Asset tags, labels, or barcodes are important to any enterprise’s management system. With these tags, companies can track their equipment and valuable assets more efficiently by assigning them unique logos, serial numbers, or barcodes.
This has been a practice in asset management for a long time, going back to the early 20th century when asset labels were made by hand. Nowadays, asset tags are created using specialized equipment, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Asset tagging is a detailed process involving creating the tag, labeling the asset, and tracking it through its lifecycle. Thanks to the diversity of materials, colors, and shapes, physical asset tags can now adapt to each firm’s branding and packaging to create brand awareness even in those necessary details.
This article will cover asset labels in detail, including their importance and uses for enterprises and the benefits asset labels can provide.
What Is an Asset Tag?
Companies with a large equipment inventory know that an investment is made behind every asset to obtain returns and prolong their life cycle. Inventory control is fundamental in ensuring accuracy and reliability when tracking these investments.
An asset tag is a label that identifies physical equipment, property, or inventory that a company owns. This asset identification is imprinted on a label and then attached to an asset. It usually includes the asset’s unique serial number, name, model number, etc.
Tags can be printed or engraved, depending on the asset and the application. They can be made from polyester, acrylic, vinyl, and more.
By utilizing asset tags, companies can keep track of their assets in real time and ensure they are managed properly. Furthermore, they also provide an extra layer of security by making it harder for assets to be stolen or misused, and they can even be used to track asset locations.
What Is Asset Tagging?
Suppose your company is experiencing exponential growth involving asset purchases, tracking, maintenance schedules, disposal, asset upgrades, and other operational activities. However, to monitor said information, you want to avoid outdated asset tracking methods, such as spreadsheets or manual asset inventories.
Now, most companies need profound knowledge or even processes destined for asset management. In that case, asset tagging processes are the best solution to identify assets’ useful lives, keep track of inventories, track “work-in-process,” and tag assets for Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
The process of asset tagging can be divided into two distinct phases: asset labeling and asset tracking.
Asset Labeling
As the name implies, asset labeling is the process of adding labels to a company’s equipment, such as computers, monitors, printers, and other objects. This involves selecting an asset tag material, choosing its unique identification number, and then printing or engraving it onto an asset tag.
Asset ID tags attached to a physical property can be divided into two categories:
Fixed Assets
These asset labels identify and track large, expensive items like machinery, equipment, and vehicles.
Moveable Assets
Asset tags can also track smaller, moveable assets like laptops and other mobile devices.
Asset Tracking
Asset tracking uses asset tags to monitor an asset’s life cycle, from acquisition to disposal. This involves asset tracking software, asset tags, and asset databases.
How to Do Asset Tagging?
Asset labeling involves printing or engraving asset information onto an asset tag. This includes asset serial numbers, asset names, and model numbers.
To understand this process deeply, here are five essential steps for efficient and time-saving asset tagging:
1. Creating Asset Inventory
Create an asset database, keeping a log of all asset information like asset numbers, asset models, locations, and asset owners.
2. Printing Asset Tags
You can choose from various asset tag materials and sizes to best suit your asset labeling needs.
3. Labeling Asset Tags
Attach asset labels to the asset, including asset numbers, models, and other data.
4. Track Asset Tags
This involves asset tracking software, asset tags, and asset databases to keep track of an asset’s life cycle.
5. Maintain Asset Tags
Monitor asset labels for accuracy, update asset databases when needed, and replace asset tags that are worn out.
Why Is Asset Tagging Important?
Before asset tagging existed, enterprises faced asset chaos. Asset tagging is an important asset management practice that helps organizations reduce loss, increase asset visibility, and create asset databases.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the benefits that make asset tagging a must-have asset management process:
Reduces Asset Loss
Asset labels are an effective way to reduce asset loss and unauthorized asset transfers. This is because asset tags provide a way to track asset movement and ownership, making managing asset inventories and records easier.
Increases Asset Visibility
Asset tagging can help asset managers track and monitor asset locations, asset status, asset usage rates, asset maintenance records, asset depreciation, asset resale value, asset warranties, and asset repair histories.
MRO Information
Asset tags can also be used to store MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) asset database. This includes asset maintenance records, asset warranties, asset repair histories, asset maintenance reminders, asset depreciation information, asset resale value, and more.
Where to Find the Asset Tag on a Computer?
What Does an Asset Tag Look Like?
Generally, asset tags are small, durable labels that identify and track the object. They typically contain numbers, models, serial numbers, ownerships, and locations.
However, since they are customizable according to each management system, they can also include custom information like categories, asset cost centers, and asset repair histories. They might even have a specific color for each department of the company.
Some of the most common types of equipment to which asset tags are applied are computers and laptops, desktops, external components, and LCD monitors. Here is a detail of how you can identify the labels on each one.
Laptops
Laptop asset tag numbers can be found on the underside of your computer. They are usually located close to the startup information, serial number, and other product information.
Desktops
Desktops are on the back or side of a desktop computer’s tower. Some may be on the same side as the ports, while others may be on the bottom of your device.
External Elements
Asset tags are also printed on external components such as keyboards, mice, and monitors. It is typically located near the product information label.
LCD Displays
The asset labels on your LCD monitor can be found on the back or underside of the monitor. It’s usually near the serial number and the product information label.
Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Buy Asset Tags
Because there are such wide varieties of asset tags, different materials, and durability aspects, selecting the appropriate asset tags for an organization can sometimes be complicated.
Consider these factors when deciding where to purchase asset tags and labels.
The Types of Assets
Since so many asset tags and labels are available, it is important to consider the types of assets you manage and the environment in which these tags will be applied.
For example, if you are tracking IT asset information, you will need fixed tags suitable for computers and other technology.
On the other hand, if you are tracking asset information for a manufacturing plant or different industrial setting, then moveable asset tags and labels may be more suitable.
Examples of Fixed Assets
- Computers, laptops, desktops
- Monitors, keyboards, and mice
- Printers and other external peripherals
- Office equipment, furniture, chairs, and desks
- Security cameras and other surveillance equipment.
Examples of Moveable Assets
- Shipping crates and boxes
- Toolboxes and toolkits
- Hardhats, gloves, and other PPE equipment
- Racks, carts, and pallets
- Mobile devices, tablets, and smartphones.
Asset Tag Materials, Durability, and Environmental Considerations
The asset tags should be made from the most durable material suitable for your asset management system. This will ensure that the asset tag remains in place and readable for the longest time.
For indoor asset tags, the common materials used are polycarbonate, vinyl, and polyester because they are durable and can withstand temperatures, sunlight, moisture, and wear and tear.
For outdoor asset tags, you will need more durable materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum. These materials are strong enough to withstand extreme temperatures, rain and snow, and other harsh weather conditions.
For asset tags that may be exposed to extreme temperatures and chemicals, you should look for assets made from polyamide or polypropylene. These asset tags can withstand high and low temperatures, chemicals, and abrasion without losing their adhesion or becoming unreadable.
How to Make Barcode Labels With a Professional Printing Business?
Barcode labels are essential asset tags that provide quick asset identification and tracking. Professional printing companies can help you create the perfect barcode labels with superior print quality and durability.
When selecting a printer for asset tags and barcode labels, consider the following factors:
- Quality of printed material
- The durability of asset labels
- Professional printing services
- Timely delivery
- The flexibility of asset labeling solutions.
After determining the best associate for printing barcode stickers, knowing the process behind that product will give you a clearer idea of what to expect. Here’s an overview of the asset tag printing process:
- Design: The asset tags should be designed based on the type of asset, its environment, and its purpose. During this stage, clients can choose colors, fonts, and logos.
- Proofreading: A proofing process ensures that asset tag labels are designed correctly before printing.
- Printing: Asset tags should be printed using the most appropriate method for their environment: multicolor process print, thermal printing, or embossing.
- Quality Control: asset tags should be subject to a quality control process where they are checked for color, clarity of print, and finishing.
- Packing: Asset tags should be packed in suitable packaging to protect them from damage during transportation.
- Finishing: asset tags should be laminated or otherwise finished to improve durability and appearance.
How to Track Assets?
Locating and accounting for assets is more crucial than ever in today’s economic climate. When business owners use asset monitoring, they gain instant access to actionable data that can be used to better keep tabs on, manage, and safeguard their company’s most precious assets.
Here are some steps organizations can take for better tracking practices:
- Choose an Option That Best Fits Your Business
The first asset-tracking step is selecting a solution that matches your organization’s needs.
- Gathering Data From Your Assets to Be Tracked
Once you’ve selected the optimal solution for your requirements, you may begin gathering data from your assets to be tracked. These may include serial numbers, purchase dates, location, manufacturer, and depreciation information.
- Update Your Asset Tracking System
It is essential to regularly update your asset tracking system with the most recent information. Each object can have barcodes, QR codes, or RFID tags. By scanning these tags whenever new products are added to the system, you can ensure that data is constantly current.
- Run a Quality Assurance for the Asset Tracking System
In addition, you should frequently examine the quality and thoroughness of your asset tracking system. Verify all data entered into your system and ensure any modifications are reflected in your reports. This will allow you to stay on top of any disparities or inaccuracies, allowing you to make the appropriate repairs.
Name That Computer: 30 Years of Experience and Counting
At Name That Computer, we understand the importance of asset tracking and asset labeling solutions for businesses. Our motivation for starting this veteran-owned family business was to provide asset labels, nameplates, and asset tags for businesses of all sizes.
Our story started in 1992 with expert knowledge and a commitment to quality results. We have adapted our products to keep up with the times while offering the same level of service and customer care.
Today, the California State has become the ideal destination for fast-growing industries and businesses. A crucial part of business development is branding and packaging to represent the brand and overall message.
We pride ourselves in working with recognized brands and for various industries, from banks to universities, government agencies, and more.
Whatever asset labeling project you have in mind, Name That Computer is here to help. Place an order today, and let us help you find the asset labeling solution you need.