Toolshop
Toolshop management ensures that critical tools, dies, molds, and fixtures are available, maintained, and traceable across production. It helps prevent downtime by keeping tools in optimal condition and automating calibration, repairs, and inventory. With centralized control and integration to production and ERP, it ensures the right tool is always ready for the right job. A well-managed toolshop increases efficiency, prolongs tool life, and safeguards production quality.
Full Visibility into Tool Availability and Usage
In any production environment, especially in metalworking, plastics, or precision engineering, tools are mission-critical. Toolshop management gives you full control over where tools are stored, which machines they’re assigned to, and how often they are used. You can classify and group tools by type, use case, lifespan, and compatibility with machines or work orders. Barcode or RFID tagging allows quick check-in/check-out and usage logging. This ensures that no tool goes missing, and that operators always have what they need when they need it. Inventory levels for consumable tools, such as inserts or drills, are also monitored to trigger timely reorders. With this system in place, downtime due to missing or unprepared tools is virtually eliminated. Operators and planners can reserve tools in advance, avoiding last-minute delays. Historical usage data helps forecast wear patterns and optimize tool deployment. Ultimately, tool visibility equals production stability.
Preventive Maintenance, Calibration, and Lifecycle Control
Tool failure during production can lead to machine damage, rejected parts, and costly downtime. A toolshop system helps prevent this by tracking each tool’s lifecycle and automating maintenance schedules. You can define maintenance intervals based on usage hours, production cycles, or calendar dates. Calibration routines and inspections can be planned and documented with full traceability. If a tool fails inspection, it's flagged and removed from availability until it’s repaired. All maintenance records are stored digitally and linked to the tool ID, supporting audits and quality standards like ISO 9001 or IATF 16949. Spare parts or replacement components can also be tracked to speed up repair turnaround. Notifications ensure no inspection or repair is missed, and escalation workflows prevent tools from being used when out of spec. The system supports both internal maintenance and outsourced repair flows. In short, it turns maintenance from reactive to proactive.
Seamless Integration with Production and ERP
Toolshop management works best when integrated with your production and ERP systems. Tools can be linked directly to specific operations in a routing or work order, ensuring automatic allocation during scheduling. Before a job starts, the system checks whether required tools are available, within spec, and properly calibrated. This prevents production from starting without the right tooling in place. During execution, actual tool usage can be logged to feed back into maintenance schedules and cost tracking. Usage data also supports tool costing, helping calculate accurate margins per part or job. Integration with MES or machine monitoring systems allows wear-and-tear tracking based on actual load or time in use. ERP integration ensures tool procurement, stock valuation, and maintenance costs are reflected financially. If a production order is rescheduled or re-routed, tool availability is automatically reassessed. This holistic view creates a connected, intelligent environment where tools, machines, and people operate in sync.
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