Tracking construction equipment for maintenance and billing can be a nightmare. Crews hate paperwork, supervisors hate data entry, but knowing where your equipment is and how it’s being used is crucial. So what’s the best solution for construction tool tracking?
Unfortunately, most online solutions are ineffective, complicated, or expensive. Even worse, they often don’t integrate with your existing ERP systems. They’re a pain to set up and even harder to use.
Solution: Smart Barcode Scanning to Track Construction Tools
One solution is a “bridge” software that connects your ERP to your field management software. Often, field software doesn’t offer equipment tracking or smart barcode scanning. Integrating a field management system with a construction tool tracking software that uses a smartphone app can be a real game-changer. With barcodes to quickly assign time to equipment, jobs, and phases, while also keeping track of equipment location, the whole field operation becomes more efficient.
Here’s some of the many ways you can barcode your equipment:
- Laser etching
- Titanium riveted labels
- Existing VIN numbers
- Adhesive vinyl labels inside the cab
By barcoding their equipment and using an app integration, construction companies can:
- Increase revenue through more accurate billing
- Enhance equipment utilization by understanding their needs better
- Increase productivity by eliminating manual time tracking
- Gain more accurate equipment usage data
- Improve equipment maintenance with better odometer tracking
What type of construction tools can be tracked using barcodes?
So, have you ever barcoded a backhoe? It might seem unusual, but it can be a great way to streamline your construction business. Construction equipment comes in all shapes and sizes, and the beauty of barcoding is its versatility. While a backhoe might be the first thing that comes to mind, here are some other unexpected items you can barcode on your worksite:
- Consumables: Imagine scanning a barcode on a box of nails to automatically deduct it from inventory and assign the cost to the specific project. This can be especially useful for high-volume items like screws, lumber, or concrete.
- Tools: Keeping track of expensive tools can be a headache, however, barcoding drills, saws, and generators allows you to quickly locate them, deter theft, and ensure they’re returned after each use.
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Safety is paramount on a construction site. Barcoding hard hats, safety vests, and respirators can help ensure workers have the right equipment and streamline safety checks.
- Materials: Consider barcoding pre-cut lumber or specific batches of concrete. This allows for real-time tracking of construction materials used on each project, reducing waste and improving cost estimates.
Tracking construction tools can be a tedious process, but by thinking creatively about barcoding, you can unlock a whole new level of efficiency and control on your construction projects. To explore the power of barcode scanning further, visit Smart Barcoding and All Its Capabilities.
