Digital resource management – a must for the modern craft enterprises

Whether in construction, bricklaying, or painting – in the trades, every minute is worth money. So there is no time to lose. But this is easier said than done – if the management of vehicles, equipment, and machines is not correct, time and money are lost. This does not have to be the case, digital asset management leaves time and money for the essentials – the craft. But how does digital resource management work and what advantages does it offer?

Asset management, virtual relief for the skilled trades

Retailers do it. The hospitality industry does it. Tourism is doing it. They are all heeding the call for digitalization. Only the skilled trades are still a little hesitant. It is only tentatively dissolving its traditional structures. But why are they so reluctant? After all, digitized craft businesses are more of a blessing than a curse.

Everything at a glance, clever management of operating assets

“Where was that cordless screwdriver again?” “Are all the tools packed for the next work assignment?”, “The screwdriver is not charged again. Who used it last?” – craftsmen ask themselves the same organizational questions several times a day.

This costs time, of course. And what’s more, often the question can’t even be answered correctly. It is not uncommon that one or the other handwritten list cannot be deciphered correctly. Even Excel tables are no guarantee for efficient device management. Small errors quickly creep into the lists or valuable data is irretrievably lost. The up-to-dateness of Excel tables also leaves a lot to be desired. They are not always updated regularly. In other words, the lists are rarely up to date.

And this is exactly where asset management comes into play. The sophisticated systems, also known as tool trackers or tool managers, bring structure to the daily routine of craft businesses – in a matter of seconds. In the blink of an eye, all current locations, borrowers, and availability of operating resources appear clearly at a glance. The same applies to maintenance dates. Occasionally, the software even provides information on the current battery charge status. And best of all, the companies can be sure that the lists are always up to date. All information is automatically updated at regular intervals.

Manage equipment digitally and save money

But it’s not just in terms of time that digital asset management systems give craftsmen a remarkable head start. They also pay off financially. How come? Those who are always well-informed about the availability of working materials can plan ahead better. Whether it’s the tiler, the builder, or the bricklayer – every business keeps an eye on its resources. Where once there was speculation, now there is knowledge. As a result, material bottlenecks and delivery delays occur less frequently.

Another plus is that digital systems prevent the loss and theft of work equipment. Who last worked with equipment, when, and where? No one can answer this question more reliably than a digital management system. Thanks to this newfound security alone, the skilled trades sector gains a considerable financial advantage. Fewer operating equipment is lost and fewer are stolen. Even for companies with eight to ten employees and an inventory of 50 to 100 tools, the investment pays off within a few weeks.

Easy to use

And let’s not forget convenience. Since craftsmen can conveniently call up all important information digitally via the app at any time, they always keep track of everything, even while on the road in the company vehicle. Unfortunately, this cannot always be said of hand-held lists. Even after minutes of sifting through the paperwork, the urgently needed information still seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. Nothing helps. Turn around halfway, go back to the control center, pick up the forgotten list, and start all over again – the system looks different.

As comfortable as the operation of the software is, it is also simple. You really don’t have to be a technology freak to be able to operate the digital system. A few simple hand movements are quite sufficient. One or two applications and the basics are perfectly in place. Even older craftsmen with no technical know-how will be familiar with the simple software in no time at all.

Digital craftsmanship – a magnet for young talent

Even the attractiveness of the company increases with a digital business management system. The software is especially well received by young, tech-savvy up-and-coming talents. It makes the company young, fresh, modern, and progressive. It does not cling to old, entrenched structures, but brings the craft into the here and now. This is exactly how young craftsmen imagine their future employers. If that’s not an important first step in the fight against the shortage of skilled workers.

How does digital resource management actually work?

The showcase example of digital working capital management is called Craftcloud. Here, the name says it all, the craft business gets modern, sophisticated software at its fingertips, developed using only the most advanced cloud and web technologies.

Craftcloud is ready to go right out of the box. No installation is required. Immediately, the intelligent system is ready to use. Not even a dedicated server is required. The only requirement is a working device with an Internet connection. Whether a smartphone, tablet, or PC does not matter. Craftcloud looks good anytime and anywhere.

Craftcloud is perfectly equipped for mobile use. Modern apps for smartphones and tablets can be conveniently operated while on the move – even in the company car. Of course, access is also possible effortlessly from the workplace. With the browser, all important functions are immediately available to the craft business.

Easy-to-use cloud software for craftsmen

Good news for technology shysters, no extraordinary technical understanding is required to operate Craftcloud. The software is designed to be simple, clear, and self-explanatory. Within a very short time, the user will find his way around by himself. The intelligent user guidance also contributes a great deal to the familiarization. Thanks to the smart mechanisms, the user gains an overview of the functions of Craftcloud even faster.

And should something be unclear despite the simple user interface, there is no need for worry. In case of doubt, Craftcloud leaves no one alone. At any time, the system is ready to help the user with advice and support. It can even provide users with training and operating instructions. Whether for the management of storage locations and responsibilities, for inspection obligations and deadlines, or for data use and evaluation – there is comprehensive technical support for every function.

The fact that Craftcloud thinks along with the user is also proven by its updates. Of course, not everything stays the same. The system continues to evolve – again and again. What the user has to do for the update? Nothing more, the clever system performs the updates and maintenance on its own. It needs no outside help.

Digital asset management – and what about data security?

There’s no doubt about it – digital is good. But is digital also secure? Haven’t we heard far too often about data theft and data loss? Quite rightly, we are concerned with the issue of data security – including, of course, in the digital management of resources in the skilled trades. What if private information such as the name, address, and bank details of suppliers or tool rentals fall into the wrong hands or even get lost completely?

Don’t panic, with Craftcloud, all data is in safe hands – from address to bank details. Unauthorized third parties have no access to sensitive information. Data loss is also not an issue. In the unlikely event of a server failure, the data is well-secured and can be restored at any time. A loss is not a permanent loss.

For maximum data security, Craftcloud follows the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation, better known as GDPR. If anyone knows how to handle sensitive data, it is definitely Craftcloud.