6 Steps to an Effective Asset Tagging System - Camcode (2024)

Any organization that uses asset tagging to manage physical assets needs a clearly defined, efficient process for tagging assets as they’re acquired and monitoring assets throughout their usable life.

In this article, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of asset tagging and how to develop an efficient asset tagging system.

What is Asset Tagging?

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.

What is the Purpose of an Asset Tagging System?

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. This is why its important to make sure they’re properly formatted.

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.

6 Steps to an Efficient Asset Tagging System

Below is an overview of the essential steps in developing an asset tagging system.

Here’s what you need to know to implement a streamlined asset tagging process.

Step 1. Identify the Asset Type and Category

If you’ve already implemented an asset tracking system, you likely have a classification system, or schema, for assets including asset categories and types. If you’re implementing an asset tracking system for the first time, creating this categorization system is an essential step to ensure consistent categorization over time. Assets may be grouped by department, cost, use, or any number of other variables.

You may want to choose a categorization method that aligns with the process used to categorize assets for accounting purposes. Even though your accounting system includes both tangible and intangible assets and your asset tagging process relates only to tangible assets, ensuring that your physical asset classification matches your accounting methodology allows for simpler integration and reporting.

Screenshot via Corporate Finance Institute

Here are a few examples of physical asset categories:

• Furniture
• IT equipment (computers, laptops)
• Audio-visual equipment
• Technical equipment (power supplies, air conditioning units)

Step 2. Assign a Unique Identification Number

Beyond categorizing assets and classifying them by type, each asset should have a unique identification number for accurate tracking. This unique ID distinguishes individual assets from other assets of the same category and type, making it easier to manage processes such as reordering, maintenance, and accounting.

Unique identification numbers may contain coding that indicates an asset’s type or department of ownership. For example, assets controlled by the HR department may contain a prefix such as 013, while assets controlled by accounting have a prefix of 014. This method makes it easy to determine important information about an asset simply by looking at the tag, while more detailed information is a barcode scan away.

Step 3. Determine the Type of Asset Label Required

Asset labels and tags are not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are a variety of asset tags designed to suit specific applications, such as durable asset tags for assets that may be exposed to harsh conditions or security asset tags for high-value assets that may be subject to theft, unauthorized transfer, or tampering.

Permanent equipment labels are ideal for automating data collection for the life of an asset. Consider the asset’s category and type, as well as the environmental conditions the asset will be exposed to.

Ask the following questions such as:

• Will the asset be cleaned using harsh cleaning solutions?
• Will it be exposed to chemicals or solvents?
• Will it be exposed to outdoor weather conditions?

All of these factors should be weighed when determining the best asset label for each asset.

Step 4. Enter the Asset and Associated Information into Your Asset Tracking System

Assets should be entered into the system immediately after they’re received. To streamline this process, it’s helpful to have written process documentation outlining when assets should be tagged, how they’re categorized, what types of asset labels to request for certain asset types, and procedures for data entry.

For example, the University of Washington has a Tagging Procedure Document that provides specific information on the process flow. Data entry requirements may vary by asset category and type.

In general, data entered into an asset tracking system includes:

• Asset identification number
• Serial or model numbers
• Manufacturer or vendor information
• Date of acquisition
• Location or department of ownership
• Status
• Asset value

Step 5. Affix the Asset Tag to the Item

Attachment methods vary based on the type of asset and label type. Some asset tags use pressure-sensitive adhesive, while others have mechanical attachments. Some asset tags offer both attachment methods.

If you have the option of adhesive or mechanical attachments, choose the method most appropriate for the asset or the method required per company policy.

Step 6. Implement Data Verification Processes

Verify assets from a minimum of two data points, such as the barcode and the item’s serial number. When disposing of assets, this step is crucial to ensure an “accurate and verifiable chain of custody,” which can help to mitigate data breaches (particularly for the disposal of IT assets) and also help to maintain compliance with regulations.

Implementing a consistent asset tagging system and process flow ensures that all assets received by your company are consistently classified and tracked, making it easy to locate assets throughout the company, implement regular maintenance schedules, and maintain accurate record-keeping for auditing and accounting purposes.

Developing clear policies and procedures and training your team members on approved asset tagging procedures streamlines processes and can ultimately have a positive impact on your bottom line, allowing you to improve resource utilization, reduce unnecessary duplication of assets, and get more usable life out of your investments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asset Tagging