RFID Badges Enable Efficient Equipment Access Management

On construction projects, site access management and equipment access management are both critical to safety, security and productivity. Digital tools from United Rentals now enable customers to manage equipment access using the same RFID badges they issue to workers for site access.  

With the Next-Generation Access Management Solution, PINs aren’t necessary. Rather than entering a code on a keypad ignition lock, a worker can tap their RFID-enabled ID badge on the lock’s card reader to unlock a piece of equipment they are authorized to operate. 

On large projects, leveraging RFID badges for equipment access eliminates the need to assign PINs to hundreds or thousands of workers, reducing administrative overhead. In addition to keeping unauthorized workers off equipment, it provides accurate real-time and historical insights into equipment usage. 

User profiles hold the key

The solution is made possible by Total Control®, the cloud-based worksite management platform from United Rentals. The user profiles associated with worker ID badges can be uploaded into Total Control from a third-party workforce management solution in a matter of minutes. Companies can then assign roles and rights, including equipment access privileges, based on the user profile data.

Access can be granted to trades, groups or individuals for specific pieces of equipment or equipment category classes, and on a many-to-one or one-to-many basis.

The value of equipment access management

The use of equipment such as aerial lifts, forklifts and excavators by operators who lack the necessary training or certification poses significant safety issues. In recognition of the risks, more companies are implementing equipment access management. 

Equipment access management protects operators and on-foot workers by guarding against unsafe operations. It also reduces the risk of damage to valuable equipment resulting from inappropriate use. Further, it averts theft and prevents trades from “borrowing” equipment owned or rented by a GC or other contractor without permission.

Companies that use RFID badges for equipment access management gain another benefit: the ability to track who’s using the equipment, when and for how long. Worker-specific utilization data increases accountability in the event of an accident or equipment damage and helps managers monitor the productivity of individual workers and crafts.

With multi-use RFID badges, if a worker’s site access has been revoked for any reason, that person will automatically be prevented from accessing equipment, too.

Connected jobsites increase visibility and control and help companies work faster and safer. Leveraging user profile data to seamlessly connect jobsite access management and equipment access management is one more way in which United Rentals is moving customers deeper into the digital age. 

Ask your United Rentals representative about equipment access management or request a call from one of our Total Control experts.