Track Assets with Barcode
While the term “assets” often has financial connotations, in this case that’s not our frame of reference. Although, quite frankly, it would be most excellent if we could barcode our financial assets and track them - always knowing where they were and what they were up to. But, the assets this missive is referring to are those physical or fixed assets that can comprise a sizable investment for most businesses and organizations, alike.
Often, these assets are purchased, placed into use, then seldom accounted for in a very efficient manner. They’re usually entrusted to a particular person, a group of users, or a location – that could be Joe’s service truck or the sales rep’s trunk.
Tracking assets can be a challenge in more ways than one, but if one employs a good method from the beginning, it can be a very manageable challenge. One of the best methods is implement the use of barcode to label and track assets. It’s efficient, it’s accurate, and best of all, it’s simple and quick!
Here are some basics to consider before beginning upon the “tracking assets with barcode” journey:
• Review the barcode labeling options – Is the environment such that every user is trustworthy? In what kind of environment are the assets (could be tools, could be furniture, could be trucks) used? You can’t use obvious barcodes if the user’s just going to try to remove them at the first opportunity. You can’t use paper labels, where the environment is humid or oily.
• Think about the assets to be tracked - Does this include absolutely everything, or can consumables (like soap and paper towels and mops) be excluded? Does “office” furniture mean absolutely everything from the PCs the artwork on the wall, or is it okay to omit the cheap cardboard waste baskets?
• Pay attention to the Barcode Software Issue - Depending upon how extensive or involved your asset tracking project might be, don’t invest in barcode software that provides either more or less functionality than is really required . Too many features, and you’re paying for something you don’t need; too few, and you’ll have to go back and purchase another product.
• Determine when or how often you’ll need to monitor the assets - Are you going to be doing physical inventory once a year? Will you simply cycle count inventory or assets – like cleaning house… start with the kitchen on day one, and finish with the basement 5 days later?
• Figure out how many users will need to be involved and how often - A Each person involved in tracking assets is going to need the barcode hardware to do so. Whether it’s a corded barcode laser scanner attached to a workstation, or a mobile handheld terminal that provides for downloaded or real time information, there’s a cost associated. The more people involved, the more data collection hardware that’s going to be required.
• Find a good barcode vendor - If you’re not familiar with a process, the best advice is – find someone who is! Find someone who understands asset tracking with barcode and has inventory control experience.
This last item we can help you with. In fact, we can be so helpful when it comes to tracking assets with barcode, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without us. GigaTrak Barcode Solutions offers only quality barcode asset tracking solutions - ATS (Asset Tracking Software), IMS (Inventory Management Software), TTS (Tool Tracking Software) . Incorporating barcode hardware, barcode software, and two decades of expertise in the barcode and process industries, we’ve designed and developed inventory control products that rival any on the market. GigaTrak Barcode Solutions, we have the answers to most of your asset tracking needs. Speak with an experienced GigaTrak Rep today @ 877-204-9237 , or, enjoy an online webinar presentation, and download a demo version of a particular product of interest. See for yourself – tracking assets with barcode can be simple and effective.
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