Anodized Aluminium Asset Tags in Africa

Asset tagging is the process of affixing identification tags or labels, also known as asset tags, to assets. Asset tagging is used for both fixed and moveable assets to provide a way to identify individual assets throughout their useful life. Typically printed with barcodes, asset tags are scanned using a handheld barcode reader or smartphone equipped with a barcode scanning app, allowing users to obtain and document data regarding an asset’s location, maintenance history, or other details.

Asset tagging is commonly used for inventory management, work-in-process (WIP) applications, and for managing maintenance and repair processes with CMMS solutions. Asset tagging is used across many industries, from healthcare to education, to warehousing, to defense, utilities, and manufacturing

Asset tagging allows companies to assign a unique identifier to each asset. Printed with barcodes, asset tags eliminate the need for manual data entry, enabling accurate and efficient inventory tracking and streamlined documentation of activities such as maintenance and repairs. By tracking each asset’s location, maintenance history, usage, and other details, companies can simplify record-keeping and streamline reporting for accounting and tax purposes. For example, complete utilization data makes it easy to calculate depreciation for equipment assets.

Some industries have regulations that stipulate the types of assets that must be tagged, the materials required for asset tags, and other asset identification requirements. The defense industry, for instance, requires unique identification, otherwise known as UID or IUID, under MIL-STD-130. Asset tags used for defense applications, known as UID labels, must meet strict criteria, including the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and remain readable throughout the lifespan of the asset. In the defense industry, asset tagging systems provide a valuable tool for tracking military property throughout its lifecycle, from manufacture to distribution and eventual disposition.

The data collected for individual assets enables companies across all industries to make smarter, data-driven decisions, such as determining whether investing in new equipment is a more financially sound decision than repairing a piece of equipment that’s nearing the end of its expected usable lifespan.

Because each item is affixed with a unique identifier and its location history documented, asset tagging can also help to deter theft and loss. Certain types of asset tags, such as tamper-evident barcode labels, add an additional deterrent to discourage theft.

Asset tags are the foundation of an asset tracking system, providing a reliable method for identifying individual assets and an efficient means of capturing data. Without asset tags, information on the asset’s location and history must be documented manually, a process that’s rife with human error and prone to inaccuracy. Assets are more likely to be misidentified when relying on manual processes, as well, resulting in unreliable data.

Affixed to assets using permanent, pressure-sensitive adhesive or mechanical attachments, asset tags are meant to remain attached and readable throughout the usable life of an asset. Because asset tags are used to mark assets that can remain in use for decades, it’s crucial to consider the operating environment when choosing asset tags.

While barcodes can be printed on peel-and-stick labels, these paper-based labels aren’t durable enough to withstand exposure to rain, snow, and UV over several months or years. Asset tags that fall off, fade, or otherwise become unreadable must be replaced, resulting in higher costs throughout the life of the asset compared to choosing a durable asset tag that can withstand the asset’s typical environmental conditions from the start.