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As an unbiased contractor, you’re probably very busy balancing initiatives on completely different job websites week after week. Due to this, there’s most likely been a time or two the place you’ve had issues about the place a few of your instruments and gear are, and what they may price to interchange. They could possibly be misplaced and even have gone lacking due to theft, and as somebody who depends on instruments and gear to get work finished, this may impression your backside line and delay undertaking completions.
In 2021 alone, almost $1 billion dollars’ worth of equipment and tools were stolen from building employees and contractors. Heavy gear and instruments are a simple goal for thieves as they’re straightforward to steal and straightforward to promote.
Irrespective of how safe you retain your gear and instruments, it’s possible you’ll not all the time be capable to stop theft. That’s why recordkeeping is so necessary. It helps guarantee that you’ve got organized data for all of your gear and instruments. This manner, you’ll know the place to seek out them, and could be sure about whether or not they’ve been misplaced or in reality have been stolen.
Advantages of recordkeeping for contractors
Recordkeeping could be very useful to contractors for the next causes:
- Helps you retain observe of your stock
- Helps you observe how a lot you’ve spent on instruments and gear
- Helps you retain on prime of service dates
- Offers you particulars about your stock which will assist in the restoration course of ought to one thing be stolen
Getting began: What do you want for recordkeeping?
Recordkeeping is greater than writing a listing! It could take extra time initially, however it’ll be straightforward to keep up after setting it up. It’s necessary to consider the place, how, and once you’d love to do your recordkeeping.
The place: Ideally, you’ll have a quiet space (with a desk or desk) the place you’ll be able to maintain paperwork and information. When you have an workplace the place you retain paperwork, information, and a pc, that’s an amazing spot to start out.
When: It’s necessary to make this a daily a part of your routine, so select a time that is smart to you. It could possibly be on daily basis on the finish of the work day, as soon as every week on Sundays, each Tuesday and Thursday, or one thing else completely.
How: How would you want this info to be seen and arranged? Utilizing a pc or pill could possibly be very handy if you wish to maintain digital data. You’ll have a built-in digicam with a pill, and also you’ll be capable to view your data on the go should you use a laptop computer or cell system. You may additionally use software program, an app, or maintain a easy spreadsheet. It’s necessary to notice that making a tough (paper) copy backup is a good suggestion since you by no means know when a pc goes to interrupt down.
Counting on expertise for recordkeeping just isn’t a requirement. In the event you favor pen and paper and holding every thing in a single binder, that’s an effective way to maintain data as properly. Whichever methodology you decide on, be sure you choose the choice that’s most handy. The extra handy it’s, the extra probably it’s that you just’ll do it.
What info ought to a contractor embrace of their data?
Your data could be as easy or as detailed as you’d like them to be. The extra detailed your data are, the extra useful it’s possible you’ll discover them to be later.
Right here’s a listing of what contractors ought to think about together with of their data:
- Description, together with markings and logos that can assist with identification
- Make and mannequin
- Serial quantity and product identification
If you wish to go the additional mile, you may as well embrace price, service dates, and photographs.
How typically ought to data be up to date?
There aren’t any laborious and quick guidelines about recordkeeping for contractors, however we advocate you replace them as typically as you’ll be able to. In the event you can preserve your data when you work as a contractor, then your data won’t ever be outdated.
Implications of poor recordkeeping
Any sort of recordkeeping needs to be constant, correct, dependable, and straightforward to keep up. The results of poor recordkeeping embrace:
- Having inaccurate data
- Not figuring out necessary particulars you want if/once you ever have to file a declare or report a theft
- Not figuring out what you might have in your stock; this might imply shopping for greater than you want of one thing
- Tools could go with out correct upkeep/servicing should you’re not holding observe
- Might not be ready for a undertaking since you don’t know in case you have the suitable gear
Recordkeeping is about greater than managing stock
As a contractor, you provide companies, items, and supplies. You additionally plan, handle, and coordinate initiatives. By holding a document of your gear and instruments, you’ll be properly ready within the occasion of a theft. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to’t supervise your jobsite 24/7. In the event you’re on the lookout for further safety for your online business, contractor’s insurance coverage could be the proper match for you. Go to our contractor’s insurance page at the moment!
This weblog is offered for info solely and isn’t an alternative to skilled recommendation. We make no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy or completeness of the data and won’t be accountable for any loss arising out of reliance on the data.
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