What is Asset Tagging?

Asset tagging is the process of putting labels on an organization’s assets. These labels store key information about different assets, e.g. the asset number, where it came from(source), its current location, and other data. 

Asset tagging services in Kenya make it easier for asset managers and employees to keep track of the equipment. Developing a robust asset tag management system is your sure way of optimizing your assets and maximizing your return on investment (ROI).

Asset management allows businesses to maximize their return on investment and minimize losses. Assets are items of value that an organization benefits from. 

Asset management helps stakeholders track the overall performance. Stakeholders can also track the condition of their assets and ensure that they’re being used efficiently throughout their useful life.

Objectives and benefits of Asset Tag Management System

Different organizations have different needs, and as such asset tag management systems vary depending on their needs. Be it as it may, here are some key objectives and benefits of asset tag management systems.

Identify and minimize wasting assets – Asset management helps minimize asset wastage across the supply chain. It can help you eliminate the assets you feel are not profitable. “Wasting assets” refers to items that decline in value and performance over time due to their limited lifespan. Examples of wasting assets are computers, printers, machinery, vehicles, and others.

Improve asset utilization – With good asset management, it’s possible to determine the state and the condition of any asset. With these insights, companies could improve asset utilization. Asset tagging services in Kenya can help extend the lifespan of an asset and speed up your business.

Maximize R.O.I – Since a good asset tag management system is in place, companies can save on costs that go into repairs and repurchases of company assets. This is thanks to the identification and minimization of waste assets, hence the improvement of asset utilization as discussed above. 

Types of Asset Tags

Before getting asset tagging services in Kenya, you need to be familiar with the different options available. Since different organizations have different needs, here are the available options available for you to choose from.

Barcode Tags – In my 13+ years in Kenya’s creative industry, I can say these are the most common types of asset tags in Kenya. We make them using a special metal plate and sometimes a special sticker. You can then scan them using a barcode scanner or a smartphone.

RFID – Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags use radio waves to transmit information to an RFID reader. They can track assets in real time without direct line-of-sight, making them suitable for large-scale asset management. RFID tags fall into two categories i.e. passive and active. Passive RFIDs have no battery and are powered by the reader’s signal. While active RFID tags have a battery for transmission.

Disclaimer: At the moment, we have not done these kinds of asset tags, but we hope to find a way to do them in the future. The common type of asset tag printing we do is the barcode tags.

GPS Tags – We use Global Positioning System (GPS) tags to track the location of assets in real-time. They provide precise geographic coordinates, hence ideal for tracking assets across vast areas. Thus, this type of asset tagging is commonly used for vehicles and mobile assets.

NFC Tags – Near Field Communication (NFC) tags are similar to RFID tags but operate at shorter distances. These asset tags are suitable for close-range asset tracking and management. They can be utilized in contactless payments and smartphone communication.

QR Codes – QR codes are 2D barcodes that can store more information than traditional barcodes. They are often used for asset tracking, and mobile devices can easily scan them. QR codes are versatile and can link to online databases or information.

Best Practices for Asset Tagging

Here are some tips that you should keep in mind to get the most out of your asset tagging:

Select the Right Tagging System

The first step to getting it right is to choose the right asset tagging method for your needs. For example, you can opt for QR codes if you would like all employees to be able to scan asset tags, when necessary as they can be scanned with a mobile phone and store much more data than traditional barcodes. Alternatively, you can opt for GPS tags if you require real-time location data of all your assets.

Create Standardized Practices

Once you’ve chosen the appropriate tagging system, it’s best to standardize the selected procedures for tagging assets. This practice ensures consistency and accuracy across the organization, making data interpretation and analysis more reliable. That way, there’s a smaller chance of human error, which can be costly when tagging assets.

Whichever your preferred tagging system is, managing them becomes easier with the right tool. A robust asset management solution can help you consistently implement asset tags by automatically generating unique identifiers for each item and registering all this information in one place.

Regularly Assess Asset Tags and Update Conditions

Asset tags require regular checks, as their visibility will change over time. So, it’s best to regularly inspect the tags as part of the asset inspection process and update them if they are no longer readable due to equipment damage and other reasons.

Train Employees in Effective Asset Management

For your employees to use the tagging system effectively, you must train them. If they understand the importance of asset tagging and proper scanning techniques they will use the system effectively. As such you will get maximum benefits. Therefore, it is important for managers must implement comprehensive training programs for asset management.