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. |