Simplify inventory management with asset tagging

Assets are purchased, upgraded, re-assigned, loaned out and sent for maintenance by many businesses. In order to avoid theft and tampering, and to track the dynamic inventory of businesses, asset tagging is the best solution. Implementing asset tagging into your inventory program is quite affordable. Besides tracking inventory items, asset tags can also be helpful in retail stores.

The modern workplace has plethora expensive equipment that is used for daily operations. Thus, tracking all this equipment has become more important. Using asset labels, businesses can affordably and effectively track machinery, office equipment and computers. Asset labels can be used for marking both non-fixed and fixed assets.

Different materials used for making asset labels include anodized aluminium, polypropylene, vinyl and laminated polyester.

Use of asset tagging in retail stores

Almost all items purchased from a departmental store, mass merchandiser and a grocery store has some kind of barcode label on it. This helps to keep a track the prices of items available in a store. Asset tagging also reduces the chances of price tag swapping and shoplifting.

On the other hand, barcode labels can also prove to be helpful in shops and inventory management. Barcode labels are machine-readable asset tags that contain data of certain products on them. These labels represent data in a spacing of parallel lines of different widths. They can also be referred to as one dimensional or linear barcodes. For the durability of barcodes, they are usually laminated.

If you are looking forward to simplify your asset management process, using barcode labels and asset tags will be a good option.

Inventory management can be made easy with asset tags

Many companies have stock or equipment that is constantly shifted from one warehouse to another, regularly sent out for repairs and sometimes given out on loan. With all of this movement, there is a chance of equipment going missing or getting stolen. Therefore, it is essential for companies to invest in an effective security plan. Asset tags are an effective way of maintaining stock levels and tracking equipment.

Where asset tags are used

Asset tags are commonly used in commercial establishments and in the retail industry, as many items often need to be tracked closely.

Asset tags to monitor stock levels

Many retail stores use asset tags with barcodes and magnets to keep track of stock levels in their stores. This also helps to reduce theft and instances of price tag switching. The staff at the checkout use a device through which they can detect the price by scanning the tag on the product.

Development of asset tags

Technology is improving constantly and newer asset labels are being invented on a regular basis. Sticky labels are still popular, although barcode labels and hologram labels are also widely used.

With the use of the correct asset tags, inventory management can be made very easy.

Quick guide to security labels

Security labels have become an important aspect of security systems in various different types of retail outlets in preventing goods from being stolen, and they are also used for tracking.

Types of security labels available

Security labels are available in different shapes, designs and colours. They could be made from plastic, material or metal. Hard tags generally are used on electronic devices. Soft tags are another kind available. These are used on items such as books, CDS and DVDs..

The kinds of removal devices available

Detachers or removal devices are used to take off security labels from products. It’s essential to invest in the right type so that products aren’t damaged in the label removal process.

What are detection systems?

Detection systems are equally important for security. These systems prevent products from being
stolen. The two panels on the system sense signals from the security tags and sound out an alarm if the product with the tag is within close proximity. The detection system is generally installed near the exit of a store.

Invest in security labels to keep your stock and inventory as safe as possible.

Asset tags – The different types and choices

It is becoming difficult for companies to keep a track of equipment and assets they own. Managers do not have the time and find it difficult to keep a tab of all assets. Sometimes, employees themselves steal material from the company for their personal benefit.

Therefore, it is essential for corporations to label their assets in a secure manner. Merely tagging the equipment with a paper tag does not serve the purpose. You need to use secure tags like asset tags.

What are asset tags?

These are nothing but labels with covered metal strips that contain information. Adhesive is used on plastic to cover the metal strip. The asset tag will contain data through which the products can be traced. Asset tags are used in shops, offices and government organisations. They are available in different shapes, sizes and materials. You could also get personalised asset tags that can bear your company’s logo and stamp.

Types of asset tags

Tamper evident asset tags come with a sticky adhesive. This label is tamper proof and cannot be removed easily. Hence transferring it to other assets is impossible.

Polyester asset tags are strong and have a long life. This type of label protects the barcode from being tampered with. It also prevents blurring and scratching.

Destructible vinyl labels as the name suggests get destroyed easily. A little bit of tampering with, leads to complete destruction of the tag.

Using asset tags are essential as they help companies to note their assets and equipment.

Planning to use barcode labels? Read on

re you planning to use barcode labels for your firm? If so, it is recommended that you understand the features of barcode labels before you actually begin using them.

What are barcode labels?

Barcode labels are basically tags which contain encoded data on them. The main purpose of using barcode labels is simple – identifying and tracking inventory items. These labels are mainly used by large commercial organisations which have a large collection of goods.

Type of materials used

Barcode labels can easily be distinguished by the type of base materials used. Usually base materials known as stock, consisting of vinyl, metal and plastic are used for manufacturing barcode labels. Similarly, paper is sometimes also used in the manufacturing of these labels. Most of the labels available in the market contain adhesive backings. They also come in many different sizes.

How is data encoded?

Data is encoded on the tags using two methods, namely line bars and 2-dimensional patterning of dots. Irrespective of the technique used, all the data is encoded with special software. This is the reason why the data is not visible to the naked eye.

Advantages of using barcode labels

Identifying items easily is the main purpose of using barcode labels. In addition to this, these labels can be manufactured in a cost effective manner.

So, what are you waiting for? Use barcode labels in your commercial organisation and see the benefits.

General information on barcode labels

As the name suggests, barcode labels consist of a barcode. They are affixed to a particular object and are machine readable. The barcode, when read by a machine, translates into data or references held in a database.

What are they used for?

Barcode labels are used for tracking many different types of products. They are also often used for maintaining a floor inventory in warehouses. However, these labels are most commonly found in retail stores selling just about every type of item imaginable.

Barcode labels are usually lightweight and quite affordable. The labels can be constructed from different types of materials, so you can choose the best type for your needs. Barcode labels can be applied to most types of solid products irrespective of the nature of the surface, as different types of adhesives are available.

How are they created?

These labels are created with simple software which ensures that every barcode is unique and can be read by a barcode scanner with ease.

These are just the basics of barcode labels, and if you’re looking to invest in them you should conduct a little further research.

Asset labels – Their importance to business

Asset labels cannot be copied easily. They are thus often used in places where tracking of a company’s assets is required. They can be used for tagging computer parts, office equipment, memory cards or any type of equipment you want. Asset labels have barcodes, issuance codes and serial numbers printed on them.

The applications of different asset labels

Standard paper barcode labels may not work for every type of product or equipment; you might need something a little more robust. Metal asset tags are the best choice in situations like this. They cannot be tampered with or removed easily. Tagging information is engraved on the metal tag and is not affected by wear and tear. Water pipes, machine parts, tools and engine parts are usually labeled by metal asset tags.

Metal asset tags ensure that all the information remains readable despite high temperatures and inclement climatic conditions. For further protection of metal labels, metal grilles can be fitted over them.

Foil labels are usually used for tagging perishable food items and other things which change state due to environmental conditions. These labels are reflective and they respond to optical reading devices. Foil labels are used extensively in the business world. Business processes track the movement of every raw material, finished goods, sale and replenishment by using foil labels.

Barcode labels – Their types and characteristics

Barcode labels help us identify any given goods or products. They are available in an array of different materials and have a variety of adhesive sticker backs. They can be customised into any shape or size you want and have become an integral part of business operations.

Here we will discuss the different types of barcodes available.

The types of barcode labels

Barcode labels can be categorised into three main types; aluminum, polyester and ceramic labels. Aluminum labels offer great durability. They usually bear an image on the surface that lasts for many years, even in harsh conditions. They can withstand wear and tear, cold temperatures, heat and chemical abrasion.

Polyester barcode labels

Polyester barcode labels have embedded images on the underside of the plastic. They use a permanent adhesive for sticking the labels to a desired surface.

Ceramic coated barcode labels

Ceramic barcode labels are perhaps the most durable type. They are made from stainless steel and are coated with porcelain or any other ceramic material. These labels are not affected by acidic chemicals or high temperatures.

Other categories of barcode labels include paper barcodes, resin barcodes, retro-reflective barcodes and floor barcodes. Resin coated barcodes are the most commonly used barcodes in offices. They are covered by resin for added durability. Paper barcodes are used by courier and finance companies for tracking documents and parcels. They are the most economical barcoding system available. Retro-reflective barcode labels are made of metals or plastic and are used in retail establishments for distance scanning. Floor barcode labels are engraved into industrial floors and then covered with urethane. They can not be scraped off, even under heavy vehicular traffic.

Asset labels – simplifying inventory control

Inventory control is one of the most important functions in many different types of organisations in today’s society. With numerous products in a constant cycle of deployment and replenishment though, inventory control can be a challenging task.

Safety and alignment

Tagging of assets ensures that products don’t go missing in transit or storage, and it can also help to prevent theft. The implementation of an asset tagging system can improve organisational efficiency greatly too.

Marking of fixed and temporary assets

Many modern offices contain expensive equipment, and tagging equipment can make it easier to keep track of them. Equipment can be tagged permanently with aluminium, vinyl and laminated polyester labels, or tagged temporary with plastic or paper based labels.

Retail product management

Barcoding items in retail stores helps to keep track of items which are in the store and calculate efficiently the number required in the future. Instances of shoplifting can be eliminated by the implementation of magnetic tags which raise an alarm as soon as they pass beyond the door scanners. Barcodes are readable by a special scanning machine. Barcodes can be made more durable by laminating them.

It’s easy too see why asset labels are essential in today’s society.

Barcode labels – Register and maintain product stock

Barcode labels have encoded information printed and stored on them. They are used for the tracking, identification and registration of items. They are an indispensable stock management tool. Barcode labels usually have self sticking/adhesive backs and can be simply stuck on the product or package like a normal label. They can be ordered in customised varieties as per requirements.

Features and uses of barcode labels

Barcode labels are made of paper, vinyl, metal, rubber and plastic. They are either stuck on the product package or welded onto equipment, as is the case in metal barcodes. Line bar formation is the common method. These lines are of different thicknesses and have different gaps in between them. They can be read by an optical device and are either in a square or a rectangular formation. These barcode line formations are generated by use of a computer program.

There are special printers for barcode printing. Once printed, the inventory is classified by these tags. The information of the barcodes is recorded onto the central database. The scanners read information on these barcodes and signal it to the database.

Barcode scanners can be fixed or handheld. Large business corporations can customise their own barcode formations and print them by the help of an in-house printing division. A certain degree of expertise in designing barcodes is required for this purpose. Smaller businesses can buy readymade barcode labels from the market and assign product values to them before putting them to use.

Bar-coding offers automatic reading of outgoing products. They keep us ready with replenishments when needed. Tracking of missing products becomes simplified by the use of barcode labels.