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.

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

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

Fleet and Transportation Assets

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

Facility Management-Related Assets

1. 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)
2. Security Systems:
   • Surveillance cameras (CCTV)
   • Access control systems (keycard readers, biometric scanners)
   • Alarm systems
   • Intrusion detection systems
   • Security gates and barriers
3. Grounds and Landscaping Equipment:
   • Lawn mowers
   • Irrigation systems
   • Tractors and utility vehicles
   • Snow removal equipment
   • Fencing and outdoor lighting
4. Furniture and Fixtures:
   • Office desks and chairs
   • Conference room tables and projectors
   • Cabinets and shelving units
   • Lighting fixtures
   • Partition walls
5. Cleaning and Maintenance Equipment:
   • Vacuum cleaners and floor scrubbers
   • Janitorial carts
   • Power washers
   • Trash compactors
   • Dispensers and hygiene stations
6. Energy Management Systems:
   • Solar panels
   • Energy meters and monitoring systems
   • Battery storage systems
   • Generators and backup power supplies
   • Smart thermostats
7. 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

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