TOP 8 of problems solved by asset management systems

What benefits can you get from an asset management tool? See below all the problems tackled by asset management tools. At the end, a bonus list of all the items one can check for his own organisation.

Hugo Gervais

Sep 3, 2024 • 3 minutes read

Asset Tracking, Loss Prevention and Inventory Management:

Problem: Difficulty in keeping track of all assets and equipment, leading to losses, theft, or underutilization.
Solution: Provides real-time tracking of assets, often using barcodes, RFID, or GPS, ensuring that managers know the location, status, and condition of all equipment at all times.

Maintenance Management:

Problem: Inconsistent or reactive maintenance practices that lead to equipment breakdowns, downtime, and high repair costs.
Solution: Enables predictive and preventive maintenance scheduling, ensuring that equipment is maintained regularly, reducing unplanned downtime and extending the lifespan of assets.

Lifecycle Management:

Problem: Lack of visibility into the full lifecycle of equipment, making it difficult to plan for replacements or upgrades.
Solution: Tracks the entire lifecycle of assets from acquisition to disposal, helping organizations plan for future needs and budget accordingly.

Compliance and Safety:

Problem: Difficulty in ensuring that all equipment complies with safety regulations and industry standards, which can lead to fines, legal issues, and safety hazards.
Solution: Monitors compliance with regulatory requirements, ensures that safety inspections are conducted on time, and maintains detailed records for audits.

Cost Management:

Problem: Uncontrolled costs due to inefficient management of equipment, such as over-purchasing or underutilization.
Solution: Helps in tracking the total cost of ownership (TCO) for assets, including acquisition, operation, and maintenance costs, enabling better financial management and cost control.

Asset Utilization:

Problem: Suboptimal use of assets leading to idle equipment or bottlenecks in operations.
Solution: Analyzes usage patterns to optimize asset allocation, ensuring that equipment is used efficiently and downtime is minimized.

Reporting, Coordination and Communication:

Problem: Inadequate data collection and reporting capabilities, leading to poor decision-making and lack of insights into asset performance.
Solution: Centralizes data related to all assets, providing comprehensive reporting and analytics to support informed decision-making.

Scalability and Flexibility:

Problem: Difficulty in scaling asset management practices as the organization grows or as new types of equipment are introduced.
Solution: Offers scalable solutions that can adapt to the changing needs of the organization, whether it involves adding new assets, users, or locations.

Bonus : what can you do if you think beyond technical items of management ?

Here is a wide list of items/equipment that you could input into Urbest to improve your operations:

General Assets and Equipment

Office Equipment:
- Computers (desktops, laptops)
- Printers and scanners
- Telecommunication devices (phones, fax machines)
- Copiers and multifunction devices
IT and Network Infrastructure:
- Servers
- Routers, switches, and hubs
- Storage devices (NAS, SAN)
- Data centers and backup systems
- Software licenses and subscriptions
Medical Equipment:
- Diagnostic machines (MRI, CT scanners)
- Surgical instruments
- Patient monitors
- Hospital beds
- Sterilization equipment
Construction Equipment:
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Concrete mixers
- Scaffolding and ladders
Retail and Point of Sale (POS) Equipment:
- Cash registers
- POS terminals
- Barcode scanners
- Digital signage
- Vending machines

Fleet and Transportation Assets

Vehicles:
- Cars and trucks
- Vans and SUVs
- Motorcycles
- Buses and coaches
- Delivery vehicles
Heavy Machinery:
- Forklifts
- Tractors
- Dump trucks
- Graders and loaders
- Road rollers

Building Infrastructure:
- HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
- Elevators and escalators
- Plumbing systems (pipes, fixtures)
- Electrical systems (wiring, circuit breakers)
- Fire safety systems (sprinklers, alarms)
Security Systems:
- Surveillance cameras (CCTV)
- Access control systems (keycard readers, biometric scanners)
- Alarm systems
- Intrusion detection systems
- Security gates and barriers
Grounds and Landscaping Equipment:
- Lawn mowers
- Irrigation systems
- Tractors and utility vehicles
- Snow removal equipment
- Fencing and outdoor lighting
Furniture and Fixtures:
- Office desks and chairs
- Conference room tables and projectors
- Cabinets and shelving units
- Lighting fixtures
- Partition walls
Cleaning and Maintenance Equipment:
- Vacuum cleaners and floor scrubbers
- Janitorial carts
- Power washers
- Trash compactors
- Dispensers and hygiene stations
Energy Management Systems:
- Solar panels
- Energy meters and monitoring systems
- Battery storage systems
- Generators and backup power supplies
- Smart thermostats
Parking Facilities:
- Parking meters and payment kiosks
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Parking barriers and gates
- License plate recognition systems
- Parking lot signage and lighting

Miscellaneous Objects

Signage and Wayfinding:
- Digital displays
- Directional signs
- Kiosks
- Information boards
- Banners and posters
Miscellaneous Tools and Small Equipment:
- Hand tools (hammers, wrenches)
- Power tools (drills, saws)
- Ladders and scaffolding
- Portable generators
- Measuring devices (tape measures, calipers)
Warehouse and Storage Equipment:
- Pallet jacks and forklifts
- Shelving and racks
- Inventory bins and containers
- Conveyors
- Loading docks and ramps

General Assets and Equipment

Fleet and Transportation Assets

Facility Management-Related Assets

Miscellaneous Objects