Leaders in critical industry come together to seek solutions to industry-wide issues in a challenging economic climate
Leading voices from the worlds of aerospace, rail, and energy joined Snap-on Industrial at its Insight 2024 event to discuss the biggest challenges facing industry in the UK and Europe and seek potential solutions.
Gathering at the Red Bull Racing headquarters in Milton Keynes, these captains of industry took part in a Tool Control discussion that highlighted how streamlined tool management systems are solving three of their most persistent problems: reduced productivity, tool loss and damage, and inaccurate reporting.
Challenging economic conditions in the post-pandemic landscape have increased pressure on organisations to optimise their operations, reduce downtime, and save money.
That’s where Snap-on’s suite of all-in-one solutions is meeting a critical need. Powered by L5 Connect software, each tool control system in the Snap-on portfolio allows companies to always have complete visibility of their tool inventory. Not only does this mean they can meet health and safety requirements and CAA guidelines, but it also provides valuable insights that help them save time and money.
Snap-on prides itself on the close relationships it has with its partners, and every new product has been developed in response to customer feedback and urgent industry need.
The discussion panel included representatives from Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and Safran Landing Systems.
Virgin Atlantic looked to Snap-on to aid with the transition from a fragmented workforce using individual toolkits to a centralised system with all engineers using automated tool control boxes (ATCs). The airline now has 15 ATCs at its Heathrow site.
While embedding the new system required an initial adjustment period, the ATCs have now become an essential resource for employees at every level. Managers can now benefit from a forensic level of insight, which allows them to evaluate how each box is being used as well as quickly identify breakages. Tracking breakages over time also highlight patterns, which the procurement team can use to anticipate future breakages, buy new tools, and have them ready for rapid deployment.
The result is a system that works with the existing workforce and optimises performance without any service interruption. As Andy Currey, Tooling & GSE Manager at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Everybody in our workforce was already buying tools from Snap-on so it was a natural fit.”
The result is a system that works with the existing workforce and optimises performance without any service interruption. As Andy Currey, Tooling & GSE Manager at Virgin Atlantic, said: “Everybody in our workforce was already buying tools from Snap-on so it was a natural fit.”
Aerospace supplier Safran Landing Systems approached Snap-on with a similar concern; the company needed to standardise its operations and move engineers away from individual toolboxes to a more efficient shared system.
“Accuracy is exceptionally important for us,” said Neil Bevan, OL Assembly Flow Line Manager at Safran. “While the camera-controlled system roll-out required an adjustment at first, it’s now universally appreciated and has transformed the level of control we have over our tooling.”
“Accuracy is exceptionally important for us,” said Neil Bevan, OL Assembly Flow Line Manager at Safran. “While the camera-controlled system roll-out required an adjustment at first, it’s now universally appreciated and has transformed the level of control we have over our tooling.”
Lufthansa has found that Snap-on meets offers three essential benefits: full control, accuracy, and insights. The airline uses Snap-on ATCs in its hangers and really put the system through its paces, intentionally trying to manipulate it and force errors (unsuccessfully!) Now, the team know exactly who has each tool, when it was taken from the box, and when it was returned. They also always know the status and availability of the tools monitored by the system. From this data, the team can determine and plan future tool requirements.
Richard Packham, Director UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial said: “In every industry, our customers are under increasing pressure to operate cost-efficiently and improve productivity without sacrificing quality. We’re proud to help them rise to this challenge by providing intuitive technology and versatile tool systems that offer businesses complete visibility, accurate tracking, and invaluable insights that they can use to optimise their operations.”
Richard Packham, Director UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial said: “In every industry, our customers are under increasing pressure to operate cost-efficiently and improve productivity without sacrificing quality. We’re proud to help them rise to this challenge by providing intuitive technology and versatile tool systems that offer businesses complete visibility, accurate tracking, and invaluable insights that they can use to optimise their operations.”
To further meet the needs of industry in 2024, Snap-on announced the launch of two new products at the event:
ATC FlexHub
The ATC FlexHub was one of the most sought-after product ideas floated at the previous year’s event in 2023. The Snap-on team took that feedback and ran with it, taking elements of its existing AutoCrib set-up, integrating it with L5 Connect, and enhancing with additional features after deployment in test locations before its official launch, all within 12 months.
Engineered to work at the speed of work, the FlexHub improves tool organisation and visibility. A modular system, the FlexHub is equipped with several different lockers and drawers so that it can hold tools of different shapes and sizes. It’s fully configurable and can grow with you, making it a futureproof purchase. Up to four frames can be configurated currently, but this will soon be extended to 10 or more frames.
Using an attached or wireless scanner, users can unlock tools from multiple lockers at once. When ready to return, users can simply scan the tool and the relevant locker will automatically reopen for easy storage.
The ATC FlexHub also offers an elevated level of control for calibrated items. Users can manually strike tools that require calibration and automatically send an email notification to the relevant team. The locker containing this tool will then be locked to all other users until the item can be safely removed for calibration.
Powered by L5 Connect, the ATC FlexHub provides businesses with a full audit trail. This is particularly useful when it comes to calibration; administrators can see who flagged the item as requiring calibration, when that decision was made, and how long it took for the tool to be returned to active service.
Torque Control
Let’s talk torque. Snap-on is the world’s leading torque manufacturer and offers an expansive range of torque screwdrivers, wrenches, and more.
Each torque tool can now be controlled and monitored remotely via ControlTech. This innovative system enables engineers to save time and effort while still ensuring all work is being completed safely and correctly.
ControlTech operates in multiple languages and can store a wealth of data; it can hold up to 1500 readings and 100 pre-sets as well as allowing engineers to choose to measure angle, torque and angle, or torque then angle. All this information can be downloaded and emailed as a CSV file at the click of a button.
Each Bluetooth-enabled tool can connect to the system via app or API and data will automatically synchronise as soon as it is within 100 metre range. While in use, the tool will flash, vibrate, and beep once the target torque is reached.
By continually tracking the tool and taking readings, ControlTech provides an exceptional level of control as well as checking work quality, flagging bolts that may have been over-tightened and when bolts in a sequence may have been missed.
For more information, please visit https://snaponlevel5.com, call 01536 413904, or email [email protected]
About Snap-on
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks including those working in vehicle repair, aerospace, the military, natural resources, and manufacturing. From its founding in 1920, Snap-on has been recognized as the mark of the serious and the outward sign of the pride and dignity working men and women take in their professions. Products and services are sold through the company’s network of widely recognized franchisee vans as well as through direct and distributor channels, under a variety of notable brands. The company also provides financing programs to facilitate the sales of its products and to support its franchise business. Snap-on, an S&P 500 company, generated sales of $4.25 billion in 2021, and is headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
About Oracle Red Bull Racing
Since its inception, Oracle Red Bull Racing has been a major force in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the globe’s premier motorsport category. Founded in 2005 to expand parent company Red Bull’s presence in F1 and to disrupt the status quo within the sport through a bold mix of passion, playfulness, ambition and achievement, Oracle Red Bull Racing has grown to become one of F1’s most successful teams. With multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ world titles and more than 80 race wins to its credit, Oracle Red Bull Racing continues its pursuit of ultimate performance – as a race team, as a home of champions and as an innovator operating at the cutting edge of technology.
New ATC FlexHub - Customisable Asset Tracking
New ATC FlexHub
Customisable Asset Tracking
Specifications
- Materials: Sturdy steel construction and powder coated
- High resolution 19 inch touchscreen
- Enclosed dimensions: 27.75" W x 75" H x 25.5" D
- Power: 100-240VAX - 50/60HZ, 15A/7.5A MAX
- Configuration: Modular
Locker modules are available in 6" high increments with a standard 24" depth and a wide variety of widths and power (optional) to provide the most efficient customised solution. Connect multiple frames together utilising one controller box.
L5 Connect Software
Gain access to industry leading and patented technologies that eliminate disruptions to work. Control tools and assets across the facility via a single interface. Easily track tools that require serialisation, calibration and repair. Achieve higher productivity with intuitive user experience with visual and audio cues. Customise your tool control requirements with ease.
Accountability & User Productivity
Enhance accountability with integrated data analysis tools and audit capabilities. View all assets in a focal point dashboard with customisable layouts. Track tools that need serialisation, calibration and repair. Leverage L5 Connect to automate tracking and alerts for calibrated tools.
CUSTOMISATION TO MATCH YOUR WORKFLOW
Customise built-in reports to suite your need on the fly. Save, schedule and export reports in multiple formats. Implement relevant status monitoring and notifications. Create custom alerts for your location. Send signals from the toolbox to management along with email and text messaging alerts.
ROBUST SECURITY & SEAMLESS INTEGRATION
Leverage upgraded security enhancements. L5 Connect architecture is robust with enhanced encryption and communication algorithms. Interface with your systems via advanced API and integrate with customer service ERP system. Give you control to manage employee access, change work locations, generate work orders and maintain maintenance records.
Aviation engineers depend upon Snap-on’s Level 5 tool management system
Aviation engineers depend upon Snap-on’s Level 5 tool management system
Safran Landing Systems are world leaders in the design, manufacture, assembly and testing of aircraft landing gear, steering, and braking systems.
The French company has supplied this vital, safety critical equipment for use on 33,000 aircraft worldwide, including Airbus aircraft from the A320 range through to the larger, long haul A350 and A380.
The company also supplies more than 20 other manufacturers of commercial and military aircraft within the global aviation industry.
Airline passengers place their trust in the skills of experienced flight crews, who in turn depend upon the efficiency and safe operation of the aircraft’s landing gear, braking and steering systems, wheels and tyres. The Airbus A380 has five landing gear assemblies and 22 wheels, which reach almost 200mph before takeoff.
Engineers and technicians working in Safran’s Gloucester production centre recognize the importance of controlling the wide range of specialist hand and power tools they use every day.
They depend upon Snap-on Industrial’s Level 5 Automated Tool Control system which allows the use of any number of networked tool storage cabinets to be monitored from one control desk. Computer software ensures that every tool is constantly tracked, identifying who is using it and in which location. The system verbally announces when a tool is removed or returned to its cabinet.
This high level of vigilance provides vital safeguards against tools being misplaced, with the inherent risk of them causing foreign object damage if they are not returned.
According to Safran engineering managers, tool control has always been a major area of concern, as the company is required to demonstrate effective tool management to meet the stringent requirements of technical audits.
They especially value the Snap-on system’s ability to capture data Via a bank of cameras fitted to every ATC cabinet, providing all the information needed to comply with tool control measures. The flexibility provided to tool users and managers also proves a great advantage.
When switching to the Snap-on system some Safran fitters were uneasy about change, but their confidence was soon restored when they realised how easy it was to find the tools they required without delay.
Safran have also praised the quick and willing response of Snap-on Industrial technical advisers who provide full training and problem-solving services, ensuring that the company obtains maximum benefit from its ATC system.
Says Richard Packham, Director UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial: “Snap-on’s automated system takes tool management to an entirely new level, giving workshop managers and other authorised users easy access to the tools they need for the job in hand while protecting against foreign object damage.
“The ability to monitor several boxes from one central computer offers managers a huge time saving advantage.”
Snap-on Industrial’s Level 5 automated tool management system minimises the risk of human error, as automated tool control constantly tracks every tool and detects which tools have been removed or returned, ensuring greater protection against FOD.
It also enables aviation and aerospace engineers and technicians to find every tool they need, when they need it, saving time and easing stress.
The system provides complete reports on everything managers or supervisors need to keep an eye on. They are even informed when a tool needs to be refilled or ordered.
Engineered to track individual tools by user automatically, without bar codes, scanners, RFID tags or other add-ons, the system works at the speed its user’s demand. Level 5™ ATC boxes are network ready, using either Ethernet or wireless connection. Powerful software enables users to review activity at all boxes in their location from one central computer, avoiding the need to inspect each box.
Major benefits of the system include:
- No individual tool scanning required.
- No RFID tags to install or replace.
- No camera recognition limitations on tool size, from 1/4” screwdriver bits upwards, if it fits in the box, it can be tracked.
- Intuitive interface, via touchscreen.
- Audible voice confirmation of tool removal and replacement.
- Automatic locking for maximum security.
- Errors announced and displayed to indicate incorrect tool position or advise when a drawer is not closed.
Administrators can view all boxes on the network, on or off-line, and see the status of each box, including the number of tools issued, identify active users, and review all history. System alerts, such as sending e-mails to supervisors, can be customised for lost or broken tools or calibration requirements.
Snap-on Industrial at Farnborough International Airshow 2024
Snap-on Industrial at Farnborough International Airshow 2024
22-26th June 2024 | Hall 2 | Booth 2016
Serving the critical industries since 1920, Snap-on Industrial designs and supplies products and services to their customers, including hand & power tools, tool storage, tool control, information & management systems and other solutions for aviation & aerospace, government & military, rail, energy and education.
Come and see us on stand at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. We will be showcasing our Level 5 tool management system and torque products as well as various other tools especially picked out for Aviation.
About the event
The apex of aviation – Discover the future of aerospace at the world’s leading airshow.
Every two years, the aerospace, aviation and defence industries are invited to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre for the world’s best airshow to pioneer change, build new connections, engage with thought leaders and get access to unparalleled business development opportunities.
Farnborough International Airshow 2024 | Hosting leading innovators from the aerospace, aviation and defence industries and beyond
Farnborough International Airshow 2024
Exhibitor: Snap-on Industrial
Hall 2
Booth 2016
22-26th July 2024
Industrial 14.4 V MicroLithium Cordless Drills
Arron Brown
Our NEW Industrial 14.4 V MicroLithium Cordless Drills offer the precision and performance of a pneumatic drill with cordless convenience.
Target Customers include:
- Aerospace and Aviation
- Manufactured Housing & RV
- Metal Fabrication
- Transportation
- Assembly - working in confined areas, more productivity with less fatigue, Mobility
- General MRO - ideal for continuous drilling applications, additional tooling available with 14.4V battery
- Shipbuilding
- Trailer Bodies
- Technical Training and Education
FEATURED
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Drill more holes per battery with the proper drill speed and grip behind the bit.
Example: 50% more 3/16″ holes drilled into 7075 Aluminium with one 2.5 A-hour battery compared to one 5.0 A-hour DIY drill and battery.
Comfort is essential when you are drilling all day long.
Industrial 14.4 V MicroLithium drills are ergonomic to be comfortably used for long periods.
Get precise drilling with proper grip behind the drill bit.
Proper grip and finger alignment helps you achieve consistently better results.
Drill comfortably, repetitively... all day.
21 Piece Jobber Length ThunderBit® High-Speed 135° Split Point Drill Bit Set
DBTB121
- Includes 1/16–3/8″ drill bits in a metal drill index
- Industrial-grade steel with bronze oxide surface treatment
- Bits drill at higher speeds in tougher drilling conditions
- 135° split points for easier drill starting without the need for centre punching
- Heavy-duty web construction for higher strength and less breakage
- Improved chip ejection through specially engineered flute design
14.4 V MicroLithium 2.5 ah Battery
CTB8174
- Works with all Snap-on 14.4 V MicroLithium series tools
- Fast 70-minute charge time
14.4 V MicroLithium Battery Charger
CTC772A
Magnetic Boot
CTLMAG-BOOT
- Easy-on, easy-off twist attachment for 14.4 V MicroLithium cordless battery pack
Snap-on support helps to transform automotive engineering at leading college
Snap-on support helps to transform automotive engineering at leading college.
The Snap-on team take pride in working with excellent UK colleges to pursue a vital mission: developing the knowledge and skills of young people who will become tomorrow’s engineers and technicians.
Our contribution goes far beyond supplying equipment and tools. We’re always pleased to complement the great work of college tutors with our many years’ experience of how essential engineering tasks should be done safely, efficiently and on budget.
At Yeovil College, serving South Somerset plus North and West Dorset, we have transformed the automotive engineering department, supplying and installing state of the art technical equipment and diagnostic systems, to create purpose designed safe, clean and well-lit workspaces.
We began by listening to the department’s leaders so we could really understand what they needed to achieve the college’s ambitious objectives. Snap-On’s Paul Towner has years of experience of working with colleges, so he took responsibility to manage the project.
Challenged by a growing curriculum the department acknowledged that its outdated resources and lack of usable space were restraints to them meeting the demands of providing the latest, highly technical automotive engineering qualifications. These are pushing the boundaries of current education in the automotive sector.
Says Jonathan Andrews, the college’s Curriculum Area Manager, Automotive Engineering: “I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Paul and the Snap-on UK Team who, along with the vision created by Yeovil College, have delivered nothing short of a transformation.
“Well done to all involved. We look forward to enjoying the resources and space for many more years.”
The integrated improvement package provided by Snap-on updated the automotive engineering workshop with the latest equipment, including ramps, ADAS, four-wheel alignment, diagnostic systems and hand tools. Snap-on then provided intensive technical guidance to ensure that the equipment could be used to maximum benefit.
Giving the workshop a new lease of life was driven in part by the introduction of new ‘T’ level qualifications. Also to enable learners to pursue and gain electric vehicle qualifications to meet rapidly growing demand for e-vehicle maintenance and repairs.
“Working with Paul was amazing,” says Jonathan. “He worked really hard with the demanding list of resources and budget I gave him and created a workspace which used that achieved the best outcome possible.”
“We needed a company which could help realize our aspirational design for a new and targeted curriculum, using the most up to date resources to enable our learners to develop and learn in the best way possible.
“This will give them an advantage when going out into industry with the ability to carry out practices which currently skilled technicians may not be familiar with, giving them a competitive edge above other potential candidates.
“Using quality equipment and top-notch technology helps our learners to go further and faster, setting them apart from the rest and giving them the best chance of enjoying a successful future.”
Yeovil College is an exceptionally high-performing further education college, achieving an annual turnover of over £20 million, increased from £12 million over the past seven years.
The college is pursuing the highest possible ambitions for its students and for the wider community, sharing the mission that ‘only our best is good enough.’
Jonathan added: “With our eyes firmly on the future of our region, we are focused on improving opportunities across South Somerset and North and West Dorset. Our relentless approach is having a huge impact; we are changing the lives of the people around us.”
Snap-on Industrial at AERO Friedrichshafen 2024
Snap-on Industrial at
AERO Friedrichshafen 2024
17th - 20th April 2024 | Hall A5 | Stand 123 | Friedrichshafen, Germany
Serving the critical industries since 1920, Snap-on Industrial designs and supplies products and services to their customers, including hand & power tools, tool storage, tool control, information & management systems and other solutions for aviation & aerospace, government & military, rail, energy and education.
Come and see us on stand at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2024 exhibition in Germany. We will be showcasing our Level 5 tool management system and torque products as well as various other tools especially picked out for Aviation.
About the event
The world‘s leading trade show for general aviation celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Discover what direction developments in the General Aviation industry are going at the AERO Friedrichshafen. With more than 600 exhibitors from 35 countries, 33,000 visitors and 600 journalists from all over the world, the AERO Friedrichshafen is the international community’s annual meeting place.
AERO Friedrichshafen 2024 | The Leading Show for General Aviation.
AERO Friedrichshafen information
Exhibitor: Snap-on Industrial
Hall A5
Stand 123
17th – 20th April 2024
Friedrichshafen, Germany
9 am – 6 pm
