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ToolHound has been helping factories, warehouses and job sites in the construction, mining, oil/gas and related industries effectively track tools and inventory since 1985. We specialize in simple effective inventory management solutions. Our focus is delivering products that excel at ease of use by employees and contractors.

Our tracking systems reduce the need for extraneous personnel dedicated to tracking and logging items. Our software systems will precisely track tools and other assets from warehouse to job site to worker and back again.

We help businesses achieve streamlined inventory and tool control by clearly defining the basic categories of inventory and the various methods of identifying them.

Basic Inventory Types for Tracking

Effective inventory management is crucial to optimal workflow and your company’s bottom line.  One of the challenges for a business with substantial inventory levels is the diversity therein. ToolHound classifies inventory four ways.

·       Serialized

These items are tracked individually for every issue and return. Each individual asset would have its own unique bar code or RFID tag. Examples of serialized items include more valuable hand tools, transport vehicles, telescopic boom man lifts and compressors. Inventory that requires regular service or maintenance is serialized, creating the added benefit of ensuring ideal and safe performance.

·       Consumable

Assets expected to be used in the fabrication or repair of something else will not normally be returned to their origin point. Examples include safety tape, gloves or cans of lubricant. These are frequently issued in quantities of more than one. Each of the same type of consumable would have the same bar code, not an individual one.

·       Bulk

These are smaller, less expensive assets that are normally returned but not tracked individually. Examples include hand tools, signage or caulking guns. As with consumables, each of the same type of asset would have the same bar code, not an individual one.

·       Non-Stock

These are inventory items that are not physically in stock or the quantity on hand is not important, but usage needs to be recorded, often for accounting purposes. Examples of non-stock inventory include such things as mileage, lunches and labor. These items also have a single identifier for each type of like item.

Advantages of RFID vs. Barcode Tracking

Depending on the quantity and different types of inventory maintained by your business, there are advantages to both RFID and barcode (or UPC) tracking. ToolHound has a tremendous wealth of experience and exemplary track record in helping companies select one or a combination of these methods to custom fit their needs. These methods will be used in conjunction with comprehensive and easy-to-use software which can effectively track inventory items from any location.

Every business has a unique inventory situation requiring a carefully customized tracking solution. This solution is achieved by a thorough evaluation of the different inventory types in your arsenal and an evaluation of which type of tracking label is best suited for optimal workflow, safety and budgetary concerns.