Every business needs equipment. Work equipment includes office equipment, such as computers and printers, and communication devices, such as smartphones. Some workplaces rely on machinery to complete tasks, while others need sophisticated software. Each company’s needs vary based on the services they provide.
No matter what type of equipment your business relies on, it’s crucial you have the equipment available for employees to use when required. Broken or missing equipment can cost companies thousands in downtime and jeopardize their ability to satisfy and retain customers. Protecting your workplace equipment ensures your company operates as needed, completes tasks on schedule, and saves money. You can protect your equipment by using the three tips outlined here.
1. Use an equipment tracking system.
Protecting your equipment begins with knowing what equipment you have and where it is. Once equipment lists were typed or handwritten documents that equipment managers had to locate and read through. Now, you can maintain your equipment lists from any location.
Use equipment management software to maintain a complete list of all of your company’s equipment. Asset management software enables you to track equipment in real-time. You can see which employees signed out equipment and track maintenance data. For example, suppose an employee arrives to pick up a company car and notices the rear bumper’s damaged. In that case, the employee can take a photo, upload it to the equipment maintenance software, and report the damage. This level of inventory management enables you to determine when damages occurred and who was responsible.
Asset management software can be accessed through a mobile app, enabling you to check on equipment from any location. It also makes it easy to book jobs. Suppose a client needs a rush job completed and wants to know if your team can perform the task today. You can check to determine if the required equipment’s available before taking the job. This prevents scheduling overlaps and ensures you schedule work based on available resources.
2. Invest in preventative maintenance.
Asset management software enables you to track equipment maintenance. Use equipment maintenance software to schedule inspections and routine maintenance to prevent equipment from malfunctioning. For example, you can schedule the lift truck fork replacement for your forklifts before the tines break down, preventing workplace accidents. Staff can use the software to put in a work order for an inspection or upkeep before there are signs of excessive wear.
Equipment issues can cause workplace injuries and fatalities. Predictive maintenance ensures your employees’ safety and enables them to complete tasks on schedule.
You can also use the software to track maintenance activities for specific equipment or types of equipment to determine if they require more maintenance than usual. This could help you identify potential misuse by staff or determine whether to invest in a different brand next time you buy equipment.
3. Invest in your security.
Businesses can suffer financial losses from theft and vandalism. Employee theft costs companies billions in lost equipment, goods, and revenue. Thieves can also target businesses and steal materials, equipment, or goods.
Protect your business and your equipment with comprehensive security measures. Security cameras record footage from inside and outside your business, enabling you to identify suspicious behavior. Security guards monitor camera footage in real-time and patrol your business, checking for irregularities that could indicate a security issue. Comprehensive on-site security may deter thieves and vandals from targeting your company.
Invest in cybersecurity to protect company, employee, and consumer data. Cybercriminals hack into computer systems. Some cyberattacks involve stealing corporate data. For example, if you’re developing a new product, cyber thieves could steal your designs and sell them to competitors. Cybercriminals also use unlawful access to employee and consumer data to steal identities or commit credit card fraud. Cybersecurity also prevents cybercriminals from downloading viruses into your computer system and holding your system hostage. Companies have paid cybercriminals millions to regain access to their computer systems.
Protecting your equipment ensures your equipment functions correctly when you need it. Equipment tracking software enables you to locate equipment instantly and monitor equipment maintenance. Preventative maintenance prevents downtime and workplace accidents. On-site security protects your equipment from theft, while on-site and cybersecurity protects equipment from vandals or cybercriminals.
