An essential part of efficient inventory control and equipment monitoring is asset tagging. The appropriate asset tags may simplify processes and safeguard priceless assets, whether you’re managing office furniture, industrial gear, or IT equipment. However, while choosing their asset tagging systems, a lot of firms make important blunders. This article examines five typical mistakes to steer clear of when selecting asset tags for the requirements of your company.
1. Overlooking Environmental Conditions
Ignoring the ambient circumstances where the tags will be distributed is one of the most expensive mistakes made when choosing asset tags. When indoor tags are left outside, they can quickly deteriorate, leaving identification markers missing or unreadable. Extremes in temperature, UV rays, moisture, and chemicals can all weaken tag integrity, which might lead to misplaced or incorrectly recognized assets.
Consider the particular circumstances that each tagged object will encounter over its lifespan when choosing asset tags. For example, industrial facility equipment may come into contact with oil, solvents, or extremely high or low temperatures, while outdoor assets require protection from weather and ultraviolet light. Select materials made especially to handle these difficulties, such as chemical-resistant alternatives for lab equipment, UV-resistant labels for outdoor usage, or metal tags for high-temperature settings.
2. Choosing the Wrong Size and Placement
When it comes to asset tagging, size is crucial, yet many businesses choose tags without taking size and location into account. Oversized tags may obstruct equipment functionality or aesthetics, whereas too-small tags are challenging to see and scan. If tags obscure crucial data or controls, this carelessness may result in ineffective asset tracking and possible safety risks.
Take into account the quantity of information the tag must convey as well as the available space on the object. Take into account the requirements for scanning distance: will employees have close access to the tagged objects or will they need to scan tags from a distance? Additionally, consider positioning spots that will shield the tag from deterioration while yet allowing for scanning. While making sure the tag doesn’t impede the asset’s operation or maintenance access, the objective is to strike a balance between visibility and usefulness.
3. Ignoring Data Capacity Requirements
Choosing asset tags without taking future data requirements into account is a typical mistake. Many businesses make tag selections solely based on their present requirements, failing to take into consideration future modifications to information management systems or tracking requirements. This shortsighted strategy may need expensive re-tagging when tracking systems are updated or data requirements grow.
When choosing asset tags, take future data storage requirements into consideration. Think about if you’ll need to keep track of other data, such as compliance information, warranty information, or maintenance schedules. Make sure the format you select for barcode or RFID technology can support your data structure and allow for future growth. Keep in mind that certain tag types or data formats may be necessary for more sophisticated tracking systems to operate correctly.
4. Neglecting Durability Standards
If durability criteria are not properly considered when choosing asset tags, this might result in early tag failure and higher replacement costs. Many businesses choose less expensive choices that degrade rapidly under typical use settings because they are only concerned with the initial cost reduction. Frequent replacements, higher labor expenses, and possible gaps in asset monitoring are the outcomes of this false economy.
Choose tags that are made to endure at least as long as the anticipated lifespan of your assets. Think of things like protective coatings, material thickness, and adhesive strength. Make sure the tags are resistant to repeated physical contact and cleaning chemicals for objects that are handled regularly or that are subjected to cleaning operations. Although higher-quality materials may initially cost more, they frequently offer superior value due to their longer lifespan and dependable performance.
5. Disregarding Integration Requirements
Choosing an asset tag without taking system integration needs into account is arguably the most technical error. Sometimes, businesses select tags without making sure they work with the scanners, software, and asset management systems they have or plan to use. Ineffective workarounds or the need to buy extra equipment to handle mismatched tags may arise from this error.
Make sure your chosen tags are compatible with your complete asset management ecosystem before deciding on one. Make sure the tags you select are compatible with your tracking protocols, software, and scanning equipment. Take into account elements such as data format compatibility, read range requirements, and scan speed requirements. Make sure the tags you have chosen will continue to work with new technology implementations if you are planning system updates.
Conclusion
To avoid these typical errors, choosing the right asset tags or custom banners involves careful consideration of a number of aspects. Organizations may make well-informed judgments that promote effective asset management by comprehending and resolving environmental circumstances, size and placement requirements, data capacity demands, durability standards, and integration requirements. Keep in mind that effective asset tagging involves more than just quick fixes; it also entails putting in place a long-lasting system that expands to meet the demands of your company while preserving dependability and effectiveness over the course of the asset lifespan.
