserts and anchors. Gaskets and seals. Straps, clamps, and zip ties |
Properly organized storage in bins or drawers (sorted by size and type). Tracking of stock levels to prevent shortages or overstocking. Regular audits of fastener inventory to ensure correct stock rotation. Management of specialized fasteners that require specific tools for installation. Ensuring quality and compliance with industry standards. |
| Lubricants, oils, and fluids | Machine oils and greases, hydraulic fluids, pneumatic oils, coolants and anti-freezes, cutting oils and lubricants, brake and transmission fluids |
Proper storage to prevent contamination. Regular stock audits and replenishment. Managing shelf life for products with expiration dates. Safety handling and disposal procedures according to regulations. |
| Consumables |
Sanding discs, grinding wheels, and cutting wheels. Abrasive pads and polishing cloths. Welding rods, electrodes, and wire. Paints, primers, and coatings. Cleaning materials (e.g., solvents, rags, brushes). Respirators, gloves, and safety glasses (PPE). |
Stock tracking for consumables to prevent shortages. Proper storage and organization to ensure accessibility. Expiry tracking for items like paints, coatings, and adhesives. Regular checks for damaged or expired items. |
| Specialized tools and equipment |
Precision cutting tools, welding equipment, tooling and consumables for injection molding machines. CNC machines for automation and precision manufacturing. Tooling for 3D printers for prototyping or low-volume production. |
Regular calibration and maintenance of precision tools and equipment. Inventory tracking for specialized tools to avoid loss or misplacement. Proper documentation and usage records for equipment requiring certifications. Monitoring of tool and equipment lifecycles to manage replacements. Ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. |
| Safety equipment and PPE |
Safety goggles, face shields, and welding helmets. Gloves for various and specific applications. Ear protection (earplugs, earmuffs). Respirators, face masks, and air filters. Work boots, aprons, and flame-resistant clothing. |
Regular inspection for wear and damage. Proper storage to maintain cleanliness and readiness. Inventory management for PPE to ensure availability and compliance with safety regulations. Replacing expired or damaged PPE according to safety guidelines. |
| Calibration and testing equipment |
Pressure testers and leak detectors. Torque testers and load cells. Vibration testers. Flow meters and pressure gauges. Electrical testers and oscilloscopes. |
Regular calibration to ensure accuracy in testing processes. Periodic inspections for signs of wear or malfunction. Inventory tracking of calibration devices and test consumables. Scheduled maintenance. Proper storage of sensitive instruments to prevent damage. |
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CRIBWISE – Tool & Inventory Management Software for Light, General Manufacturing
CRIBWISE, part of Sandvik Group, is a proven tooling and inventory management software designed specifically for light general manufacturing industries. It streamlines the management of cutting tools, hand tools, instrumentation, spare parts, consumables, and personal protective equipment (PPE) by providing full traceability and accurate auditing of these assets.
Enables the tracking, storage, and monitoring of specialized tools, machinery, and high-value materials used in light manufacturing. This ensures that tools and equipment are always available and ready for use, reducing downtime and preventing production delays across industries like automotive parts manufacturing, electronics assembly, and plastics production.
Provides controlled access to critical tools and assets, improving safety standards and minimizing the risk of damage, misuse, or loss. This is particularly important in environments where high-precision parts and equipment are key to product quality.
Automates calibration schedules, lifecycle management, and inventory replenishment, reducing manual workloads and minimizing human error. This ensures all assets are properly maintained, extending their lifespan and ensuring consistent performance, even in fast-paced and high-volume production settings.
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
Success in Action: Our role in improving our customers’ operational efficiency
CRIBWISE helped Sävjo Plastic to automate its inventory management process driven by the increasing demand for its in-house designed products.
