Managing Mission-Critical Operational Assets with Cloud-Based, Self-Service Automated Locker Systems

In virtually every operating environment, productivity and operational efficiency are dependent on the use of Mission-Critical Assets such as equipment, instruments, handheld and other electronic devices, tools and rechargeable batteries.

Without reliable, constant access to the assets required to do their jobs, workers cannot perform their assigned tasks, productivity and safety suffer, and operating costs escalate dramatically.

Often, operations cannot function at all without these assets.

This is why they are often referred to as “mission critical.”

The use of Mission-Critical Assets cuts across all industries and operational settings.

From logistics and transportation, to healthcare, institutions and retail, to manufacturing, industrial and construction environments, the need is pervasive.

However, most systems currently in use to manage, track and control these assets are inefficient, costly and woefully inadequate.

This is true for both small and mid-size companies and for the largest global organizations. The result is that billions of dollars are wasted annually in retrieval, management and replacement of these needed items.

This white paper explores the problem in detail and examines the economic and operational impact of current practices and operational methods.

It also reviews opportunities for improvement and the experiential results that have been achieved in a variety of settings where cloud-based, self-service automated locker systems have been deployed to streamline and optimize the distribution and management of critical operational assets.

Scope
In this white paper, we will consider the distribution (check out and check in) and management of assets commonly used in the operation of a wide range of commercial and non-commercial organizations.

For purposes of this white paper, the wide range of items considered will be referred to as “Mission-Critical Assets.”

Examples of the assets included in this cohort include:

• Handheld data terminals/scanners, radios and rechargeable batteries
• Diagnostic equipment, instruments, and gauging
• Tablet and laptop computers
• Communications and IT equipment
• Serialized and calibrated tools and equipment
• Medical equipment, supply kits, emergency packs
• Maintenance kits, safety equipment (breathing apparatus, back harnesses, etc.)
• Hand and power tools