Inventory management may evoke thoughts of a monotonous, bureaucratic process, a relic of times when manual record-keeping was standard. While logging assets in a ledger was straightforward, it was also time-consuming and prone to error.
Today’s business landscape is marked by dynamism and rapid change. Adding to this are evolving work patterns, like the rise of remote working and the use of temporary staff, which bring a level of turnover and complexity to workplaces. This true for any business in any sector, as asset tracking poses significant challenges for all kinds of businesses and organisations.
Consequently, innovative asset management software, such as provided by leading provider Timly, has become essential for managing an array of assets – from spare parts and components to maintenance equipment and operational consumables. Its role extends well beyond just tracking items and their locations. Software now aids in assigning assets to responsible individuals, overseeing maintenance and safety checks, and providing digital access to user manuals and operating instructions. A notable example of this holistic approach to asset management is the Swiss company Timly. They offer a comprehensive solution for efficient, modern inventory management that is applicable across various industries.
Beyond Manual Lists and Spreadsheets: Digital Inventory Systems
The strength of specialised inventory software lies in its capacity to manage and connect an extensive range of data, boosting efficiency significantly. While traditional tools like spreadsheets are somewhat effective for small-scale asset management, such as temporary tool allocations, they fall short in handling larger, more complex datasets. In contrast, modern inventory software can handle vast amounts of data with ease, allowing for the addition and modification of detailed information on each logged item.
This digital asset tracking software enables businesses to manage all pertinent data for an asset across its entire lifecycle within the organisation. From initial procurement to ongoing maintenance, every relevant document and record is consolidated in one central software system. It allows for dynamic updates of crucial parameters, including the assignment of assets to specific locations, personnel, or vehicles, and these updates can be made remotely. This approach ensures a constantly updated and comprehensive view of the inventory, a necessity in the dynamic and evolving environment of modern businesses.
Timly’s cloud-based inventory management system is designed to function seamlessly across all devices, whether mobile or desktop, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for users in various operational settings.
Asset tracking solutions like Timly are key to keeping on top of maintenance schedules.
(Copyright: Timly Software AG)
Asset Tracking with Specialised Software
Timly operates as a cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), an approach particularly well-suited for digitisation. This model forgoes the need for complex IT infrastructure on the user’s end. Utilising advanced cloud servers based in Europe, Timly provides its users with access to their asset tracking system via any internet-enabled device, ensuring a secure and encrypted connection.
The Timly asset management system employs categories to mirror the unique structure of a business. Companies can organise their assets according to their specific needs, such as location or particular projects. Assets are grouped under broader categories like tools or vehicles, improving the organisation and accessibility of various resources. The ‘container’ feature is notably effective, enabling the association of different assets with specific items or locations. This functionality is useful for assigning a complete set of equipment to a service vehicle or an individual, thus optimising resource allocation.
Each asset within the system can be customised to meet distinct operational requirements, with fully customisable fields and attributes. The file storage function allows for the creation of a detailed digital record for each asset, including photographs that document the item’s condition at acquisition and during its usage. Digital maintenance records and repair logs can also be stored. Such thorough record-keeping and adaptability are crucial, where precise tracking and maintenance of a broad range of assets are essential to ensuring both operational efficiency and safety.
With digital asset tracking solutions it is now possible to always keep track of your inventory.
(Copyright: Timly Software AG)
Flexibility with Cloud-based Asset Tracking Apps
Apps are now integral to the effective use of smartphones and tablets for various tasks. In response to this, Timly has developed a web-app solution, tailored for easy access and usability across these devices. Designed to run in a web browser, it is universally compatible across different operating system platforms. Furthermore, the app’s design ensures that data is stored temporarily on the device, a crucial feature for employees who might use personal smartphones for work-related tasks.
In business asset management, the swift and precise identification of equipment is paramount. To facilitate this, QR codes are now widely used. Timly’s app supports the creation of QR codes in various sizes, making it possible to label even smaller assets with barcode tags efficiently. The inclusion of an integrated barcode scanner in the app, utilising the mobile device’s camera, significantly simplifies the process of retrieving information about any piece of equipment. This feature is especially beneficial in the dynamic environment of business operations, where quick access to accurate asset information is essential for maintaining smooth and efficient workflows.
A cloud-based asset tracking solution allows easy access from any device.
(Copyright: Timly Software AG)
Enhancing Asset Management with IoT Sensors
Connected IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are transforming the way large machinery and vehicles are monitored, shifting routine tasks into automated processes. While QR codes serve well for smaller, less expensive items, IoT GPS trackers excel in providing real-time location updates for larger assets. These sensors are adept at monitoring levels in storage tanks or containers and tracking operational hours, essential for timely maintenance planning.
Moreover, IoT sensors can measure environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, offering valuable insights into the operating conditions of these assets. This capability is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of heavy equipment.
The integration of data from these IoT sensors into an inventory management system like Timly represents a significant step forward in asset management. It enables automated tracking of large-scale asset locations and ensures maintenance schedules are constantly updated with accurate, real-time data. Through its partnership with Swiss provider adnexo, Timly enhances its inventory management solution with advanced IoT capabilities. This approach is key to efficient and precise asset management, ensuring larger, high-value assets are monitored and managed as effectively as smaller ones.
A scheduling planner streamlines asset allocation and maintenance planning.
(Copyright: Timly Software AG)
Implementing Inventory Management in Your Business
Integrating efficient container tracking software can significantly enhance resource management and utilisation within any company, where there is a need to effectively handle a diverse range of assets. Understanding the location and status of each tool and resource simplifies planning and aids in pinpointing underutilised assets. Another major advantage of this digital approach is the enhanced access to information, as it allows authorised users to gain valuable insights from digital asset records.
For businesses curious about the capabilities of asset tracking software and its optimal deployment, Timly provides a no-obligation demo. Finding out about any solution’s key benefits and features is an essential step in assessing your options. This way you can ensure bevore chosing a provider that their asset tracking software is aligned with your current and future needs.