Published 1 Sep 2023

Top 7 Tool Management Software of 2023

two construction engineers checking their project's tool needs using a tool management software on a laptop

What is Tool Management Software?

Tool management software is a task-specific digital solution that helps companies organize tools and equipment so workers can find what they need immediately. Managers can use the information documented in the system to replace or repair lost or damaged items, saving the company time and money. It can be a standalone program or a component of an enterprise asset management (EAM) platform or a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

Importance

According to a National Equipment Register (NER) report, stolen tools and machinery in the construction sector account for nearly $1B. On top of that, these losses cause downtimes during work hours, which translates to more money down the drain. Tool management software helps prevent those problems and more, as follows:

  • Improves operations – Spending a few minutes looking for a missing wrench takes time away from actually working on something with that wrench. With digitized inventory, check-in and out functionalities, and real-time tracking, your technicians will know where their tools are and have them when they need them.
  • Increases equipment longevity – With digitization, managers can include a wealth of information about a particular asset besides its brand name and date of purchase. One of the most crucial details included is maintenance documentation. The software helps reduce equipment damage by immediately notifying managers that servicing is due soon.
  • Preserves oversight and strengthens collaboration – When different departments can view the complete inventory and the availability of assets required, they can determine their next best step. It also prevents unnecessary conflicts between teams.
  • Enhances asset security – As aforementioned, losing tools and equipment costs a lot of money. Investing in a digital solution that can track and monitor these assets prevent that. And in case the unfortunate still happens, detailed reporting with analytics allows managers to get to the bottom of things so it doesn’t occur again.
  • Reduces operating costs – With the practical features of tool management software, your company does not have to spend so much on replacing lost assets or repairing damaged equipment because everyone knows the exact location of these items and gets notified for routine maintenance.

Key Features

Whether you manage a team of ten mechanics or hundreds of people on a construction site, you probably have thousands of tools to pay attention to. Investing in tool management software is a judicious choice. Here are its must-have features.

  • Asset inventory
  • Tool catalog with detailed history
  • Tool tracking with barcoding / RFID / GPS
  • Check-In/Out with due dates and transaction notes
  • Usage Auditing and Reporting
  • Tool availability and reservation calendars
  • Maintenance scheduling
  • Retail management / Third-party supplier collaboration

Choosing the Right Tool Management Software

Any of the seven listed above is a good investment. Before you make your final selection, take another look at all of them below:

Tool Management Software Free Version Paid Plan Mobile App
SafetyCulture Yes $24/user/month* Yes
EZOfficeInventory No $35/month* Yes
UpKeep No $45/month Yes
Fiix Yes $45/month* Yes
ToolHound No Custom quote No
ToolWatch No Custom quote Yes
Tooltribe Pro Yes $10/user/month Yes

* billed annually

Eunice

SafetyCulture staff writer

Eunice Arcilla Caburao

Eunice is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. A registered nurse, theater stage manager, Ultimate Frisbee athlete, and mother, Eunice has written a multitude of topics for over a decade now.

Eunice is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. A registered nurse, theater stage manager, Ultimate Frisbee athlete, and mother, Eunice has written a multitude of topics for over a decade now.