Description
Durable Asset Tags for Equipment, Tools and IT Assets
Asset tags are used to identify and track valuable business assets, including tools, machinery, laptops, computers, monitors, mobile devices and other fixed equipment.
Although an asset label is one of the least expensive parts of an asset management solution, it is also one of the most important. Every asset tag provides an item with a unique identity, allowing it to be recorded, scanned, located and managed throughout its working life.
Effective asset tagging begins with selecting a label that suits the asset, its surface and the environment in which it will be used.
Why Asset Label Quality Matters
Asset labels need to remain firmly attached and readable. A label that falls off, becomes damaged or fades can disconnect an item from its asset record.
A professional asset label should provide:
- Strong adhesive suitable for the application
- Clear and durable printed information
- Resistance to regular handling and abrasion
- Protection against moisture and cleaning
- Reliable barcode or QR code scanning
- A suitable lifespan for the equipment being labelled
Before applying an adhesive asset tag, the surface should be clean, dry and free from dust, oil and cleaning residue. Many permanent adhesives continue to strengthen after application and can take approximately 24 hours to develop their strongest bond.
Different Types of Asset Labels
There is no single label material that is suitable for every application. We can help you choose between silver polyester, vinyl and anodised metal asset tags depending on the equipment, surface and operating environment.
Silver Mylar Asset Labels
Silver polyester labels, commonly referred to as silver Mylar labels, are one of the most popular choices for fixed asset tagging.
These professional silver asset labels are commonly found on the back of laptops, desktop computers, monitors and other IT equipment. They can also be used on tools, office equipment, machinery and many other business assets.
Silver Mylar asset tags offer:
- A professional metallic appearance
- Strong permanent adhesive
- Good resistance to moisture and handling
- Clear barcode and asset ID printing
- Suitability for many indoor and outdoor applications
- A potential service life of six years or more, depending on the surface and environmental conditions
Silver polyester is an excellent general-purpose option for fixed asset labels, IT asset tags and equipment identification labels.
Vinyl Asset Labels
Vinyl asset labels are flexible and can be a better option for curved or irregular surfaces.
They may be suitable for:
- Cables and electrical leads
- Pipes and cylindrical equipment
- Small tools and devices
- Curved equipment housings
- Assets with limited labelling space
The flexibility of vinyl allows the label to follow the shape of the surface more closely than a rigid tag. Different adhesives and vinyl materials are available depending on whether the asset will be used indoors, outdoors or in a demanding work environment.
Anodised Metal Asset Tags
Anodised metal asset tags provide a more rigid and heavy-duty identification option. We have supplied anodised aluminium tags for applications where a standard adhesive label may not provide the required level of durability.
Metal asset tags may be suitable for:
- Industrial machinery
- Manufacturing equipment
- Outdoor assets
- Heavy tools
- Plant and workshop equipment
- Equipment exposed to frequent handling or harsh conditions
Depending on the application, metal equipment tags may be attached using industrial adhesive or a mechanical fixing method. We can discuss the asset, mounting surface and operating environment before recommending an appropriate solution.
Barcode and QR Code Asset Labels
Asset labels can include a unique asset ID, barcode or QR code to make equipment easier to identify and manage.
A typical asset tag may include:
- A sequential asset ID number
- A 1D barcode
- A QR code
- Company name and contact number
- “Property Of” wording
- Department or location information
- A company logo
- Human-readable information
Barcode asset labels allow staff to scan an item instead of manually entering its asset number. This can make asset audits, stocktakes, equipment transfers and maintenance checks faster and more accurate.
QR code asset tags can also be used when assets need to be scanned using a compatible smartphone or Android PDA barcode scanner linked to an authorised online asset record.
Printing Your Own Asset Tags
Businesses that need to create asset labels regularly may benefit from printing their own asset tags onsite.
To print durable polyester or vinyl asset labels, you will normally require a thermal-transfer label printer. Unlike a direct-thermal printer, a thermal-transfer printer accepts a ribbon and transfers the printed image onto the label material.
For most of our durable asset label applications, we generally use a full-resin ribbon. Resin ribbons provide greater resistance to rubbing, moisture, chemicals and fading than standard wax ribbons, making them better suited to long-life equipment and fixed asset labels.
A complete onsite asset label printing setup may include:
- A thermal-transfer barcode label printer
- Silver polyester or vinyl label stock
- A compatible full-resin ribbon
- Barcode label design software
- A barcode scanner or mobile computer
- An asset register or asset management system
Printing onsite gives your business control over asset numbering and allows replacement or additional asset tags to be produced when required. If you prefer labels supplied ready to apply, pre-printed asset labels can also be arranged.
Correct barcode size, contrast and print quality are important for reliable scanning. For additional guidance, see GS1 Australia’s guide to creating and printing barcodes
Connect Your Asset Tags to AssetCloud
Asset labels are most effective when each barcode or QR code is connected to a central asset register.
Our AssetCloud asset management barcode tracking software helps businesses record, identify and manage assets using barcode scanners and mobile computers.
AssetCloud can help you:
- Create and maintain a central asset register
- Assign equipment to employees, departments or locations
- Scan assets during audits and stocktakes
- Record equipment movements
- Improve accountability for tools and devices
- Locate missing or misplaced assets
- Maintain more accurate asset information
By combining durable barcode asset tags with AssetCloud, barcode scanners and mobile computers, Track n Trace Solutions can provide a complete asset tagging and management solution.
Choosing the Right Asset Label
The best asset label depends on what is being tagged, the shape and material of the surface, and the conditions in which the asset will be used.
When contacting us, consider:
- The type of assets being labelled
- Whether the surface is flat or curved
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Exposure to moisture, sunlight, chemicals or abrasion
- The number of asset tags required
- Barcode, QR code or sequential numbering requirements
- Whether you want to print onsite or order pre-printed labels
Tell us about your equipment and asset tracking requirements. We can help you select the right labels, thermal-transfer printer, full-resin ribbon, barcode asset management software and scanning equipment.
