System for monitoring and tracking tool and tool performance

A method for tracking tools in a multi-user environment comprising the steps of:

• providing an access station;
• assigning an identification number to the tool;
• recording information about the tool, the job to be performed and the specification under which the tool is to perform;
• performing a first performance verification test to monitor the operation of the tool;
• performing a second performance verification test to monitor the performance of the tool on the job;
• and
• monitoring a relationship between the operation of the tool and the performance of the tool.

A method for tracking tools in a multi-user environment, including the steps of:

• providing an access station;
• assigning an identification number to the tool;
• checking out a tool at the access station;
• recording information regarding the tool, the person checking out the tool, and the job being performed;
• recording the specification under which the tool is to perform;
• recording process limits under which the tool is to operate;
• recording information to schedule at least one operation to be performed on the tool, the at least one operation including a performance verification test;
• generating a route for performing a performance verification test on the tool;
• providing a programmable data collection unit;
• downloading the route to program the programmable data collection unit;
• conducting the performance verification test on the tool;
• recording data from the performance verification test in the programmable data collection unit including the steps of:
• performing a first test portion to monitor the operation of the tool;
• performing a second test portion to monitor the performance of the tool on the job;
• and
• monitoring a relationship between the performance of the tool and the performance of the tool on the job.

A method for tracking tools in a multi-user environment, including the steps of:

• providing an access station;
• assigning an identification number to the tool;
• checking out a tool at the access station;
• recording information regarding the tool, the person checking out the tool and the job being performed;
• recording the specification under which the tool is to perform;
• recording process limits under which the tool is to operate;
• recording information to schedule at least one operation to be performed on the tool, the at least one operation including a performance verification test;
• generating a route for performing a performance verification test on the tool;
• providing a programmable data collection unit;
• downloading the route to program the programmable data collection unit;
• conducting the performance verification test on the tool;
• recording data from the performance verification test in the programmable data collection unit;
• and
• generating a route for performing preventative maintenance on the tool.