A tool is a movable asset used during manufacture, either directly in production (such as a torque wrench, mould or jig) or indirectly (such as a measurement device) on an operation. They are often used to enable or enforce quality standards and are therefore tracked in terms of usage against items and calibration state. They can be moved from location to location or stored in specific locations. 

Tools have a status that determines their availability for use. For example tools may be out of use due to being in calibration or maintenance. Examples of tools are torque wrenches, weighing scales, moulding tools, jigs, micrometres and thermometers.

Tools should not be confused with work centres. Work centres are places where work takes place. They tend to be static and have controls in place around what products can be progressed at them and what work can take place in parallel. They have an asset type, which determines status options. Work centres can be tracked in OEE. Examples are lathes, mills, assembly benches and ovens.

Key screens related to Tools

Tool Management

Manage Tool Groups: Tools can be grouped. Tool Groups define if a tool is controlled or uncontrolled.

Tool Status: Defines the statuses a tool can have and if the status allows the tool to be used.

Tool Manager:  Allows you to configure tools and assign them to maintenance plans.

Tool Maintenance

Maintenance Type: Specifies if maintenance or calibration plans of a specified type is time-based calibration (days) or use-based calibration (uses).

Maintenance Plans: Configure maintenance plans. This screen doesn't require much engagement after being configured. It's the plan that is used to track asset maintenance against - the plan itself is not executional.

Maintenance Management: A dashboard that displays the maintenance status for every tool against its maintenance plans. Overrides to maintenance plans can be applied here if required.