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Everything at a glance: Organising data capture and output digitally
The mobile solution with contactless recording and simple web access inventories machines and tools and records their use. Locations, borrowers and availability can be queried or entered via smartphone or PC.
ZVTOOL is a digital device management system. The computerised solution with contactless recording and simple web access records machines and tools for HVAC contractors using smartphones and NFC technology. The system makes it possible to keep track of measuring devices, valuable tools and mobile machines at all times. Locations, borrowers and availability can be queried or entered using a smartphone or PC. The application rests on three pillars:
- User-friendly command centre for managing tools, measuring devices and machines (ZVTOOL Web)
- Smartphone and app for recording tool and machine movements (ZVTOOL Phone + App)
- NFC labels for tool, machine and employee labelling (ZVTOOL Tags).
All tool and machine borrows and returns are recorded contactlessly using the NFC labels on the tools with a smartphone and app and transmitted to the central administration interface. The days of laborious and error-prone typing of numbers and names are now a thing of the past.
The control centre of the application is ZVTOOL Web. This is where all the information comes together. To use it, no software needs to be installed on a PC in the trade business. It is accessed via a browser and grants access to all of the company's data via an encrypted connection. Thanks to the modern cloud architecture, data backup for the tradesperson is already included as standard.
Using the cockpit displayed in the first call, companies can see at a glance what is relevant for them:
- How many tools are currently on the construction site and in the company?
- Who has how many tools?
- Which tools are due for maintenance?
- Which tools are reserved for construction sites?
Labelling of tools, machines and keys
To ensure that all processes can be recorded without contact, each employee receives an NFC key fob for personal identification and each tool receives an NFC tag for unique labelling. The term NFC stands for Near Field Communication. This means that the information contained on the chip can be read at a distance of up to 3 cm. This ensures that only one tool is assigned to one employee. The tags for employees are available as practical key fobs.
The machine tags are made of ABS plastic (temperature range -10 to +50 °) and have a special anti-metal coating. This allows the tags to be read even if they are attached to metal objects (e.g. tool cases). They are attached to the device with two-component adhesive.
Inventory made easy
The initial recording of the machines can be used as a welcome opportunity to take an inventory of the machinery. All devices are systematically recorded and their location determined. Once this has been done once, a quick inventory can be carried out for any location. This is often used, for example, when vehicles equipped with tools are handed over to other employees on holiday. The results of each inventory are recorded and logged.
Output via smartphone and app
The ZVTOOL smartphone with the corresponding app serves as a recording device for the issue and return processes of the devices and machines. The lender and borrower are identified by the key fobs that each employee carries with them. They simply hold it up to the smartphone and they know who has issued the equipment and who has received it.
The machines that the individual employee receives can then be scanned. The location where the machines are used is also recorded. It is an advantage if there is a locked tool dispenser and an employee is responsible for it. If this is not possible, the employees are given both rights and can issue the tools "by self-authorisation".
Increasing awareness of values
By knowing who has borrowed which tool and when, the employees' sense of responsibility increases considerably. This increases employee satisfaction and saves costs. Tools that are only available once in the company must be available at the right time. The reservation function helps here. When the tool is issued, the borrower is informed directly of a reservation date. If the tool is borrowed anyway, the person making the reservation is notified immediately. In order not to miss regular maintenance appointments for equipment, these can also be stored. These are clearly displayed for each week in the cockpit.
System to be further expanded
According to ZVSHK, numerous new features are planned for ZVTOOL. So-called "quantity articles" will soon be available. This will make it possible to monitor the stock of tools of lower value (e.g. spanners, spatulas, gloves). A GPS tracker will make it possible to locate valuable tools directly in future. A comprehensive maintenance module will also be available, with which not only maintenance times can be recorded, but also entire maintenance processes can be logged. The entire maintenance history of a tool is then directly available in the system.
ZVTOOL was developed by tradespeople for the HVAC trade. The programme allows tradespeople to conveniently manage machines and tools and identify the borrower and location. This makes it much easier to plan the use of tools and machines. The IT committee of the ZVSHK is responsible for the programme. Together with the company Coeln Concept, a concept for a cloud-based system with a smartphone as the recording device was developed and implemented.
TIP
Demo version and live experience
The application can be ordered in the ZVSHK webshop at www.zvtool.de. Guild companies can purchase the system at a discounted price. Access to a fully functional demo system is also available there. This allows tradesmen to test all functions extensively and familiarise themselves with the system.
The complete system is supplied as a starter pack with a quick start guide. This ensures a problem-free start. The personal tags are issued to the employees and the machine tags are assigned to the tools. The starter pack includes a smartphone, which is used to complete the issue and return processes. A pleasant side effect of the initial registration is that you then have an immediate overview of the machinery in stock.
In addition: ZVTOOL will be presented together with the ZVSHK at the ISH trade fair in Frankfurt (14 to 18 March) at Rothenberger's stand A04 in Hall 6.2.
Info
Functions at a glance
Easy handling
Apart from a standard browser, an Internet connection and the starter pack, nothing else is required for use.
Consistent control
Using the web interface or on the move with a smartphone, you can check online directly on the tool to whom it should be assigned. Gone are the days of tools standing around unattended. There is control over the machines at all times, regardless of whether they are on the construction site or in operation.
Time management / maintenance intervals
The condition of the tools is recorded when they are issued or returned. If, for example, a measuring device is under repair, it can be quickly determined where it is and how long it will be unavailable. A tool can be reserved for a certain period of time so that it really is ready for the customer's important appointment. Regular maintenance intervals can be defined to ensure that they are adhered to.
Contactless and tamper-proof
Tools are labelled clearly and tamper-proof with NFC tags so that they can be scanned by smartphones without contact.
SBZ-TIP
More on the topic at the ISH
For the first time, SBZ is organising themed guided tours of the SHK trade fair ISH (14 to 18 March). The tour will focus on the topics of tools, measuring devices and software. Each tour lasts around two hours. Participation is free of charge and participants also receive free admission to the trade fair.
www.sbz-online.de/guidedtours