The Challenge: A Fragmented Supply Chain
Swindon Borough Council (SBC) faced significant operational challenges regarding the procurement and management of power tools and ladders. Under the previous system, the reliance on a third-party hire company for asset tagging and testing created a fragmented supply chain where operatives often waited up to four weeks for new equipment to be registered and safety-tested. This delay forced the Council to pay for expensive, short-term tool rentals while waiting. However, the need to collect items from a third party increased travel time and fuel costs. It also led to new tools being lost in transit due to inefficiencies in the hand-off process. Additionally, because tools were not being registered for manufacturer extensions, the council missed out on three-year warranties, resulting in higher replacement costs for items damaged by standard wear and tear within the first year.
Our Solution: Streamlining the Process
TPMS brought the process in-house, eliminating the need for third-party intervention and taking full
accountability for the asset lifecycle:
- TPMS orders all equipment and immediately scribes Council asset numbers onto items upon arrival.
- All items undergo immediate safety checks and testing by the branch.
- Equipment is ready for the operative within 24-48 hours of receipt from the supplier.
- TPMS manages the registration of all power tools with the manufacturer, securing an extended 3- year warranty as standard.
Impact
The new streamlined process has delivered immediate and measurable improvements to SBC’s repairs and maintenance operations by:
- Minimising downtime by ensuring equipment is always ready for use.
- Cutting hiring costs through faster equipment turnaround.
- Optimising field time by reducing travel between sites, allowing for more completed repairs.
- Securing long-term value with a 3-year warranty that offsets costs from premature wear and tear.
- Eliminating risk by removing third-party hand-offs and equipment loss.
“By bringing asset management in-house, we’ve cut lead times from four weeks to 48 hours. We’re eliminating downtime and securing warranties so Swindon’s operatives can stay focused on the job”
Jason Smith, TPMS Account Manager
