The challenge
Manufacturing and maintenance teams rely on shared tools, gauges, PPE and consumables. A staffed crib creates lines at shift start and closes when staff go home; an open crib turns into a free-for-all where tools disappear. Supervisors cannot see who took a tool, calibrated equipment goes out of date unnoticed, and consumables are overused. Tool loss becomes a steady line item nobody can explain.
Shift-change queues
Workers wait at the crib window before starting jobs.
Unreturned tools
Tools disappear with no record of who took them.
No usage data
Supervisors cannot see consumption by line, shift or person.
If nothing changes: Lost tools are repurchased, and every minute spent queuing at the crib is lost production time.
Give every shift 24/7 tool access with a record of every checkout
Signifi's tool crib solution combines smart lockers for larger tools and equipment with the Digital ToolBox for small items and consumables. Workers authenticate and take only what they are entitled to, and returns are logged. SignifiVISION reports usage by person, shift and line, and alerts supervisors to overdue returns.
How it works
Worker authenticates
Badge, PIN or biometric login identifies the worker.
Tool is released
A locker or drawer opens for the approved item.
Return and report
Returns are logged and overdue tools trigger alerts.
Capabilities that matter here
- Pop-up drawer storage for 100+ items
- Entitlements by role
- Overdue alerts
- Usage reporting by shift
Works with your systems
- ERP / MRO systems
- Workforce systems via API
What changes
- Tool access without shift-change queues
- Accountability for every tool checkout
- Consumption data for purchasing decisions
Explore the Tool Crib Management or see how Signifi serves manufacturing & industrial teams.
Common questions
What is an automated tool crib?
It replaces a staffed tool window with secure lockers and drawer units. Workers authenticate to take tools, and every checkout and return is recorded automatically.
Can it store small consumables?
Yes. The Digital ToolBox stores 100+ small form factor items in pop-up drawers with inventory tracking, suitable for bits, batteries, gloves and similar consumables.
Does it integrate with ERP systems?
Signifi integrates with ERP, inventory and reporting systems through its API library, so consumption can feed purchasing and replenishment.
Automate your tool crib
Tell us your locations, headcount and systems. We'll map the right hardware and integrations.