Smart Asset Lockers for Secure Tool Management

Country:
Belgium
Solution:
Asset & Equipment Management
Industry:
Industrial & Factory
-35%

Reduction in tool loss

+800

Number of smart lockers implemented

11

Different workshop locations

Smarter storage for an efficient rail network

The NMBS (National Society of Belgian Railways) manages Belgium’s passenger trains, ensuring that hundreds of thousands of travelers reach their destinations safely and on time.

With over 10,000 employees across multiple workshops, the company faced growing challenges in tracking and managing shared tools. Lost assets, unclear inventory, and manual storage processes created delays, added costs, and safety risks.

To restore efficiency and visibility, NMBS turned to a modern digital asset management solution.

NMBS’s Challenges

Lost tools
Shared tools were often misplaced or untraceable, creating delays and increased replacement costs.

Lack of visibility
The maintenance teams lacked a central overview of who was using which tools and when they were returned.

Inconsistent availability
Shared tools were frequently unavailable when needed, leading to downtime and inefficiencies across workshops.

Manual management
Tracking tools manually proved unreliable and time-consuming, limiting productivity and accountability.

A Smarter Solution

Discovery
The team analyzed tool usage patterns at each maintenance workshop to define the optimal locker configuration and digital access structure.

Solution & Recommendation
Keynius VAULT smart lockers were chosen for their flexibility and integration with KeyControl — enabling NMBS to store and issue tools and keys with tracking and audit trails.

Customization & Collaboration
Each site’s layout and inventory were mapped with the NMBS Smart Locker Calculator, matching each tool to the nearest locker.

Why Keynius
VAULT lockers with transparent doors and adjustable compartments allowed NMBS to customize storage per tool type. Each locker integrates with employee ID badges, ensuring accurate tracking and accountability.

The Results: Centralized, Controlled, and Secure

Lost tools and missing inventory have been minimized, while data-driven insights allow for preventive maintenance and optimized equipment sharing across sites.

  • 11 workshop locations equipped with VAULT lockers, expanding to 20 in the coming years.
  • Every tool has an RFID tag for improved traceability and reduced tool loss.
  • Employee badge access ensures accountability.
  • Centralized digital tracking with KeyControl.

Conclusion

The NMBS smart locker rollout has transformed how Belgium’s rail workshops manage tools and assets. With transparent, modular lockers tailored to fit every type of equipment, and real-time tracking through Keynius KeyControl, NMBS has improved efficiency, security, and resource utilization across its operations.

The program demonstrates how intelligent asset management supports reliability and safety — essential pillars in keeping Belgium’s rail network running smoothly.

Smart lockers for every solution

Contact us now to learn how Keynius can turn your storage problems into practical, profitable solutions.