What Are Asset Tags and Why Are They Essential for Your Business?
This is a place where asset management becomes very crucial for an organization in its quest to perform efficiently and reduce losses to a minimum. Asset tags can come in handy for this matter. Such small, yet powerful tools enable tracking, monitoring, and managing assets with efficiency never experienced before. Manufacturing, healthcare, academics, or logistics-all will find revolutionary changes in handling inventories and equipment with the incorporation of asset tags.
In this blog, we look at what asset tags are used for, the types of asset tags, and the benefits associated with them, apart from why your business needs these. We will also briefly see how RFID Asset Tracking and other advanced technologies fit in the larger scheme of things so far as asset management goes. If you’re looking for expert solutions in this domain, then Acube Infotech is your partner.
What Are Asset Tags?
An asset tag is a label or tag attached to an asset, usually bearing some unique identifier that may be used in tracking the said asset. Normally, asset tags come along with asset management systems that keep track of the life cycle, location, and status of the assets.
These include:
- Barcodes: These are printed barcodes and are the fastest to identify via scanning.
- RFID Chips: These chips are embedded and offer wireless tracking capabilities via RFID readers.
- Serial Numbers: Unique alphanumeric codes for manual tracking and record-keeping.
Asset tags are designed to withstand various conditions, including exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and wear and tear, ensuring long-term usability.
Types of Asset Tags
Depending on your business needs and the type of assets you’re managing, there are various types of asset tags to choose from:
- Barcode Asset Tags
These are simple and inexpensive; hence, widely used for inventory and equipment tracking. They can be scanned using barcode readers or even smartphones fitted with barcode-scanning software.
- RFID Asset Tags
With RFID chips embedded into them, they do allow long-range wireless tracking. They work best for big operations, industries that rely on real-time data.
- Asset Metal Tags
Constructed to last, these tags are ideal for industrial settings where the asset goes through harsh conditions.
- Tamper-Evident Asset Tags
These in turn provide security owing to evidence of tampering that can be easily noticed in case unauthorized removal is affected.
- QR Code Asset Tags
Asset tags may include Quick Response codes, storing more information than a conventional barcode, besides reading them using even mobile devices.
Why Is Asset Tagging Important to Your Organization?
There are numerous merits attached to asset tags, and thus, they remain an indispensable gadget in every firm. Some reasons include:
1. Asset Tracking
As facilitated by a tool like RFID Asset Tracking, one would achieve their asset’s traced location and their prevailing condition in real-time. This improves loss and will ensure that such assets are availed at the area of need.
2. Improved Stock Management
Asset tags make the counting and auditing process easier and less time-consuming, reducing the overall time required in the process.
3. Enhanced Security
Tamper-evident and RFID asset tags provide security against the unauthorized movement or theft of any valuable equipment.
4. Economical Advantage
The two major benefits of asset tags are cost reduction through minimal losses, smooth processes, and better utilization of resources.
5. Ease in Maintenance
These might have schedules and history of maintenance, thus giving an indication–clear and loud–when it’s time to replace or service an item.
6. Compliancy with Regulations
Most industries need to maintain detailed asset records for some form of compliance. Asset tags make this very simple for business operations.
How Do Asset Tags Work?
How an asset tag works varies considerably with the technology used. Here’s how some of the most common types work:
- Barcode Asset Tags: These are scanned using a barcode reader to access the information stored in the asset management system.
- RFID Asset Tags: The tag communicates with the RFID readers by transmitting data wirelessly to the reader for real-time tracking information.
- QR Code Asset Tags: These are scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader to gain access to detailed information stored online or in a database.
Applications of Asset Tags
Asset tags have numerous applications and can be found in a wide range of applications, including:
1. Manufacturing
Tracking machinery, tools, and raw material lines up production processes and reduces downtimes.
2. Healthcare
RFID Asset Tracking helps in managing medical equipment, patient records, and pharmaceutical tracking for the smooth running of a hospital or any other medical institution for better patients’ care.
3. Education
Asset tags are used in schools and universities to manage IT equipment, furniture, and library resources effectively.
4. Retail and E-commerce
Streamline your inventory control and eliminate stock discrepancies with product and warehouse asset tagging.
5. Transportation and Logistics
Track shipments, vehicles, and containers with durable asset tags.
How RFID Asset Tracking Improves Asset Management
RFID Asset Tracking using asset tags introduces a new aspect in making this process much easier. Here is why RFID technology is gaining popularity:
- Real-Time Tracking
RFID technology lets corporations trace their assets at any time, therefore assuring them of the visibility of these assets throughout their supply chain.
- Bulk Scanning
Unlike barcode scanning, RFID readers can read several tags in one instance of time, saving many hours in inventorying.
- Higher Accuracy
Automated data gathering has removed human errors and resulted in highly accurate records and reports.
- Heightened Security
RFID systems can also trigger alerts if assets move or are accessed in an unauthorized manner.
- Scalability
RFID solutions can easily be scaled up if your business grows and needs to support more volumes of assets.
How to Get the Most from Asset Tags: Best Practices
But to get the most from asset tags, here are some best practices to follow:
- Choose the Right Type of Tag
Choose asset tags that suit your environment and operation. For instance, tamper-evident tags may apply for high-security areas, or metal tags can be used for industrial equipment.
- Asset Management Software Integration
Integrate your asset tags with powerful software so tracking is not just automated but also insightful.
- Training of Your Team
Your people rightly should be trained in the use of an asset tag and other technologies related to the tag.
- Periodically Update Asset Records
Keep your database of assets updated through periodic scanning and auditing of the tagged assets.
Why Choose Acube Infotech for Your Asset Management?
Be it Asset Tags implementation or advanced RFID Asset Tracking Solutions, Acube InfoTech is here to help. Here’s why businesses trust us with the need for solutions:
- Complete Solutions: From Barcode and RFID tags to complete Asset Management Systems, we provide turnkey solutions based on your business needs.
- Expert Support: From consultation to implementation and continuous support, our team works for smooth operations.
- Advanced Technology: We deploy modern technology to deliver results that are highly dependable yet scalable.
- Customized Services: Each business has a uniqueness quotient; we mold solutions as per actual requirement for all your aspects.
Asset management is not an option but an obligation in the fast-moving business arena today. Asset tags, with other technologies supporting RFID Asset Tracking, have brought businesses just what they need in organization and reduction of loss, hence boosting efficiency.
Be it a small or big enterprise, investment in asset tags is one sure step toward better management of resources and long-term success. For professional guidance and state-of-the-art solutions, get in touch with Acube Infotech today. Let us help transform your asset management strategy and unlock the real potential of your business.
Call us today at Acube Infotech to understand more about our asset tagging solutions and the way they can help in the growth of your business.
