Asset Tagging: Is It Right for My Organization?

The Asset Tracking Blog

What is asset tagging?

Asset tagging involves the systematic labeling and identification of physical assets owned by a company or organization. Each asset is assigned a unique identifier, such as a barcode, QR code, serial number, or RFID tag, which is affixed directly to the asset or its packaging. Asset tagging enables businesses to track the location, status, and usage history of assets throughout their lifecycle. By providing a means to quickly and accurately identify assets, tagging assets streamlines inventory management, enhances security, facilitates maintenance tracking, and improves overall asset management processes.

Who uses asset tagging?

Asset tracking can be found in a wide range of industries and organizations across both the public and private sectors. Here are some examples:

  1. Businesses and Corporations: Companies of all sizes use asset tracking to track and manage their physical assets, including equipment, machinery, vehicles, computers, furniture, and tools. Tagging assets helps businesses optimize asset utilization, prevent loss or theft, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  2. Government Agencies: Government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels employ tagging to manage a diverse array of assets, such as vehicles, infrastructure, facilities, IT equipment, and office supplies. Tagging assets enables government organizations to improve accountability, enhance security, and optimize resource allocation.
  3. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities use asset tagging to track assets such as computers, laboratory equipment, textbooks, furniture, and audiovisual materials. Tagging assets helps educational institutions monitor asset usage, streamline inventory management, and ensure the proper allocation of resources.
  4. Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities use asset tagging to track medical equipment, devices, instruments, and supplies. Asset tagging in healthcare settings helps ensure the availability of critical equipment, maintain regulatory compliance, and enhance patient care and safety.
  5. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofit organizations and charitable institutions use asset tagging to manage assets such as office equipment, vehicles, and donated goods. Asset tagging helps nonprofits improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in their operations.
  6. Manufacturing and Industrial Sectors: Manufacturing companies and industrial facilities utilize asset tagging to track machinery, tools, parts, and raw materials. Asset tagging helps manufacturers optimize production processes, manage inventory levels, and ensure equipment maintenance and safety.
  7. Transportation and Logistics: Transportation and logistics companies use asset tagging to track vehicles, trailers, containers, and other assets as they move through supply chains and distribution networks. Asset tagging helps logistics firms improve asset visibility, optimize route planning, and enhance supply chain efficiency.
  • Overall, asset tagging is a versatile tool used by organizations across various industries to track, manage, and optimize their physical assets, ensuring efficient operations, regulatory compliance, and effective resource utilization.

What asset tagging solutions are available?

There are four different kinds of asset tags.

  1. Human readable – Human readable tags are just that—tags with words or numbers that are readable by people rather than scanners.
  2. Text – In addition to a number and a barcode, a text tag might have a custom header, custom text, and additional text.
  3. Barcode – Barcode is a technology that uses a small image of lines—or bars—and spaces to identify an object.
  4. RFID – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses a radio wave to identify an object.

What should I look for in an asset tag?

When selecting an asset tag for your organization, several factors should be considered to ensure that it meets your specific requirements and provides optimal performance. Here are some key aspects to look for in a tag:

  1. Durability: Choose an asset tag that is durable and resistant to environmental factors such as temperature extremes, moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure. The tag should withstand the conditions in which your assets are typically located or used.
  2. Adhesive: Look for a tag with a strong adhesive backing that ensures secure attachment to a variety of surfaces, including metal, plastic, glass, and wood. The adhesive should provide reliable bonding without leaving residue or damaging the asset upon removal.
  3. Barcode or QR Code Compatibility: If you intend to use barcode or QR code scanning for asset identification and tracking, ensure that the tag is compatible with these technologies. The barcode or QR code should be printed clearly and accurately to enable reliable scanning.
  4. Customization Options: Choose an asset tag provider that offers customization options to meet your specific needs, such as custom sizing, shapes, colors, materials, and printing options. Customization allows you to incorporate your company logo, branding, or other information onto the tag.
  5. Tamper Resistance: Consider asset tags with tamper-resistant features such as destructible materials, void labels, or tamper-evident seals. These features help deter theft, tampering, or unauthorized removal of the tag from the asset.
  6. RFID Compatibility (if needed): If you plan to implement RFID technology for asset tracking, select asset tags that are RFID-compatible. RFID tags enable wireless identification and tracking of assets using RFID readers, enhancing efficiency and automation in asset management.
  7. Longevity: Choose asset tags with a long lifespan to minimize the need for frequent replacements and maintenance. Tags made from durable materials and with high-quality printing are more likely to withstand extended use and exposure to harsh conditions.
  8. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the asset tags meet relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements, especially if your organization operates in regulated sectors such as healthcare, aerospace, or government.
  9. Cost-effectiveness: Consider the overall cost-effectiveness of the asset tags, including upfront costs, installation expenses, and long-term durability. Opt for tags that offer the best value for your budget while meeting your performance and quality requirements.

By carefully evaluating these factors and selecting asset tags that align with your organization’s needs and priorities, you can effectively track and manage your assets while maximizing operational efficiency and asset visibility.

Where do I start?

The best place to start is to ask a tag expert. Share the problem you’re trying to solve, and he or she will use their experience and knowledge to:

  1. Tell you whether or not you’re a good candidate for asset tagging.
  2. Point you toward the best asset tagging solution.

Tag, you’re it.

Missing assets costs you time, money, and—sometimes—even your sanity. If you find it happens far too often in your organization, asset tagging may be the right solution for you.

To learn about how you can implement asset tracking into your business, contact us today at [email protected].

About the Author: Marianne Alvarado

Marianne Alvarado is our Vice President of Sales. Alvarado joined Metalcraft in March of 2000 as a Territory Specialist, became Sales Manager in January 2022 and was named Vice President of Sales during August of 2023. She leads both the Outside and Inside Sales teams. Marianne lives in Davenport with her husband, Dave Beeman.

Mobile Phone: 641-529-9492
Office Phone: 641-423-9460
Email: [email protected]
Office: 3360 9th St. SW, Mason City, IA 50401

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