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Transforming tool management at UTAC with KIT

May 1, 2026/in Automotive, Case Study, Defence, ExploreKit, Tool Audits, Tool Calibration, Tool Inventory Management/by coplan

Client Overview

Since 1924, UTAC has led the mobility industry, driving progress toward a safer, cleaner future and offering a wide range of services to support bringing vehicles to market.

3D illustration. Clay car inside wind tunnel. Design without real car reference and without copyright. Concept sports car, industry of transportation.

With a footprint of 55 laboratories and 250km of test tracks across the globe, and a team of over 1,300 trusted experts, UTAC are one of the world’s leading independent experts in automotive testing and engineering. They offer a vast array of tailor-made services for the testing and certification of civilian and military vehicle alike. UTAC operates in a high-pressure environment where precision, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable.

Their work determines whether vehicles are fit for operational duty or use on our roads, so their tools must be flawless.

Challenge

Like many engineering teams, prior to adopting KIT, they faced familiar but costly operational challenges:

  • Tools were not always returned to their designated locations or were out on loan but not consistently tracked.
  • Engineers often took time to locate equipment, potentially affecting project timelines and costs.
  • Calibration tracking was not systematic or user-friendly, so was hard to maintain.
  • Limited visibility and inconsistent standards made cross-departmental collaboration more difficult.

Solution

KIT was introduced as a unified platform for tool and equipment management. Its intuitive user interface allowed engineers to:

  • Locate and grab tools quickly and efficiently.
  • Visually audit tool inventory prior to vehicle testing.
  • Scan tools, check calibration status, certificates and instructions.
  • Track loans and returns across departments.
  • Maintain real-time visibility of inventory status and calibration schedules.

Results

Since adopting KIT, the team has seen measurable improvements across operations, culture, and morale:

  • Operational Efficiency: Engineers now spend less time searching for tools and more time executing tests.
  • Business Continuity: Critical equipment is always available when needed, reducing downtime and ensuring delivery commitments.
  • Cultural Shift: KIT has become embedded in daily workflows, fostering a culture of accountability and precision.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Real-time insights enable better forecasting, budgeting, and client billing.
  • Morale Boost: Technicians feel empowered and valued, with fewer frustrations and clearer processes.

Customer Quote

“KIT has changed how we do inventory. It’s no longer a painful audit; it’s embedded in how we work. We can now commit to customers with absolute confidence, knowing our tools are calibrated, available, and accounted for.”

Steven Durrant, Principal Trials Project Engineer
UTAC 

UTAC case study UTAC case study
https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/crash-test-2.jpg 576 1024 coplan https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kit-logo.png coplan2026-05-01 01:37:452026-05-13 14:39:54Transforming tool management at UTAC with KIT

How Probe Manufacturing & Fabrication improved audit readiness, confidence and speed

April 27, 2026/in Case Study, ExploreKit, Tool Audits/by coplan

Client Overview

For nearly 50 years, Probe Manufacturing & Fabrication has been a leading UK based precision engineering company that designs, fabricates, inspects and tests intricate, bespoke components such as flanges, blocks, tees and valves for the UK and European Oil and Gas markets.

Probe have built an enviable track record as experts in their field, combining experienced technicians, extensive certification, an unwavering commitment to project transparency and fast, high-quality turnaround.

Challenge

The company holds multiple certifications and is audited frequently by both customers and technical bodies. Calibration is a key focus during audits, and the team wanted a system that could keep pace with their growing needs and strengthen audit confidence.

The previous system:

  • operated from a single workstation that was also needed for other duties
  • made certificate retrieval slower than ideal and increased the reliance on manual processes
  • created extra burden during audits as staff and auditors had to continually move between the workshop and office

Solution

Moving to KIT gave the Probe Quality Control team instant access to calibration data from any device. This removed the constraints of the old single-machine setup and made audits smoother and more transparent.

KIT provided:

  • one click access to certificates and calibration history
  • secure cloud access from any device anywhere on site or remotely
  • fast and intuitive navigation and heightened data visibility
  • a clear dashboard with organised, professional reporting
  • strong onboarding training, ongoing support and regular enhancements from the KIT team
  • the ability for the team to demonstrate complete control over their calibration processes.

Results

The change has been immediate. Probe see clear operational gains as well as stronger audit performance:

  • The system’s simplicity and instant data access reassures auditors that the business has full control, improving auditor confidence
  • The monthly calibration workload has reduced to a tenth of what it was with the old system
  • Reports and certificates are cleaner, easier to read and more consistent
  • Cloud access has eradicated previous delays and data loss concerns

The Probe Quality Control team now have confidence and trust in a system they want to use and new team members have adopted the system quickly and easily.

Customer Quote

“With KIT you can get information anywhere. Before, I was running ragged trying to find certificates. Now I just push a button. Auditors always check calibration areas. For them to see a system that is easy to run gives them confidence straight away.”

“It used to take ages to perform and record calibrations on the old system. Now it takes seconds. It is so much more efficient.”

Kenny Watson, Quality Control Supervisor
Probe Manufacturing & Fabrication

Probe case study Probe case study
https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/pipes.jpg 683 1024 coplan https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kit-logo.png coplan2026-04-27 15:18:192026-05-06 09:53:31How Probe Manufacturing & Fabrication improved audit readiness, confidence and speed

Making tool management simple: Ontic’s experience with KIT

March 18, 2026/in Aerospace, Case Study, Defence, ExploreKit, Tool Audits/by coplan

With over 7,000 customers and nine manufacturing facilities worldwide, Ontic is a leading manufacturer to the world’s civil and military aircraft, ensuring the continuity, availability and longevity of critical parts that keep aircraft flying now and in the future.

With a diverse and continually growing portfolio of over 8,000 products and 1 million component parts, their success meant that Ontic faced a growing challenge: managing thousands of tools across multiple sites, whilst maintaining visibility and control. Ontic recognised the need to move away from the paper-based system to maximise efficiency and reduce the risk of lost tools or unnecessary purchases of non-standard tools. That changed with KIT.

Challenge:

With over 90 technicians and numerous toolboxes across several sites, Ontic wanted better control over tool usage, performing audits, and learning about missing or broken equipment in a timelier manner. Communal tools were difficult to manage, and the lack of real-time data made proactive decision-making nearly impossible.

Solution:

After evaluating several systems, Ontic chose KIT for its simplicity, flexibility, and scalability. The team began with a trial in one area, and thanks to a proactive cell manager, adoption quickly spread. KIT’s intuitive interface, audit tracking, and simple dashboards, reporting and data exports enabled Ontic to gain full control over their tooling estate and enhance efficiency.

Results:

Since rolling out KIT, the impact has been clear:

  • Tool traceability: 95% of toolboxes now digitised and audited via KIT.
  • Reduced costs: Reduction in lost tools and duplicate purchases.
  • Audit performance & ownership: Improved audit compliance and technician accountability.
  • Customer perception: Enhanced customer confidence during site visits.
  • Wider asset management: Used to manage health & safety equipment
    (first aid kits, de-fibs, eye wash stations)

 

“The visibility KIT gives us is a game-changer. We know the location of all our tools, who they’re being used by and where some may need attention.”

“The simplicity of the system and visibility at all levels ensures issues are resolved quickly, improving efficiency and reducing technicians’ frustration”.

Paul Bates, Production Engineer
Ontic

Ontic Case Study Ontic Case Study
https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ontic-fe.jpg 1280 1920 coplan https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kit-logo.png coplan2026-03-18 11:05:202026-05-13 16:32:19Making tool management simple: Ontic’s experience with KIT

Driving precision: KIT’s role in calibration management for a British luxury motor manufacturer

March 31, 2025/in Automotive, Case Study, Defence, Tool Calibration/by coplan

A British luxury motor manufacturer, renowned for its commitment to precision and quality, needed to ensure that their tool and equipment calibration processes were as robust as possible, whilst also enhancing how they managed and maintained their extensive array of calibrated tools and equipment.

A decision was made to partner with Coplan to implement KIT, a comprehensive calibration management solution designed to streamline the processes around prompting the collection and return of tooling and equipment amongst users whilst also offering a dynamic test and validation solution for internal validation of items.

Key Features & Benefits of KIT

Instant tool identification

Any tool or piece of equipment can be swiftly identified by scanning the attached barcode within the KIT application. This grants instant access to the calibration status, home location, owner(s) and other pertinent information. This streamlined process enhances efficiency and reduces downtime particularly when searching for and identifying tools ‘on the line’.

Calibration tests and validation

KIT enables users to create and publish the testing parameters for their calibrated tooling and equipment. The team are then able to perform validation checks on tooling and input the results. KIT cross-references the results against the parameters and then provides a detailed report for each and every test performed. The system offers a complete calibration history for every tool.

Reporting and reminders

KIT provides prompts and reminders via the system dashboard and notification emails, to ensure all appropriate parties are aware of equipment requiring calibration and the actions required to be taken. The system automates the traditional administrative task of notifying tooling and equipment owners to either arrange for their equipment to be ‘dropped off’ or collected as necessary, enabling teams to focus on the more proactive and appropriate tasks
KPI reports are also generated to provide the senior teams with an overview of performance, achievements and areas for improvement.

Return on Investment

Implementing KIT has resulted in a significant time saving for this manufacturer, through the reduction of manual administrative tasks typically associated with ensuring performance and compliance. Manual prompts and reminders have been replaced by automation whilst the ease of data access through in-app scanning reduces the time spent identifying tooling and equipment.
The company already maintained the highest standards for these critical processes and have looked to improve these further by utilising the efficiency, reliability and scalability of KIT.

Centralised data

The system infrastructure is built on the latest technology with system speed and ease-of-use of paramount importance. This approach facilitates easy access to and retreival of crucial information for the calibration process and operations.

KIT has empowered this British luxury motor manufacturer to elevate its calibration management processes, providing a scalable and customised solution that meets their very specific and unique needs. The implementation of KIT has not only improved efficiency but has also established a new standard for precision and accountability within the company’s tool calibration practices.

“KIT is a one-stop solution to store, record, inform and overall manage calibration of tools. We love the system. The prompts and reminder notifications alone are saving us 5 hours of admin emails a week. Overall, the system is easily saving us 1 day per week.”
Test & Measurement Manager
Leading British Automotive Manufacturer

KIT – Luxury Car Manufacturer Case Study KIT – Luxury Car Manufacturer Case Study
https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/driving-precision.jpg 1280 1920 coplan https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kit-logo.png coplan2025-03-31 13:23:362026-05-13 14:37:49Driving precision: KIT’s role in calibration management for a British luxury motor manufacturer

Streamlining equipment and chemical management: Traka’s success with KIT

March 19, 2025/in Case Study, COSHH & Safety/by coplan

Traka, a leader in intelligent management solutions for keys and equipment, faced the challenge of managing an expanding inventory of tools and hazardous chemicals.

Key Challenges and Solutions

KIT enabled Traka to overcome several operational challenges:

  • Chemical Management (COSHH): Traka leveraged KIT’s digital system to improve safety and reduce on-site chemical quantities by digitizing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and marking them with QR codes.
  • Calibration Management: Moving from spreadsheets to KIT automated Traka’s calibration schedules, reducing errors and enhancing accountability with automated email prompts and dynamic reporting.
  • Uncontrolled Purchases: By assigning unique identifiers to each item, KIT helped Traka prevent unauthorised equipment purchases, streamlining inventory control.
Traka Case Study Traka Case Study
https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/traka-fe.jpg 1280 1920 coplan https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kit-logo.png coplan2025-03-19 13:24:322026-05-13 15:32:12Streamlining equipment and chemical management: Traka’s success with KIT

The importance of tool & equipment control for Precision SIM Engineering

May 2, 2023/in Case Study/by coplan

 

Precision SIM Engineering designs and manufactures high-end control systems for motorsport simulators. Their steering wheel products and data display systems are used in professional-grade racing simulators. These are demanding environments where accuracy, performance, durability and reliability are critical. To maintain these standards during production, the team needed a system that went beyond basic tool storage; one that would support quality control, calibration, and accountability across the workshop.
That requirement led them to KIT by Coplan.

The Challenge

As a manufacturer of top-tier simulator steering wheels, Precision SIM Engineering operates to extremely high standards. Production involves calibrated tools, tight tolerances, and clean, organised workspaces.

Before adopting KIT, the team faced familiar workshop challenges:

  • Ensuring tools were consistently returned and available
  • Maintaining calibration records across multiple tools
  • Running effective tooling audits without unnecessary manual effort
  • Avoiding time lost searching for tools during production
  • Reordering damaged or missing tooling efficiently

They knew they wanted a visual tooling system, but they also needed something that would actively support quality and efficiency rather than just improve appearance.

The Solution

Precision Sim Engineering was introduced to Coplan during the design phase of their new workshop. While visual tooling was the initial requirement, those early discussions quickly revealed that KIT could deliver far more.

KIT was implemented as a complete visual tooling and asset management system, enabling the team to:

  • Lay out tools in a clear, intuitive visual format
  • Track tool calibration status directly within the system
  • Carry out tooling audits digitally
  • Log missing or damaged tools
  • Access tool data sheets through a single interface
  • Maintain a live, accurate inventory of all workshop tooling

Rather than acting as a passive storage solution, KIT became an active part of the production workflow.

The Results

Since installing KIT in their workshop, Precision SIM Engineering has seen clear operational benefits.

Production speed has improved as engineers no longer waste time searching through toolboxes. Tools are returned quickly, discrepancies are immediately visible, and changeovers between tasks are faster.

Accountability has also improved. With clear visibility of every tool, the team can easily identify missing or damaged items and take action immediately. Reordering tools is simpler and more controlled, reducing downtime and disruption.

Crucially, KIT supports the company’s quality standards. By ensuring the correct tools are used with the correct calibration values, Precision Sim Engineering can consistently deliver the level of product their customers expect.

 

What I would say to anyone considering KIT for their workshop is that it will make your workshop more efficient, it will keep your workforce accountable for their tooling and I can access a complete list of my tool inventory in just a few clicks, so for us it was completely worth the investment.

Simon Hodgson, Managing Director
Precision SIM Engineering

 

Watch  how Precision SIM Engineering used KIT to improve their management of tools and calibrated items using KIT and a Coplan visual tool management solution.

 

https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/foam-inlays.jpg 480 800 coplan https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kit-logo.png coplan2023-05-02 16:24:482026-05-13 15:47:53The importance of tool & equipment control for Precision SIM Engineering

Delivering a customer visual tool control storage solution for The University of Exeter and Drake Tooling

March 1, 2023/in Case Study, Foam Inlays, Tool Inventory Management/by coplan

Our Client

Established in 1976, Drake Tooling & Abrasives Ltd supply the precision engineering market with abrasives and cutting tools, and a complete technical back-up. Today the business is one of the South West’s leading Engineering Distributors, offering a wide range of products and services including the very best in abrasives, cutting tools and measuring equipment.

The Project Drake

We delivered a project for the University of Exeter, providing the furniture, tooling and equipment for an innovative new space which would enable students to prototype their engineering ideas. This would be a world-class facility, providing students with an opportunity to test and develop their manufacturing and engineering skills.

The space has been designed with 30 tool benches and a maximum capacity of 60 students. This meant that up to 500 students a week could be using the space, and the 1,500 tools that were included in the specification of the new space.

 

The Challenge

At an earlier design stage, it was intended to store tools on the wall spaces using traditional tool shadow boards, but with 1,500 tools there wasn’t sufficient wall space. An alternative visual control solution was needed which meant that the tools would be stored in drawers instead.

Although the team at Drake Tooling had previous experience subcontracting this sort of work, they hadn’t been impressed with the result and were concerned that they would struggle to find a suitable supplier for this high-profile project. When we were recommended by their furniture supplier, they were keen to get in touch to discuss the challenge.

 

The Solution

We worked alongside Drake Tooling to develop and supply a custom visual tool control solution, using a design approach which would ensure it was easy to identify any missing equipment. Using a single collection of tools supplied by the client, we digitised each individual tooling profile and created design layouts for the University to review. These designs were reviewed and refined, before we then produced a set of samples for testing.

The inlays were constructed with a blue foam base and a black foam upper layer – the two contrasting colours making it easy to identify missing tools. Once the final designs were approved, we produced the 120 custom foam inserts that would be needed to store all the individual hand tools. It took four weeks from initial design to completion of the project – a delivery timeline that impressed all of the project stakeholders.

The Result

Both the University and Drake Tooling were very impressed with our proactive approach, which allowed us to deliver a full solution quickly and effectively. In addition to providing the foam storage, we also included our KIT inventory software solution, providing added value and unlocking potential for a smarter inventory solution.

Both our client and the University are now keen to work with us on new projects, including the opportunity to digitally publish information about tools, instructions, and risk assessment documentation through our KIT platform to any web-enabled device used by the staff or students.

 

Coplan Case Study – Exeter University (LR) Coplan Case Study – Exeter University (LR)
https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/work-bench.jpg 1280 1920 coplan https://thisiskit.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/kit-logo.png coplan2023-03-01 14:49:262026-05-13 16:44:39Delivering a customer visual tool control storage solution for The University of Exeter and Drake Tooling

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Location Location Coplan Ltd, 28 Vincent Avenue, Crownhill, Milton Keynes, MK8 0AB

Phone Phone +44 (0)1908 307956

Mail Mail info@coplancontrol.com

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