Monitoring a large fleet of trucks is a complex task, but keeping track of small tools, and miscellaneous equipment parts scattered across job sites is often equally demanding.
Smaller assets are usually the first to get misplaced or stolen, and the resulting idle time brings inefficiencies, frustration, and ultimately loss of profit.
Luckily, cloud-based tracking solutions help you keep all the tools and equipment accounted for, big and small.
In this article, we’ve prepared an overview of the top 9 solutions for tracking small tools.
In this article...
GoCodes
First up is our complete, cloud-based asset-tracking solution: GoCodes.
What makes GoCodes exceptional among tool-tracking software is its range of capabilities that enable you to track small tools and heavy equipment effortlessly.
Custom QR tags and labels are key here because they can fit every asset regardless of size.
These QR code labels can be smaller than a coin and still contain a wealth of information when scanned. That makes them better than barcode labels that contain less information.
Different materials make them reliable regardless of size, providing you with key insights into the asset’s location and status in real-time.
Having dozens of small tools scattered across job sites and unaccounted for is a thing of the past thanks to the fast barcode-based check-in/check-out system, and a user-friendly interface.
Asset’s location updates as soon as its tag is scanned, which simplifies processes like inventory audits, but brings even more value when it comes to worker accountability and countering theft.
With a single source of truth and a clear chain of custody, small tools will no longer be stolen or misplaced.
Key features:
- Custom tags
- Kitting
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Fast check-in/check-out
- Inventory management
- Equipment utilization
- Fixed asset accounting
- Custom reports, charts, and dashboard
In addition to its powerful features, GoCodes has earned consistently high grades relating to usability and support, as seen by this summary from software review platform G2.
GoCodes Pricing
GoCodes pricing is subscription-based and includes 5 distinct service plans, accommodating different asset quantities and number of user logins.
Our most popular plan is “Premium Elite”, which comes with 1,000 quantity assets, 10 different user logins, and custom tags included.
If you’re not sure which plan would be best for you or have additional questions about our features, feel free to schedule a consultation by booking a free slot on our calendar.
ShareMyToolbox
ShareMyToolbox is a field-first tool management software that prioritizes seamless peer-to-peer sharing.
Similarly to GoCodes, the system rests on an integrated barcode tool tracking system that helps you answer three key questions:
- Which tool is it?
- Who used it last?
- Where is it now?
An intuitive interface means you won’t have to worry about the learning curve while other functionalities ensure you can say goodbye to misplaced tools.
ShareMyToolbox prioritizes efficient workflows and can easily track single exchanges and bulk transfers as tools move between warehouses, job sites, and different employees.
Like our tags, their asset tags are also small enough to be used on small tools and come in various materials – rugged metal tags or polyester stickers.
Focus on workflows and accountability also means fewer features related to utilization and maintenance.
Key features:
- Efficient tool transfer and management actions
- Robust search and filtering
- Built-in barcode scanner
- Detailed transaction history record
- Notes on tools
- Basic maintenance scheduling & billing reports
ShareMyToolbox Pricing
The monthly subscription fee starts at $80 and includes unlimited tools, 10 users, as well as hosting and setup costs, while asset tags are charged as an add-on.
One downside to the pricing is the additional expense of adding 5 new users ($600 a year).
Alongside its free trial option, ShareMyToolbox offers a free starter package limited to 3 users and 100 tools.
Tenna
At Tenna, small tool tracking is recognized as a distinct, yet often overlooked aspect of asset management, and is offered as a separate solution within their construction operations software.
Most often praised for its fleet management software, Tenna offers a wide range of trackers for a mixed fleet of assets.
For small tool tracking, the system combines QR code labels and Bluetooth (BLE) trackers and leverages simple image capture to document the tools’ condition and service needs.
QR codes and Bluetooth beacons are frequently used together to boost asset visibility, so what makes Tenna stand out?
Tenna has recently presented its most compact BLE beacon yet, standing at just 1.71 inches in diameter and making it uniquely suited for a variety of small tools.
The advantages of these beacons shine through when they’re used in conjunction with Tenna’s heavy equipment trackers that read nearby BLE beacons, which enables easy tracking of related assets such as parts, attachments, and accessories.
Naturally, creating this network effect means you’ll need to try out Tenna’s total equipment management solution.
Key features:
- QR code and BLE asset tracking for small tools
- Image capture for notes and servicing
- Role-based access control
- Documentation management
- Depreciation reports
- Flexible API integrations
Tenna Pricing
Tenna calculates the pricing of its software based on the number of assets, users, and specific features that companies are interested in, such as advanced analytics or vehicle health monitoring.
However, both Capterra and Software Advice list the basic plan at a $100 monthly fee.
GigaTrak
GigaTrak’s tool-tracking solution is based on a simple barcode-scanning system and is designed for contractors and government agencies alike.
What do these sectors have in common?
Well, they’re managing thousands and thousands of items of varying sizes, and dealing with an ever-expanding inventory, which makes GigaTrak’s tracking of an unlimited number of assets, small tools, and consumables a perfect choice.
You can track inventory across job sites, storage areas, and other locations thanks to simple barcode labels and easily collect data to decide whether to repair or replace certain tools.
Their labels are somewhat bigger than GoCodes’ labels, and they don’t offer QR codes, only barcodes.
The range of GigaTrak’s features is similar to GoCodes, making it a comprehensive tool tracking solutions for assets of all sizes.
However, several Capterra reviews suggest a steep learning curve for users who haven’t used asset-management software before.
Key Features:
- Built-in barcode scanner
- Detailed asset and tool history
- Create a master catalog of tools
- Maintenance scheduling
- Depreciation and value reports
- Conduct audits
- Online/offline syncing
GigaTrak Pricing
GigaTrak offers three pricing plans, with a starting price of $75 monthly.
The company also allows you to choose between two major pricing models, and pick either a cloud-hosted or a self-hosted platform.
Keep in mind that regardless of the hosting option, some app licenses have to be purchased separately.
EquipmentShare
EquipmentShare is well-regarded as a rental solutions provider, but the company successfully addresses different industry pain points by offering a range of services and digital solutions.
A part of the comprehensive T3 Operating System, EquipmentShare’s tool-tracking solution focuses on monitoring smaller tools and attachments to prevent micro-thefts and boost productivity.
Bluetooth tags (BLE) are pivotal in these efforts as they apply to tools of all sizes, giving you the necessary visibility with minimum installation hassle, and at a low cost.
All tool location and utilization data are available on EquipmentShare’s platform which can easily connect to your entire digital ecosystem and scale no matter how much your inventory expands.
Nevertheless, the software’s full capabilities are unlocked only with the entire T3 system.
Key features:
- Real-time equipment tracking
- Bluetooth nodes/tags
- Inventory management
- Utilization reporting
- Dedicated tool trailer technician
- Document management
- Telematics and T3 integration
EquipmentShare Pricing
There are no predefined pricing plans, so if you’re interested in EquipmentShare’s solution you’ll need to request a quote.
The upside? You can mix and match different features of the T3 system, and choose features that work the best for you.
itemit
UK-based SaaS company itemit specializes in asset-tracking software for businesses of all sizes and from various industries.
What makes this system good for small tool tracking is a streamlined, user-friendly approach that prioritizes convenience and leverages QR codes.
Their smallest QR codes are 1.5 mm square or 0.5 inch, and they offer aluminum or vinyl labels, so they can fit any power tools and other small equipment you might have.
Itemit also allows you flexibility in choosing between their QR tag options or your own.
The QR tags offered by itemit are also customizable, but keep in mind that even the standard asset tag bundles need to be purchased separately.
The simple interface and easy access to user manuals and documentation are sure to work well for crews that aren’t used to tool-tracking solutions.
The same dashboard is used to set up reminders for servicing or equipment pickup to help you boost efficiency and ensure your tools and equipment are in good condition.
One downside of itemit is that, unlike EquipmentShare and Tenna, it doesn’t offer customization and integration options for businesses ready to expand their fleets and tracking efforts.
Key features:
- GPS tracking & location history
- QR and barcode tagging
- Depreciation reports
- Reminders
- Issues management
- Image recognition
- Offline capabilities
Itemit Pricing
Besides the free Personal plan, you can choose between three pricing plans, with Pro and Industrial plans offering unlimited users and more advanced GPS functionalities.
The yearly subscription is defined separately based on the quantity of items.
Timly
Timly is a cloud-based asset management software that also gives you a full overview of the entire inventory, ensuring that you can track and find the right tools when you need them.
Its core functionalities include real-time tracking, and comprehensive reporting and analytics, which is ideal if you want to go beyond small tool tracking.
With Timly you can track tool usage patterns and optimize utilization while monitoring equipment health, and the process is seamless even for larger companies thanks to the unlimited number of users.
Although the software’s features are designed to help you make the best possible decisions from the office, its field use has notable limitations.
Unlike field-first ShareMyToolbox, GoCodes, and itemit, Timely’s mobile app is still in development, which creates several efficiency-related obstacles.
Key features:
- Real-time location tracking
- Easy asset retrieval
- Ticketing system
- Employee training records
- Equipment utilization tracking
- Maintenance scheduling
- Compliance management
Timly Pricing
Timly offers a flexible pricing structure, with different add-on modules available depending on the plan. All three pricing plans boast an unlimited number of users.
No matter your plan of choice, Timly includes extensive customer support and resources alongside each one.
Align (formerly ToolWatch)
Align offers a broader data-driven construction operations suite that addresses several asset management priorities, including small tool tracking.
In addition to its scalability, Align’s system was developed with different settings in mind, from mechanical contracting or utilities to specialty trades, giving it an advantage when it comes to countering specific tool-related issues from the warehouse to the field.
Regardless if you want to prevent theft, equipment damage, or tool hoarding, Align’s system delivers comprehensive real-time tracking across all target locations using GPS, RFID, and BLE technologies.
These functionalities combine with robust reporting capabilities, and safety and compliance monitoring that ensures optimal utilization, even extending to financial management.
Keep in mind that if you want to unlock customizable reports and more advanced insights, you will need to opt for the module’s most advanced Enterprise plan.
Key features:
- Real-time, centralized data
- Seamless asset transfers
- Multiple reporting points
- User-defined templates
- Service forecasting and maintenance records
- Robust reporting
- Variety of integrations
Align Pricing
Align lists the features and functionalities of each subscription plan, with basic inventory management and tool-tracking included in the Essentials plan.
However, pricing details require you to reach out for a quote directly.
Nevertheless, Capterra and similar sites list the starting price at USD 2520.00 per year.
TOOLTRIBE
TOOLTRIBE’s job site-first tool-tracking solution prioritizes ease and efficiency and is specifically geared toward tracking small tools, equipment, and consumables.
Similarly to itemit, TOOLTRIBE sticks to user-friendly tool tracking and core needs, instead of adding features that users may not really need.
Asset transfers happen through three simple steps that don’t interrupt the workflow, yet answer key questions on the tool’s last known location and condition, and who is accountable for it.
The only thing left is for the worker to confirm they received the tool and that its condition matches the one shown in the picture.
One notable advantage of TOOLTRIBE is that you can keep on using barcodes or QR codes from your previous tracking system, helping you make the transition to a new system easier while cutting down on costs.
On the other hand, in this case, simplicity and affordability also mean more limited inventory visibility and usage insights.
Key features:
- Fast asset transfer
- Tag-free tool tracking
- Image capture
- Maintenance scheduling
- Service reminders
- Audits
Tooltribe Pricing
TOOLTRIBE offers two pricing plans based on the number of users, plus a free plan.
The number of tracked tools is unlimited for both, but adding each new user as a part of the “Professional” plan will cost you an extra $10 a month.
Keep in mind that switching to annual billing gets you one month free and that the company offers two onboarding packages for a smoother start.
Conclusion
Not knowing where your small tools, accessories, and attachments are or who handled them last is no longer an option for construction businesses looking to stay competitive.
Tool-tracking software can lend you a helping hand, and the 9 solutions we included in this overview address some of the biggest pain points related to misplaced or lost tools.
Of course, choosing the right tracking system means keeping in mind which combination of features fits your needs, what are the total costs of ownership, as well as ease of use.
And in case of any doubts, just revisit this article!
