Stop the Search - organise your tools for maximum efficiency.
Do you or your team often feel frustrated when things aren’t where they should be? An organised storage system can transform your workflow, boosting efficiency. Even small improvements in organising tools, materials and equipment can reduce company costs and create a better working environment for everyone.
Clutter is a waste of time!
Constantly searching for tools and materials drains productivity and reduces motivation. By assigning a specific place for each item, your team can quickly find what they need, improving efficiency and focus. The 5S method is a great way to build an organised system, maximizing workspace usage and reducing clutter and stress. With better organisation, you’ll have more time to focus on things that add value to your business!
5 quick tips for better order:
- Label all storage
- Throw away anything old or rusty
- Don't mix small and large items
- Hang things on walls for a good overview
- Keep the most used items closest to you
Disorder comes at a cost
In a messy workspace, items get lost or misplaced, often ending up in unmarked boxes and reappearing some time later. By labeling trays and drawers and using proper storage solutions, you minimize the risk of tools being lost or stolen. This keeps your inventory organised, saves money on replacements and extends the lifespan of machines and tools by reducing unnecessary wear. Smart storage keeps your workspace efficient and your equipment in top shape.
Organise tools with suitable storage
Tool boards - a suitable solution for small spaces. Available on wheels, for inside cupboards and best of all mounted on your workbench. By hanging tools right where you work, you maximize efficiency and make the most of limited space.
Drawers - on wheels or mounted under the table top so the drawers and their contents are easily accessible during work.
Workshop trolleys - have a high load capacity and offer mobility. The carts are made to last a long time and offer a long-term tool solution. Suitable for larger quantities of tools.
Tool cabinets - are adapted both for hand-held and larger tools. They keep equipment protected from dust and dirt and can be locked to prevent unauthorised access.
Battery cabinet - Cordless machines and tools must be kept cool. During charging, the batteries generate heat, which in the worst case can cause a fire. A battery cabinet is both well ventilated and equipped with a warning signal.
Expired batteries? Read more about storage and handling of hazardous waste.
Small parts trays - preferably on a backboard or tray shelf on the workbench so that the contents are easy to reach.
Transparent plastic trays - make it easy to see their contents at a glance, eliminating the need to open multiple drawers or check mislabeled containers. Stackable trays offer even more convenience, maximizing storage space.
Plastic picking box FRASER, grey, 600x400x320 mm, 6-pack
Disorder is a safety hazard
Disorder isn't just inconvenient; it’s a safety hazard. Without dedicated storage, tools often end up in a catch-all box, increasing the risk of injuries from rummaging among sharp or pointed objects. Scattered materials can also create tripping hazards. Properly organised storage ensures employees can safely retrieve, identify and use tools, promoting a safer and more efficient workplace.
Smart tips for organising your tools
- Label shelves, drawers and trays so everyone, including colleagues and visitors, can easily locate and return items.
- Utilise walls or compact tool boards to hang tools and maintain a clear overview. Even cupboard doors or perforated panels on trolleys can provide valuable storage space.
- Establish tool zones that tools should not leave, like areas around workstations or specific surfaces where they are used.
- Create and maintain a storage system. Set up regular cleaning schedules and plan inventory checks. Don’t forget to update labels if the contents change.
Ideal organisation of tools in the workshop - a team effort
Not sure where to begin? Here are some general tips to get started:
Start with an inventory of all equipment, tools and small parts. To keep things manageable and efficient, tackle one area of the workspace at a time.
Carry out the inventory as a team so everyone is involved in sorting and decision-making. Discard or replace items that are worn, rusty or broken. You can also filter out tools that are rarely or never used.
Categorise and allocate storage. Once tools are sorted, decide where they should go and select the best storage options. Tool boards or cases work well for hand-held tools, while plastic trays, machine cabinets or shelf systems are ideal for larger, bulkier items.
Remember, organisation is a team effort. Maintaining order requires everyone’s commitment. Encouraging teamwork, fostering good collaboration, and striving for continuous improvement can help keep the system effective.
Always put safety first
Even in a fully organised workplace, accidents can happen. Make sure that First Aid is easily accessible and that all production areas are equipped with safe guardrails, industrial mirrors, floor markings and clear barriers.
READ MORE: Increase industrial safety with clear signage and floor markation
Summary
When you don't have to look for tools, more time is left for what creates value in daily production. The team can feel safe and have a better opportunity to succeed at work, which has a positive effect on the entire business. Labeling all storage, sorting smaller items from larger ones and keeping the most used tools within easy reach are useful strategies for optimising workflow.
Ask us about storage
We offer several different solutions that enable better order and organisation in the workplace. Feel free to contact us at AJ Products if you need advice or help with your interior design.
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