If you’ve never purchased an asset tag before, you might be wondering what kind of tag is right for you. There are many factors that play a role in determining the right kind of tag, and with so many products ranging from small polyester labels to metal asset tags and even RFID tags, it can be hard to know where to start.
How to Select an Asset Tag that is Right for You
Before you begin, there are a few things to consider. The first is the objective you’re trying to accomplish. Do you want to implement a new asset tracking system, expand your existing system or even just improve the efficiency of your existing system? No matter what you’re looking to accomplish, Metalcraft has a solution for you.
The second thing to consider is the environment your assets will be exposed to. It is important to determine the level of exposure your tags will have to such things as sunlight, chemicals, solvents, temperatures, abrasion or other environmental factors. For example, most colors will fade after long-term exposure to sunlight; therefore we usually recommend that any tags exposed to sunlight for long periods of time be printed in black only.
Another example deals with tags that are exposed to chemicals, caustics, solvents or acids. If your tags are subject to extreme exposure to any of these, it may affect the longevity of the material. It is also important to make sure your tags aren’t applied at temperatures that are too hot or cold, because that will affect the performance of the adhesive.
The third step is to assess the material composition of your assets because certain materials work better with certain types of tags and adhesives. For example, if your assets are composed of metal, it may impact the readability of an RFID tag. Or if the surface you’re applying the tag to is curved, you will need a tag composed of a thinner material with more flexibility. Metalcraft’s Foil Barcode Labels have a thin profile that allows them to conform to curved surfaces. They also work great for applications with exposure to harsh environments because of the way the image is sealed into the material.
After you’ve determined the environment and composition of your assets, you will need to further qualify your application. In other words, you will need to know such things as how long the tags need to last, or what the expected read range is, or if your assets are fixed or mobile (do they stay in one facility or do they move between multiple facilities?). Knowing answers to these questions will help you determine what type of tag you will need, what kind of tracking technology will work best (i.e. barcode, RFID, or both), and what kind of budget you will need for the right tag.
With so many options available for tracking assets, it is often hard for companies to find the right solution for their needs. However, Metalcraft has a number of different solutions available ranging from roll labels and metal nameplates all the way to RFID technology. No matter the timeframe, budget, environment or asset type, Metalcraft can provide a solution for you!
About the Author: Julia Deets
Julia Deets joined Metalcraft in 1999 as the Marketing/New Product Director. Julia has held numerous roles during her career with Metalcraft, all related to marketing and customer support. Her current position is as the VP of Marketing and Customer Experience. She has both an undergrad and a Master's degree in Organizational Communications from Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Northern Iowa, respectively.
