Equipment Inventory

When we think of equipment in the workplace, we may immediately think of heavy machinery or tools, but what about computers, specialized instruments, or dollies? Our organizations rely on this equipment each day, but how do we ensure that this equipment is where it should be and ready to be used?

This is where an equipment inventory comes in handy. An equipment inventory is a thorough list of the tools, equipment, and assets an organization owns and uses. The equipment inventory details the available equipment, including its location, user information, and maintenance records.

By implementing and maintaining an equipment inventory, an organization can improve overall

productivity by better maintaining the equipment, and knowing where and who has the tools. In

addition to improved productivity, organizations can also use an equipment inventory to

demonstrate compliance with health and safety initiatives, like pre-use inspections, lock out tag

out, and removing inadequate or ineffective tools from the workplace.

How you develop and maintain your equipment inventory is up to you. There are many different

tools and apps at your disposal. Your organization’s format for an equipment inventory will depend

on your organization and its needs. Some smaller organizations can create and maintain their

inventory in a spreadsheet format, like Excel or Google Sheets, while larger, more intricate

organizations may use an app, like Axolt or inflow Inventory.

Regardless of the method your organization selects, ensure once an equipment inventory is

created that it is maintained. It can be very easy to forget to log the status or use of equipment for

a few days, which can result in the equipment being broken or missing. Consider assigning the

equipment inventory a specific staff member or group of employees, especially at the onset of the

program to ensure it is used and maintained.

If you are a private client of Dunk & Associates, check out the September Compliance Package

activities! We have included a template for an Equipment Inventory to help you get started. In

addition, we also offer a Preventive Maintenance feature on Systems 24-7 to schedule and track

preventative maintenance. If you are not a private client of D&A and you wish to learn more about

Compliance Packages, or any of our new features, please email us at support@systems24-7.com

or call us toll free at 1-866-754-8839.