Keeping Track of Tablets

When a tablet goes missing, how do you know which is which?

There are two issues relating to the increased use of tablets in the workplace. One is that the rate as which tablet use is increasing and second the number of times these items are mislaid, lost or stolen.

By their nature small and portable equipment can be easily lost or mislaid. In reality only a tiny minority of tablet computers may actually be stolen.

What happens is that a person in the company legitimately is loaned a tablet, but then subsequently this is lost or becomes hard to locate, so the employee borrows another tablet.

Does the company have accurate records of which item has been lost and are sufficient security markings in place for each tablet to aid recovery of the lost item? Should this be a reoccurring situation would you be able to trace the source back to an employee or employees i.e. the same employee losing equipment or different employees are mislaying items.

Problems security marking tablets

Tablets are invariably made of either aluminium or hard plastic with a cured paint to make it hard and scratch-proof. This makes putting identification marks on the tablet computers difficult, because you simply can’t 'etch' anything into aluminium or hard plastics as they do not have a porous surface.

One security marking solution is to use an aluminium trakaplate which, because of the thickness and strong adhesive that they use, are near impossible to remove. In fact, the only way you could get such an identification label off would be to lever it off with a screwdriver – which is extremely hard to do.

An alternative product is ID Silver Mark labels. These security labels are precision cut stencils which can include your company name. The labels are then painted with UV ink to provide a pertinent security marking that lasts even if the label is removed.

If you have tablets or similar objects of value in your organisation investing in quality security marking will ensure you can track, trace and protect these valuable assets.

For free and unbiased help and advice on selecting the best security marking or asset labelling solutions call Dantech on 01354 688 488 or visit www.idmark.com

Why use Asset Labels?

All organisations have a number of valuable assets that need to be managed and protected. One of the best ways to due this is by using asset labels or tags. 

By attaching a individually numbered or barcoded asset label to each item you can easily keep track of each item using asset management software. The asset numbers are stored in an asset register which allows you to track and monitor all your equipment condition, location and value.

Key reasons for using asset labels

Some of the key reasons for using asset labels include:

• Asset labels deter thieves. Potential thieves will be able to see that you track and monitor your equipment and therefore are less likely to risk stealing it.
• Easy equipment audits. Barcode labels and asset tracking software makes it quick and easy to do an asset audit.
• Locate assets quickly. Avoid wasting company time looking for misplaced assets and equipment or, worse, replacing equipment only to find out later that you had the items all along but couldn't locate it.
• Easily manage assets on loan. If you have equipment that you loan out, using asset labels makes co-ordinating very simple. At any time the co-ordinator will know where an item is and also how many items are available.
• Tell assets apart. If you have many identical looking items, it can be difficult trying to keep track of each individual item. This can be a problem with, for example, school equipment such as musical instruments. Using asset labels with a number will simplify this process.
• Proof of ownership. It's important to remember that some insurance companies insist on seeing proof of ownership of business items. An asset register can provide this.

Asset label benefits

• Asset labels are an investment which can save your company money in the short and long term. You'll waste less time and money on looking for equipment and replacing items that are lost or stolen.
• Asset labels prevent theft and item swapping. Labels are available which leave a VOID mark if removed, making stolen or swapped goods pretty much useless in terms of being sold on.
• Asset labels are suitable for all types of assets and equipment in all sectors. This includes schools, private companies, government organizations, manufacturing plants and warehouses.
• Asset labels include company name and can also include with your company's logo, making your equipment instantly recognisable.

Dantech is a leading provider of asset labels. Our knowledge is extensive and our customers include companies, schools and universities, health sector organizations, the police, local and central governments, as well as manufacturing plants and warehouses. Call 01354 688 488 or visit http://www.idassetlabels.co.uk for more information.

Asset Tags - Asset Protection That Pays For Itself

What is the most cost effective way of stopping the misplacement of valuable equipment?

Protect you equipment and assets!

A recent school research project found that in over four fifths of schools each year at least one item of value goes “missing”. The survey, conducted by the School of Education Administration and Management, found that a substantial number of these “losses” originated from the ICT department.

This clearly highlights the high vulnerability of ICT equipment to theft and loss in schools and that steps do need to be taken to reduce these losses.

It is clear that any workable asset tracking solution will need:

• to actually reduces the level of items that go missing
• aiding the recovery of these items
• be cost effective 

Asset tags are a great security marking solution as when everyone can see that equipment is being tracked, there is a strong disincentive for the equipment to be “borrowed” without permission. 

A key benefit of asset tags is that the cost of using them is very cost effective and is far cheaper than replacing lost equipment each year. In addition schools are required to show proof of depreciation of assets, and having an asset tracking program in place will help schools keep an accurate record of the condition of their equipment ensuring this process runs smoothly. 

Asset tags and school insurance

Tracking your assets with asset tags also reduces questions from insurers and can even help to reduce your premiums as your insurance company can sees that the school is taking the issue of asset protection seriously.

Asset tag materials and properties.

Asset tags can be printed on a range of materials from polyester to aluminium and may include a barcode with a readable number or a readable asset number only. As the asset tag labels cannot be removed from one item and placed on another, you inhibit the use of the trick in which the label from a low-cost item is removed and put on a high cost item.  

The thought of the thief is that when the high-cost item is “lost”, no one will worry too much, as the system shows it as a low-cost item.  Now that problem is avoided.

Expert asset tagging and marking advice

Dantech are specialists in asset tags and can help you to find the right asset tag labels for your specific requirements. For more information visit http://www.idassetlabels.co.uk for free and unbiased help and advice.

Protecting Laptops, iPads & Tablets

Several years ago Bryanston School based in Dorset decided came to the decision that the school needed to track and check its ever growing stock of IT equipment. 

After looking at a number of options they felt the most sustainable and cost effective solution was to label their on site laptops and equipment not just with the school’s postcode but also with the name of the student who owned the computer using a system called ID SILVER MARK. Over time the school has been able to use the same system to security label iPads, iPhones and hard drives.


The system is simple each September the school orders silver mark labels for the new intakes, being sure to order enough security labels for existing equipment plus two further labels per student in case the students get new laptops during the year.

What if someone removes the label?

The great thing about silver mark labels is if the security label gets peeled off, the UV paint still show the schools postcode and pupil name.  This UV marking is permanent and makes it much easier to track equipment.


In addition the Police and Insurance companies have noted that the ID MARK conforms to Home Office Guidelines - by using your name and postcode as a way of identifying your property, this helps with item recovery in case of theft.

More than just a solution for schools

Silver mark security marking is the perfect solution not only for schools, but for a wide range of organisations and businesses wanted to keep track and protect their valuable equipment.

ID Silver Mark is available in black or silver materials with permanent adhesive. All Dantech asset labels are personalised with your name and logo as well as sequential numbering or barcodes.

There is more information on asset labelling visit http://www.idassetlabels.co.uk/ or for security marking including ID Silver Mark visit http://www.idmark.com/