The best methods for tracking fixed assets

What is fixed asset tracking?

Fixed asset tracking (also known as fixed asset management) is an accounting process that helps business to continually calculate the cost and volume of their fixed assets for a variety of reasons.

UV security marking for businesses

 

 What is UV marking?

UV marking is a technique that’s used in many industries to protect assets, money and documents. It uses an invisible substance, usually ink, to stencil on or write down important information that can only be seen under a special UV light.

The UV ink dries invisible, meaning that only the original owner knows it’s there and makes it easier to track items no matter where they end up. Many companies choose to use a combination technique of asset labelling and UV marking to ensure they have the ultimate protection for their goods.

Why you should be using asset stickers

Asset stickers should be an essential and important part of your organisation because of their many benefits. There are so many different reasons to consider the use of asset labelling but we’ve listed some of the best reasons below.

Quicker asset audits

Asset audits are an important and often essential aspect of managing your fixed goods but it can often be a very extensive process. It’s crucial to get an audit correct because the results can impact upon your finances significantly. To ensure this process goes as quickly and as smoothly as possible, you should seriously consider asset stickers with unique product numbers or barcodes.

Deter thieves

With the ability to print addresses, unique barcodes and contact details onto high strength labels, it’s no surprise that asset stickers are an excellent way to deter thieves. These simple but effective tags are almost impossible to remove, even for the strongest thief. In the unlikely event that something is stolen, an asset sticker will also help you quickly and easily identify what equipment has gone missing, so that you can give police an accurate description.

Asset sticker as an investment

Asset stickers are strong, durable and really do stand the test of time. There are many different types of label to choose from depending on the needs and budget of a business but ultimately, they should be seen as a long term investment. Spending out on unique asset labels may seem like an unnecessary expense at first but they can save organisations large sums of money in the long term, as the need for replacing lost and stolen goods is minimised.

Prevent asset swapping

If you are selling goods, you might be concerned about the possibility of asset swapping. With a tamper evident asset sticker, you can say goodbye to those worries as they are designed to clearly show you if a product has been tampered with prior to use. These are fantastic for businesses selling electronic equipment such as tablets, phones and laptops and can save you serious time and money when dealing with dishonest behaviour.

Easily differentiate between identical goods

No matter if it’s a school, a large office or a warehouse, there’s always the possibility of identical equipment creating confusion. The best way to differentiate between each item is to give every piece a unique number or code and detail these within an online inventory. Asset stickers help you to do this with clear but inconspicuous markers on all of your goods.

Asset Protection for Schools

As more schools update their IT equipment with more portable devices and other teaching aids the process of keeping track of all these often expensive items has become extremely important. 

This is quite a challenge in some schools as there can be a clear separation between the staff who utilise the equipment (often the teaching staff) and those who's responsibility (often members of the admin team) it is to keep track of the location, quantity, condition and maintenance status of these items.

Those using school equipment want to be able to find and use the items they need quickly and be sure they are in good working order. Those responsible want to have clear traceability and updated records so they know where these items are and their condition. They can also then quickly address any shortages and damaged/lost equipment issues.

The best solution to meeting the needs of both these groups is to use an asset management system. Each asset is labelled with its own unique number or barcode and school name. The numbering system or barcode can be used to create an inventory, while the label with the school name helps to make the ownership of the item clearly visible.  The inventory can be combined with an asset register, a copy of which may be kept off-site or in a fire-proof safe that is locked each night, to prove ownership.

Taking asset protection seriously

When people can see that equipment is being tracked, there is a strong disincentive for items to be “borrowed” without permission. It is also reassuring to insurers would will need to ask fewer questions and can actually reduce the annual premium. 

Asset Labels - Which Ones to Choose

Asset labels vary depending on the materials used and these range from inexpensive vinyl through to highly durable materials such as aluminium foil and polyesters.  The asset label materials used are important because you don't want your labels to be easily removed.

For asset labels that clearly show any tampering “ultra destructible” asset labels use a material that will break into small pieces if someone attempts to remove it. 

For ultimate strength you can use aluminium or stainless steel asset identification plates with industrial adhesive – these require a tool to be removed!

Why choose Dantech asset labels and plates

Dantech Ltd is an acknowledged supplier for more than 15 years to both industry, government departments and the educational and health sector of security marking products, asset labels and security labels.

With a high reputation built over the years on customer satisfaction Dantech can provide help and advice with your marking requirementscontact Dantech on 01354 688 488 for expert and unbiased help and advice.

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.

Securing Your Valuable Company Assets

As budget cuts continue to be the focus in many companies many departments are looking to make better use of their existing equipment and assets and only purchase new items if they are really necessary.

To do this effectively you need to have an audit of all your current assets and catalogue key information about each item including location, member of staff assigned to and condition. This way you will have a clear picture of what you have and perhaps more importantly its condition, which is vital for making the best use of your budgets.

With this know ledge you can clearly see which items need to be repaired or replaced and in addition where there is sufficient stock.

Keeping your asset information up-to-date should now be seen as an important management tool and the benefits of proper asset tracking are countless, but the top three include:

• saves man hours because you don't have to hunt down missing equipment
• saves money because you don't need to replace "lost" or misappropriated assets
• leads to better utilization of assets because you are able to better track maintenance and service records as well as other valuable information

What are my company assets?

Sometimes called fixed assets a company’s assets can include a wide variety of items from documents to furniture and also equipment and tools. If it’s of value to your company and can be moved, damaged or lost it’s an asset.

The best way to keep track of your assets is to make them with a barcode or serial number so that they can be recorded against your asset records quickly and efficiently. This can be achieved using asset labels, metal nameplates and asset or security marking.

Including a barcode on your asset label or plate is often easy and cost effective; you can easily keep track of a wide variety of assets from small items to large equipment. At times when you need to send your assets out of your company premises for repair or other purpose, your asset labels differentiate your assets from other similar items.

For very small items 2D Data Matrix codes can be used, which hold a lot of information in a very small space.

Asset Labels with Your Logo

Asset labels with your company logo not only help identifying your asset, but also help you keep your company logo or name in front of others. Thus you can use these logo labels to advertise your business as well as your products.

Today, every organisation is aware of the need to keep track of its valuable assets. Whether fixed or moveable, each asset when marked with a label will help you locate it easily. Not only the location, but you can check which particular asset is used by which person. Additionally, the asset labels protect your expensive assets from theft as well.

With a high reputation built over the years on customer satisfaction, Dantech can provide help and advice with your asset marking and labelling requirements.  Please call us on 01354 688 488 or visit http://www.idassetlabels.co.uk for free and unbiased help and advice.

Cost Effective Equipment Tracking

Cost Effective Equipment Tracking

What is the most cost effective way of keeping track of the location and condition of all your equipment?

For organisations keeping track of all your equipment can be a difficult and resource intensive task. What is needed is an asset management system that is cost effective and clearly shows which item has been moved or loaned, who has it, and what condition it is in.

In an ideal situation everyone in your organisation would return equipment to the correct place and at the correct time plus report any faults or problems. Sadly this is not the norm, but by using a dedicated asset management system people are given more incentive to manage your equipment correctly, bring the ideal much closer to reality.

Asset labels play a big part in asset management and Dantech are experts in a wide number of asset marking and labelling solutions.

Dantech's ID MINI MARK labels can include a serial number and/or 2D barcode thus making it possible to contain a lot of data in a small space. These asset labels are also small enough to fit onto even small accessories. Furthermore, because the data is engraved into the surface of the equipment they resist chemicals and cleaning materials.

With tamper evident technology should anyone try to remove or switch these small asset labels to some other equipment the material will break into small pieces, showing clearly the label has been interfered with.

Dantech Mini Mark labels are available with white text on black or silver material with black text. For more information call us on 01354 688488 or visit http://www.idassetlabels.co.uk