Tool Audit & Control
The concept is to 'control tooling'.
This is achieved by establishing a self-policing procedure with visual references for supervisory management to administer. However from the start, a lean benefit is delivered by task auditing. From the outset only the minimum 'task determined tools' are purchased. In some examples this can reduce inventory by 50%.
An example: A 1.5lb Ball Pein hammer was consumed 208 times per year @ a cost of £6.37 each. In a year this cost circa £1400 was written off. Over 10 years with a tool control system in place a saving of circa £14000 was made.
Tool control systems can survive for more than 10 years. A change in accounting practice can allow capitalisation of initial investment. This permits alternative funding methods, including leasing and adds value to the company's net worth and reduces or even eliminates consumable tool spend.
In addition to health and safety requirements to maintain serviceability of hand tools a planned schedule maintenance can enable low cost refurbishment to ageing kits.
A summary of tool control implementation are:
Lean Engineered / 5 S
Cost down initiatives
Long term business saving schemes
Business efficiency, time saving, right tool right place scenario
TOOL CONTROL FOAM INSERTS
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The Polstore Tool Control System visually presents tools, that at the end of a procedure, can be effectively checked where they should be i.e., in the toolbox. Instant visual auditing of the system is made possible by the use of two colour, high reflective contrast foam inserts. These inserts are made from a durable plastic laminated foam, resistant to most fluids encountered in the industrial / aerospace environment. |
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The three-dimensional shape of each tool is precisely replicated to allow the tool to be positioned in the foam to the most appropriate depth. A unique step-down feature is included to allow removal of the tools without resorting to finger holes. This is of particular benefit because it restricts the colour contrast to the exact shape of any missing items. To quick audit the contents of a kit only requires the drawers to be opened — as long as no yellow is visible, all the tools are present. |
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At the start of each project Polstore will conduct a confidential tool audit on the project site. This is a very effective way to develop the list of kit contents which are actually required for the particular task in hand. This avoids starting the project with a “wish list” which would incur unnecessary extra costs. In our experience, tool audits, without exception, highlight areas of improvement and benefit for the end user. If you already have a tool kit list and do not require an audit this is of course still not problem. We would design each foam insert to suit your tool activity and usage. We are able to supply just the routed foam inserts which can fit into any existing storage drawer cabinet or tool box so please contact us to discuss your requirement. |
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