What is the Gray Tools Management System?

At its core, it is a system that allows users to complete instant visual audits of their tools and asset whereabouts. Tool Management System (T.M.S.) uses precision 3D CNC routed, robust, oil and solvent resistant, multi-coloured foam to provide a location for every tool or asset.

Each precision routed cut-out accommodates only the item it was designed for, meaning visual checks quickly confirm that all tools are accounted for and more importantly which ones are missing and have not yet been returned.

If the contrasting underlying color is visible, something has been misplaced.

Tool Management System is a flexible solution that can be applied to individual and group tool sets as foam trays inside a tool storage solution or as part of a shadow wallboard program in a tool crib.

In addition to protecting assets and enhancing inventory management the highly customizable nature of every T.M.S. project allows workplaces the ability to optimize workflows, organization, eliminate waste, redundancies, and improve efficiencies.

Take Control of Your Tools

The implementation of a Gray Tool Management System translates into quantifiable and measurable benefits for maintenance and management personnel within any organization:

Protection Against Foreign Object Damage (F.O.D.): F.O.D. occurs when misplaced or unaccounted for tools or assets are mistakenly left behind in an unexpected location. F.O.D. can cause potentially catastrophic situations and have serious financial consequences or cause expensive repairs and liability exposure.

Lean/5S Compliance: A cost effective method of achieving 5S and lean objectives which call for the elimination of clutter, standardization of work centres, continuous cleanliness standards, and operational sustainability. By eliminating excess tools and waste, storage needs and space requirements can be dramatically reduced.

Protection of Valuable Tooling & Assets: The permanently routered location for every item prevents objects from rolling or sliding, thus eliminating unexpected loss. Valuable assets are also protected against accidental damage especially when in transit, while also reducing unauthorized tool use and theft.

Better Inventory Control: Eliminating the annual and recurring costs associated with lost and misplaced tools can be significant. Mobile service technicians are especially vulnerable as they work in remote and unfamiliar surroundings. Scheduled asset audits can now be performed in minutes not hours ensuring they are completed accurately and on time.

Enhanced Employee Efficiencies/Increased Efficiency and Productivity: All team members, including new hires, can find and put tools away in the correct location faster. Establishing permanent standardized tool locations eliminates the time wasted by technicians searching for the right tool for a given project. T.M.S. installations allow tools to be stored in the most effective manner reflecting user workflows, tool sizes, and weights.

A Practical Cost & Time Savings Example

Below is a real-life example of how a team of 5 technicians, using a 10 drawer cabinet with 960 tools are positively impacted by a Gray T.M.S. implementation:

If search time is reduced by 60%, this translates into a time savings of nearly 8 hours or $236 per month in wages. A Gray T.M.S. pays for itself very quickly.

How Does the Process Work?

Identify Your Tools

Simply determine which tools are needed as part of your custom tool set, master tool kit or shadow wallboard project. Our comprehensive tool library contains precision 3D-CAD drawings, sizes and weights for over 3,000 products.

This extensive library greatly improves flexibility, speed, and delivery time for any project.

Determine Your Storage Needs

As unique as the tool list in every project, so are  your storage needs. Fortunately, we have a wide array of carrying cases, mobile tool chests, and toolboxes to support any working environment. Choose from over 60-storage solutions in our extensive library.

The Project Begins To Take Form

With tool list and storage parameters in hand, our design team begins evaluating and determining optimal tool adjacencies, space utilization, workflow, and efficiency.

Once complete the result is a full colour tool populated visual proof of your personally tailored tool management project.

Your Project Becomes Reality

Once the collaborative design process is finalized, the tool management system project goes into full production.

As a single source for your tool management project; tools, storage and foam organizers are shipped together. This single source supply model ensures you work with an organization with over 100-years of hand tool experience.

How is Our Tool Management Different? 

In addition to delivering a fully customized solution, a Gray tool management system is unique and unrivaled for many reasons:

• In-house design
• Precision routed foam substrate
• Cost-effective & quick
• Virtual project preview
• Chemical and solvent resistant foam
• Over 100 years of hand tool experience
• One stop for tools & storage

Who Can Benefit From a Tool Management System?

The simplicity, ease of implementation and cost effectiveness of a T.M.S. makes it a practical solution for organizations of any size.

Below are just a few of the industries where implementation of a T.M.S. system can have a tremendous positive impact: aerospace, defense, food production, electronics, institutional facilities, medical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing facilities, general MRO, mobile repair service providers, schools and training facilities, auto and heavy duty vehicle garages.