Equans improves tool management with Zuply dispensing system

Zuply's modular self-service solutions are finding their way into all sectors, including industry. Manufacturer Innovend collaborated with Equans to develop a smart locker system for issuing and managing tools at one of their operational locations. This resulted in fewer lost tools and a 75 percent reduction in average tool search time.

Richard Timmermans was the contact person for Innovend on behalf of Equans. As a Continuous Improvement Consultant, he is always looking for ways to improve work processes. "With the Zuply tool cabinet, we've solved several problems in tool management, such as loss, damage, search time, and unnecessarily large inventories."

No more wasting time looking for tools

Equans is an internationally operating technical service provider focusing on installation technology, energy, digital solutions, and facility management. The company works for many clients with a permanent on-site team.

The pilot with the Zuply dispensing system was set up at an industrial client in Zeeland. "We work there permanently and have several of our own units, including a workshop, storage facility, canteen, and offices. The Zuply cabinet is located in one of these units."

Previously, the Equans employees stationed there spent more time than desirable searching for the right tools. After implementing Zuply's smart locker system, this time was reduced by three-quarters. This resulted in a payback period of eight months.

Tool availability increased, while fewer are now needed. Moreover, employees take better care of the machines, and productivity has increased.

Automatic registration

The Zuply locker system is modular. Innovend can customize any locker. The one from Equans in Zeeland has 56 compartments in various sizes, ensuring a good fit for all tools. Richard considers this a significant advantage. "Configuring it with the right sizes also prevents wasted space."

Many of the lockers are equipped with electrical outlets, so equipment can be charged and always ready for the next colleague. Employees have access with a badge. Thanks to the registration system, it's possible to track who borrowed which tools, when, and whether they were returned.

Users are very positive, says Richard. He can substantiate this with the results of a survey: 91 percent consider it an improvement, and 9 percent are neutral. "They appreciate the locker and the new way of working. This includes the configuration, the use, the speed of obtaining information, the user-friendliness, and the convenience of the central storage location."

In-house engineering team

Richard worked closely with Innovend's designers on the implementation. He was very pleased with the result. "You can tell they specialize in these kinds of systems. They collaborate with the client and can deliver customized solutions thanks to their own engineering team."

The cabinet's software was adapted to our needs. For example, we added additional questions when returning tools—including whether the device was broken and needed to be replaced or repaired—and we offered users multiple language options. We employ people from various nationalities. These features further enhanced the user-friendliness.

Also interesting for other locations

Based on the successful pilot, Richard expects Equans to purchase more Zuply dispensing cabinets. He's very pleased about this. "My role is Continuous Improvement Consultant. A side task I've been given is to establish and maintain a department for operational innovations. We strive to re-apply these kinds of successful applications."

Other locations have already expressed interest. Richard has developed a business case outlining the possibilities and benefits, including the costs, so the return on investment can be clearly demonstrated. "Then my colleagues can easily calculate whether this solution is worthwhile for them as well. The return on investment is a crucial factor in rolling out the system to other business locations."

Richard is also looking further ahead: "I'm currently in discussions with Innovend about cabinets for dispensing other materials, such as parts, personal protective equipment, and small tools."