CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > February 2025 55 GUEST ARTICLE: 2 RFID, the same technology used to pay for a coffee with your phone - AssetCapja provides enhanced visibility and control over assets. Each piece of lifting tackle is tagged, ensuring its compliance status is always known, while stock takes are now a breeze. For Southern Cranes & Access, this has meant a dramatic reduction in the time spent on asset tracking and inspections. As Ben puts it, “I’m never going to lose that item again.” The enhanced visibility provided by AssetCapja not only streamlines operations but also enhances safety by ensuring that all equipment is in good working order and compliant with industry regulations like LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations). This success story is a clear example of how digital transformation can revolutionise asset management in plant-hire. One of the most immediate benefits is time and cost savings. By reducing the need for manual paperwork and streamlining asset tracking, digital systems free up valuable hours that can be spent on more productive tasks. Additionally, these systems significantly enhance safety and compliance. With automated processes, staying in line with regulations becomes easier, ensuring that all equipment is safe for use and helping to avoid potential fines. Moreover, human error, one of the biggest risks in manual asset management, is drastically reduced. Technologies like QR codes, NFC tags, and RFID tracking ensure that assets are accurately identified, reducing the likelihood of incorrect labelling or misplacement. What’s Next for Asset Management in Construction and Plant-hire? As digital asset management systems continue to evolve, the potential for further innovation is vast. There are many ways to improve the management of assets; at the time of writing Capja are introducing a check out/in so you can see what assets have returned to the yard (no more lost mats!), a last seen status so you can identify the last known location as well as a pick list and loading module to improve the process of items going to and returning from site. How far could this go? Well, with the integration of AI and machine learning could provide even deeper insights into asset performance and maintenance needs, allowing for predictive maintenance and further reducing downtime. Additionally, as the industry moves towards greater sustainability, these systems will play a crucial role in tracking and optimising the use of resources, contributing to greener operations. For companies still relying on traditional methods of asset management, the question is not if but when they will make the switch to digital solutions. The benefits are clear: improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and reduced costs. But beyond these tangible advantages lies a broader imperative - the need to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry. Moving Forward: Embracing Digital Transformation For those considering the leap to digital asset management, the experiences of companies like Southern Cranes & Access offer a compelling case study. The transition to a system like AssetCapja may require an initial investment of time and resources, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. If your company is facing challenges with asset tracking, compliance, or operational efficiency, nowmight be the time to explore how digital asset management can transform your business. Whether it’s improving safety, reducing costs, or simply staying ahead of the competition, the future of asset management in plant hire is digital - and it’s already here. For more information on how AssetCapja can help your business achieve its asset management goals, visit www.capja.co.uk/assetcapja or call 01273 803588.