If you’re trying to improve how cordless power tools are managed within your company—especially regarding battery charging—you’ve likely noticed that the challenge grows with team size. For facilities employing dozens or even hundreds of workers, this isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a logistical one. Let’s explore how to structure this process efficiently, without increasing operational costs.
Challenges of working with battery-powered tools
In small businesses or one-person operations, managing tool usage is relatively straightforward. But in production and service companies with large crews, organizing tool circulation and ensuring continuous operation becomes more complex.
Employees need access to fully functional tools—charged and ready—for their entire shift. In practice, ensuring that everyone always has access to working tools can require redundant equipment or dedicated support staff. As a result, companies often build out additional tool stations, increasing both complexity and costs.
The question is: how to maintain availability without compromising efficiency?
How to organize battery charging in a large facility?
In a typical scenario, a warehouse worker would handle issuing and returning tools, including batteries. In companies running two or three shifts, that role would need to be staffed around the clock—something that’s rarely cost-effective.
Fortunately, automated systems can take over much of this responsibility.
By implementing intelligent tool lockers or industrial vending machines with charging capabilities, companies can streamline how power tools are distributed, tracked, and returned.
These systems:
- Automatically issue tools to authorized users
- Accept returns when a battery is discharged or a task is completed
- Begin charging returned batteries immediately for the next shift
This ensures that charged tools are always available—without requiring manual supervision. For example, after an eight-hour shift, discharged batteries are returned and recharged overnight, ready for the next team.
Power tool lockers with access control: does it work in practice?
Yes—and more companies are adopting this model.
An automated internal tool rental system, based on lockers with charging modules and access control, offers a structured and trackable alternative to manual processes.
Key benefits:
- Remote tracking of tool usage and battery condition
- Inventory visibility: clear overview of what’s available and what needs maintenance
- Minimal staff involvement: no need for full-time tool managers
- Efficient circulation of tools between shifts
- Usage analytics: insight into which devices are most used or underutilized
- Controlled access: only designated users can borrow or return equipment
- Reduced tool wear and loss: usage drops by up to 50% with automated tracking
Such systems are particularly effective when combined with broader warehouse management systems, allowing the company to integrate tool tracking into overall operations planning.
How to start implementing automated tool charging and rental?
The starting point is identifying:
- How many tools are in circulation
- How often batteries need recharging
- How many workers require access simultaneously
- What shifts and schedules are involved
From there, the right system—ranging from compact vending modules to full multi-bay locker cabinets with access control and integrated chargers—can be selected and installed.
These systems scale well. You can start small, monitor performance, and expand later. Integration with your existing warehouse or maintenance system is also possible.
Conclusion: Optimizing tool availability with automation
Charging and managing cordless tools doesn’t have to rely on manual workflows. Industrial vending machines, smart lockers, and digital access control make it possible to automate the entire tool lifecycle—from issuing to charging to returning—while maintaining full visibility and reducing costs.
Need a practical solution for tool circulation in your company?
Explore tool rental lockers with charging capabilities and real-time access control. Contact our team to learn how IRMATIC solutions can be adapted to your shift system and operational needs.
