The top consideration when purchasing tools and equipment should be return on investment, because that covers all aspects of the tool purchase. Upfront cost, additional investments - it’s all about ROI.
As someone who oversees the maintenance operations of the shop, large equipment buys and higher price tag tools likely involve a fair amount of research before signing off on the purchase.
In addition, it’s important to gather feedback from technicians, shop managers, service managers and other employees in the shop who will be using the products. The evaluation will involve comparison shopping to review all of the options available in that particular tool category. Not to mention, testimonials and user feedback can go a long way in making a sound decision.
When making these decisions, how do buyers build a case for purchasing a particular tool or piece of equipment? While cost is a considerable factor, making that buying decision goes much deeper than “How many times do I need to use this tool to get my investment back?”
Along with cost comes the evaluation of the quality of the tool or equipment and how quickly that cost will repay itself with saved time, or the ability to complete an otherwise impossible job or repair.
Quality considerations
Purchasing quality tools and equipment is a long-term investment in a shop’s future. Will this equipment last five years? 10 years, or longer? Is it upgradeable or updatable? Does it have capabilities to retrofit particular accessories for adjustments in the future? (Think tire changers, RRR machines, scan tools, etc.)
Quality products can make a technician’s job safer and easier, the completion of a job more efficient and help extend the life of the tools and equipment.
Proper organization and maintenance
Tool purchases run the gamut, from maintenance facilities providing the bulk of tools for technicians, offering a stipend for tools or requiring technicians to purchase and fill their own toolboxes. Depending on the operation, shops may have uniform, modular storage or allow technicians to purchase their own tool storage setups.
Regardless of who purchases the tools and equipment, it is important to keep products organized and in good working condition.
This means regularly inspecting and cleaning tools, and replacing or upgrading products when necessary.
Proper organization and regular maintenance aids in increased shop and technician productivity because technicians will not need to go searching for products, and can be confident that the tools and equipment will be in working order when they need them.
The tool for the right application
Consider for what work or repairs the tools and shop equipment will be used, and ensure those products are used for the proper applications.
This may mean purchasing the proper lifting equipment for the types of vehicles most often seen in the shop, considering pneumatic versus cordless power tools, or justifying the purchase of a specialty tool intended for a specific application.
Training
Along with the proper application, it is important to ensure technicians know how to use tools. As vehicles continue to become more complex, so do some of the tools and equipment used to maintain and repair them. Specifically, the learning curve for using diagnostic tools and shop equipment can be complicated and/or time-consuming. Be sure to utilize resources provided by tool and equipment manufacturers to take full advantage of training opportunities.
Along with understanding a tool’s complexity, having proper training ensures the correct use of tools and/or equipment. This aids in shop safety and productivity by helping to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Conclusion
Return on investment is a key factor to consider, because it covers all aspects of tool and equipment ownership listed above.
Evaluating the need for and value of these products can be challenging, which is why it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on new tools and equipment, along with changing vehicle technologies and how those changes will affect the vehicles of the future.
