MRO Today - A better way to keep track of tools

A better way to keep track of tools

This issue's idea comes from Brady Bostwick, a quality manager for Pacific Aerospace and Electronics' plant in Wenatchee, Wash. He writes:

"Our maintenance staffers always complained that tools were missing from our shop closet. One way we tried to fix the problem was to take the tools out of the closet and put them on a wall, out in the open. We assigned each tool its place and had pictures or silhouettes of each tool to mark.

"Having assigned places and putting things out in the open, helped us quickly see if a tool was missing. But if a tool wasn't in its place, we still didn't know where it was or who had taken it.

"So we took an extra step. Each maintenance staffer received a set of laminated cards with the person's name on it. Now when they take a tool, they use their card as a placeholder. They have multiple cards if they need a group of tools.

"When another worker needs a tool that's taken, he or she merely looks at the placeholder, and finds the person who has it. This system works well. Our workers are able to quickly find any tool they need, whether it's in the shop or elsewhere.

"Adding accountability reminds people to bring back tools after they use them, and ensures they put them back where they belong."

This article appeared in the October/November 2000 issue of MRO Today magazine. Copyright 2000.