Published on 11/07/2016 |
If you are still keeping track of your assets with a spreadsheet - it’s time to look into an upgrade. Digital investments of this kind are almost always the right course of action. And yet, why are there still so many failed implementations? Most likely, it is because the organization did not do their homework and prepare properly. Don’t fall into this trap - here is a list of questions to help you choose the right asset tracking system for your organization.
In order to properly assess if your organization needs to upgrade or alter your asset tracking systems, you first need to identify the shortcomings in your current processes. Once you have identified the places where your organization is experiencing the greatest challenge such as time wasted searching for assets or lack of quality data or failure of an audit, you will then need to ask a series of questions to properly identify the problem and decide whether this warrants a technology upgrade.
Begin by considering your goals for the improvements to asset tracking. Do you need immediate access to equipment that is tough to locate? Do you need improved record accuracy to satisfy an audit? Are your customer demands for tracking requiring a specific approach? These questions should always be carefully considered.
You will also need to choose between a Barcode or an RFID system. Barcode systems are less costly and easier to implement but require direct line of sight for scanning and require that you touch each asset individually. An RFID system on the other hand is less intrusive and provides much faster data capture as they do not need a direct line of sight - instead an entire area can be scanned in a matter of seconds. The physical form of barcodes and RFID tags can be important to the implementation as well. Durability, size, and profile differ, so consider which physical form would best work for marking your assets.
After determining your specific Auto ID technology needs, you may find that the best solution is a barcode-RFID hybrid. Barcode and RFID will work together for many generations to come. Both barcode and RFID tags are extremely effective in saving costs and increasing accuracy across any operation. Implementing both technologies will provide benefits well beyond manual processes, and integrating RFID into an existing barcode-based environment can create significant gains.
Answering these following questions will help you to choose the correct asset tracking software solution for your unique business needs.
1. How often do I need to inventory or track an asset?
2. How many items do I have to inventory or track?
3. What is the value of my assets?
4.Can I easily access my assets to read or perform data capture?
5.Are my assets stored in one or multiple locations?
6. Are my assets stationary or do they change locations frequently?
7. What is the size and shape of the space to mount a tag or label?
8.Are my assets exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity?
9. Do I need human readable as well as machine readable labels?
10. How accurate does my inventory need to be?
Once you can answer these questions, you will be ready to choose the asset tracking system that best meets the needs of your organization. Failing to accurately answer any one of these questions can result in a costly mistake, which could mean the difference between asset identification compliance, knowing where your assets are at all times, and successfully growing your business or operation. In short, ask the right questions, work with trusted advisors, and choose the asset tracking software solution that can meet the current and future needs of your business.
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This article was originally posted on LinkedIn.
