Each student has an ID badge and each piece of equipment has a bar code associated with it. No interaction with a computer is necessary. The information is entered into a database that can be accessed by users to view information such as maintenance history, employee information, and equipment conditions. There are repair and cost tracking sections within this database. Since the database was created in Microsoft Access, easy to use interactive screens are available so minimal training is required.
Students play the role of supervisors in the construction lab shown below.
Within this lab students take part in constructing a wood frame house, a steel structure, masonry foundations, and concrete beams and columns. During these activities a variety of tools and equipment are used to complete the tasks. Since the crew size is relatively small, the selected means of tracking tools and equipment is ToolWatch. ToolWatch allows the training of the students in its basic functions and allows them to perform simple tool transfers. Because of the complexity of the ToolWatch program, extensive end-user training is required which is beyond the time constraints of each class.