Asset Tracking and Management

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Today’s mobile workforce makes it tough to manage assets. With employees in the field and behind four walls, it can be frustrating to search for things like hardware, tools, and medical equipment.

And without an automated barcode system, it takes a lot of effort to track these items down. You end up using manual spreadsheets that prevent accurate counts and cost you time and money.

Benefits of asset tracking

With asset tracking from System ID, you can kiss audit headaches goodbye and say hello to streamlined processes that:

1. Save time by quickly completing audits
2. Minimize loss with accurate reporting
3. Improve productivity by easily collecting and retrieving detailed data
4. Increase profits by eliminating unnecessary purchases and repairs

How does asset tracking work?

Before selecting a system, it’s important to understand the difference between assets and inventory.

Inventory is items that companies distribute, consume, or sell externally. They are considered temporary goods and include such items as merchandise, office supplies, and raw materials.

Assets are permanent items that organizations use internally. These items may depreciate over time or be allocated to employees, who may also check items in and out. Examples include computer equipment, office furniture, and vehicles. Each must be uniquely tracked.

There are different data capture solutions for managing assets and inventory. Make sure you know the difference to ensure you select a system with the features you need. For example, in addition to locating and managing items, asset tracking systems can:

1. Alert you when a checked-out item is past the due date
2. Keep up with warranty information and service contracts
3. Prompt you to schedule maintenance
4. Calculate equipment depreciation
5. Import and export data

Know before you buy

Other things to consider before you shop for an asset tracking system include:

1. Volume and type

What types of assets do you own, and how many do you have?

1. Location

Are you and your assets contained within four walls, located in a particular region, or scattered across the globe?

1. Technology

Will you use barcodes or RFID to track your assets?

1. Volume and type

What types of assets do you own, and how many do you have?

1. Identification

Do you require a tag that is preprogrammed or do you need to generate a unique numbering scheme?

1. Accessibility

Do you require instant access to information or can you wait and upload it later?

1. Reports

What reporting capabilities do you require?

1. Users

How many licenses will you need? Are they desktop, mobile, or both?

Getting started

All tracking systems consist of the following components:

1. Asset tracking software

Essential to every solution, software defines the available features and options. That’s why it’s important to know your exact needs before you shop. Companies like Wasp offer asset tracking software that meets the needs of manufacturers, distributors, government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations.

1. Barcode labels and tags

Know the types of assets you need to label and the technology you are using before you purchase labels. For example, if you are using active RFID to locate assets that are outdoors, then you’ll need an enclosed specialty tag. Other uses call for traditional barcode tags. Different adhesives, papers, and sizes are available to fit most any need.

1. Mobile computer or handheld scanner

Will you scan items from a long or short distance? Are you using RFID technology? As with labels, you must identify your requirements before selecting your mobile scanner. For example, do you need a handheld device that simply scans or a hybrid one that does the work of multiple machines? Will you wear the scanner? What size labels do you require?

1. Printer

Thermal barcode printers produce quality labels that withstand daily handling and cleaning. But before selecting the printer type, consider the number of labels you’ll need each day. Zebra printers offer several desktop and mobile models with flexible options for multiple industries.

You may purchase bundled systems that contain both software and hardware. Contact System ID to learn more.