Tool tracking
TOOL TRACKING
What can we do?
TOOL TRACKING
The cost of missing tools
Inefficiency
Underutilised tools result in wasted resources and slow production.
Costly Delays
Projects grind to a halt, derailing timelines and budgets.
Repurchase Costs
Replacing lost tools incurs unplanned expenses.
Audit Challenges
Yearly equipment checks become a nightmare without the necessary tools.
TOOL TRACKING
Our solution
Bluetooth
(BLE) Tag
BLE Tags provide approximate zonal accuracy, indicating which zone or area your asset is in.
Detector
Battery-powered Detectors track BLE or UWB Tag locations within your facility. They can be easily mounted and communicate with the Pathfindr portal via cellular connection.
uwb (uLTRA-WIDE BAND) Tag
UWB tags offer high precision (sub 2-meter) location tracking. This allows for more accurate tracking of tools. Data is sent to Detectors.
GATEWAY
The Gateway collects data from Detectors and securely transmits it to the cloud.
The advantage of our system is its flexibility to combine these technologies in one setup. This allows for high accuracy where needed and approximate tracking where it suffices.
Ultra-Wideband Tracking
For high precision, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracking is ideal. Imagine your facility divided into 20-meter squares, with 4 Detectors placed at each corner. These Detectors search for UWB tags in the area and calculate the distance between themselves and the tag. By using 3 or more Detectors, trilateration can be achieved, accurately pinpointing the tag’s location to within 2 meters. Data is then sent from the Detectors to a central gateway, which uses a SIM card for cellular communication with the cloud.
Bluetooth Tracking
For rough approximate estimates, Bluetooth tracking is a more cost-effective option. Bluetooth requires only 1 Detector per 20-meter square compared to 4 for UWB. This is because the Detector scans the area to detect any Tags, rather than calculating precise locations. Bluetooth tracking is sufficient if you’re tracking assets that are easily visible in a room. The Bluetooth system operates similarly to the UWB system, with the key difference being how the Detector scans for the tag.
Many organisations face challenges in locating their on-site assets, whether it’s equipment, hand tools, manufactured components, or composites. Implementing location tracking can address this issue and provide valuable data for analysis. This not only helps in preventing loss and theft and reducing search time but also enhances processes, efficiency, and throughput.
Set up the Detector network in your facility and collaborate with Pathfindr to create relevant zones within your building.
1
Tag your paperwork using either BLE Tags or UWB Tags, depending on the required level of accuracy.
2
Sign into your Pathfindr account to view your tools online, set up alerts, filters, and searches, and add data to each record.
3
Steps to track your tools
TOOL TRACKING
Why solving the problem matters
Increased Efficiency
Locate tools quickly, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.
Reduced Costs
Save money by eliminating the need to repurchase lost tools.
Project Efficiency
Ensure tools are readily available to maintain project timelines.
Data-Driven Decisions
Gain insights into tool usage, informing procurement strategies.
TOOL TRACKING
Solution components
TOOL TRACKING
Before & after tracking
Metric | Before Pathfindr | With Pathfindr |
|---|---|---|
Number of Monthly Tool Searches | 80 | 80 |
Average Search Time Per Event (Minutes) | 35 Minutes | 2 Minutes |
Annual Cost of Searching For Tools | £55,996 | £3,20 |
Company A averaged 80 searches per month to find their tools, with each search lasting around 35 minutes. This inefficiency amounted to an annual expense of £55,996, based on an hourly business cost of £100 p/h.
TOOL TRACKING
Investment vs ROI
13 Detectors + 2,000 Ble Tags
=
=
ROI
Cost Savings - Investment
Investment
£27,430
Per Year
£2,113
Solution Cost Per Month
=
This results in an annual saving for each tracked tool of
£13.71
To cover the facility area, 13 Detectors were needed, and 2,000 Tags were used on the tools.