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New to Asset Tracking? |

Everything you need to know when new to asset tracking

What are assets?

Assets are defined as physical property and are regularly divided into two common categories. Asset tracking, or asset management as it is more commonly known, is the strategy that is used to track all of the physical assets that you possess.

These are fixed assets and moveable assets.

Fixed assets are objects like road signs, equipment or machinery that are a part of a building. These are items which are attached and can't be moved.

Moveable assets refer to property that is physical such as furniture or equipment, which are not attached to a building. This category includes things we see virtually every day, such as computers, printers, tools, etc.

Aluminium Asset Tag on outdoor CCTV camera Aluminium Asset Tag on Cordless Drill Power Tool

So when we talk about tracking assets, what exactly do we mean?

An Asset Tag is a numbered sticky label that goes on valuable equipment a business owns that might get stolen or misplaced. They allow you to create a useful inventory of all ‘assets’, so should anything happen you have the details required. Every year businesses lose money replacing assets that have been lost or stolen. Asset tags are useful as a theft deterrent, as once applied to a product they are designed to be difficult to remove.

Why do you need to track your assets?

It’s important to understand why it’s so beneficial for you to track asset tags within your business. It is advised to track assets because should anything bad happen, insurance companies may not honour a claim if they can not see a register for your property or equipment, leading them to believe there aren’t necessary security measures in place.

Many organisations in the public sector are required to produce an asset register to track assets. The reason for this is so they can be audited. With guidelines and budgets under more scrutiny than ever, it has become increasingly important that schools, hospital and local councils are tracking their assets. This can be done efficiently using asset management software and asset tags. Utilising both of these helps to protect you and your business’s assets.

Which Asset Tags do I need?

Now we know what Assets are and why you need to monitor them, it’s worth discussing what Asset Tags you need. There are varying requirements for asset tags based on the use and equipment you are using them on.

It’s necessary to choose a suitable material for your Asset labels, based on the application. This is a vital step because the tag needs to be tough and last for a long time. We have options for all conditions, ranging from paper and vinyl labels to metallised polyester in our Duraguard Asset Tags, and aluminium foil tags in the SetonGuard range. We have tags that can protect your assets in all weather conditions, from as low as -40°C to +145°C.

Aluminium Asset Tag on angle grinder Tamper Evident Asset Tag leaving behind a checkerboard residue

Self-Laminating Labels - These are our most economical asset tags. They’re constructed from paper and feature a clear laminate film, giving them great protection against abrasion and moisture.

Polyester Labels - In environments where moisture and grease are present, these labels are perfect. Suitable for the majority of smooth surfaces, these are ideal for use in indoor or outdoor situations. Stock versions of this item are also available.

Tamper Evident Polyester Labels - These silver tamper-evident labels leave behind a ‘void’ or ‘checkerboard’ pattern on the asset and the label if anybody tries to remove it.

Destructible Vinyl Labels - These asset labels cannot be removed in one piece. If somebody tries to tamper with them, they break apart in small pieces due to the security cuts in the material. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The material required is subject to the application the asset label is being used for. We can also provide custom labels with your company logo and name, coloured tags, and barcode labels that allow for more efficient tracking.

Two parts asset tags on computer and USB device

Barcode asset tags - These allow for the tracking of assets to be done with ease as they provide all the information required that is critical to your business. It gives information on the item, the category it's in, the location, how many there are, plus further information you want to include. Barcodes are industry standard for asset tracking. They are accurate and efficient, reducing the risk of error. You also have the option to have barcodes and numbers on all of your labels, plus company name and logo, helping you to manage your assets effectively.

Next, we need to talk about how you track your assets. You do this by using asset management software.

What is asset tracking software?

Asset tracking software allows you to track your assets and help you to manage your business more efficiently. Without an asset management system in place, things like I.T equipment, tools, machinery and various other expensive items your business own can be easily lost.

To help you manage your assets efficiently, there is AssetGuard Pro Software, a cloud-based asset management software that is accessible from any location. You can use your Android phone or iOS Apple Phone to manage your assets on the go with the AssetGuard Pro App.

We can help you to manage your assets without the hassle, by providing you with high-quality, low-cost Asset Tags with a minimum amount of fuss. You can also design and personalise your Asset Tags in just a few clicks with the Seton Customisation Tools.

If you’re unsure, you can order a FREE asset tag sample pack in order to decide what asset you prefer and which fits your needs best.

Why choose Seton?

For more than 26 years, we've been creating Asset Tags and Asset Labels for customers all over the world. In fact, we've supplied over 20 million Asset Tags to more than 50,000 businesses and Government institutions. We have a dedicated 'Tag Team' so you can rest assured our experts will provide the best advice and create the perfect Asset Tags for your business.

Our asset tags are made from hard-wearing, durable materials that can easily be attached to any surface, item, or object. As well as being able to withstand the harshest conditions. It is possible to use Seton Guard Asset Tags in a variety of harsh environments and they are extremely durable. Once you have selected your ideal asset tag, simply enter your desired text, barcode, and logo. To make things as convenient as possible, we offer easy reordering and fast, no-fuss delivery.