Asset Tag Buyer's Guide
What Are Asset Tags? A Complete Guide
In our at-home lives, we take steps to track, protect and maintain our many assets. Food gets replenished and refrigerated, cars get oil changes on time, and doors stay locked to prevent theft. We know what we own, where things are and how to get the most value out of them – generally, with a lot of intuition and just a little help. But when it comes to asset management on the job, your facilities, products and property require more. Possibly because you shouldn’t do it alone … but probably because you can’t. Assets can be too valuable, too numerous, or both.
That’s where the power of asset tags comes in. Asset labels are one of the most critical components of an asset management system. They’re the front line of identification and the key to unlocking critical information you need to enable better decision-making.
Asset tagging 101: what are asset tags?
Asset tags are physical identifiers, often a label, affixed to an asset that are used to identify, track and maintain – sometimes one of those; sometimes a combination. Asset labels can contain a unique identifier or code, such as a barcode, QR code or RFID tag. These can be read by different types of scanning devices to quickly retrieve a wide range of information about the asset, such as:
- Location
- Manufacturing status
- Purchase date
- Serial number
- Scheduled maintenance
- Repair history
Asset labels are extremely useful for organizations, especially in large or complex environments such as offices, warehouses, hospitals or manufacturing facilities. By using asset tags, organizations can improve their inventory management, reduce loss and theft thanks to tamper-evident features, and streamline their maintenance and repair-or-replace decisions.
What are RFID tags?
RFID tags use radio waves to transmit a radio signal that activates the tag and reads its data. RFID tags offer a number of advantages, including faster reading, greater accuracy, automation capabilities and enhanced security.SHOP RFID TAGS
What are tamper evident labels?
Tamper evident labels are designed to show evidence of tampering or removal. They’re commonly used in industries where the security and integrity of assets are critical, such as in government agencies, financial institutions and healthcare facilities. Several variations exist, including: void labels, which leave behind a message or pattern when removed; destructible labels that break into pieces when removed; and transfer-resistant labels that use a special adhesive to prevent easy removal.
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What are barcode labels?
Barcode labels contain a unique barcode that can be scanned by a reader. They’re often a cost-effective, widely available solution. In addition, they’re also easy to print, and many organizations take on the printing and management of barcode labels for asset tagging in house.
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Find the right asset tag with Seton
Asset tags are not always one size fits all. Your industry, assets and needs will determine which kind of asset label is right for you. When you choose Seton, you get your asset tags fast, just the way you want them. That’s because every online order experience gives you the power to fully customize your asset label, and preview your finished asset tag before purchase. Check out our three most popular asset labels and get the right asset tag for the job.
ReadyGuard® Asset Labels
Affordable and reliable
ReadyGuard™ Asset Tags are rugged, yet economical, tags perfect for indoor applications. These tags are suitable for clean environments and are available with sequential numbering or barcodes.
DuraGuard® Asset Tags
Incredible versatility, powerful durability
DuraGuard® Asset Tags provide superior versatility for the widest range of applications. The protective topcoat ensures that the tags can withstand abrasion, handling and even chemicals. Plus, with tamper-evident features, you can be sure that your assets are secure. Choose to print the tags with or without a barcode to fit your company's unique needs.
QuickGuard™ Foil Labels
Flexible for serious surface adhesion
QuickGuard™ Foil Labels are resistant to solvents and contain debossed numbering to prevent numbers from being rubbed off. The flexible foil material ensures that the labels can adhere to many surfaces while withstanding harsh environments, indoors and out. Quick and easy to apply, these labels will keep your assets identified and organized with minimal effort.
SetonGuard® Property ID Plates
Protection in the harshest conditions
SetonGuard® Property ID Plates are designed to withstand chemicals, abrasion and harsh outdoor environments. These plates are perfect for identifying your assets and ensuring that they remain secure. Plus, the specially designed coating ensures that the plates maintain their visibility and readability over time.
Learn more about our asset tag materials
OUR MOST POPULAR OPTION |
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Why Choose This Tag | Rugged, lowest cost, tags perfect for indoor applications | Superior versatility for the widest range of applications | Resistant to solvents and contain debossed numbering to prevent numbers from being rubbed off | Designed to withstand chemicals, abrasion and harsh outdoor environments |
Material | Laminated vinyl or polyester | Metalized polyester with over-laminate for extra protection | Aluminum material with clear polyester layer | Chemically etched anodized aluminum |
Durability | Moderate | Strong | Stronger | Strongest |
Industries | General Purposes - Indoor-only use | Education, Healthcare, IT, Indoor, Light Outdoor | Manufacturing, Transportation, Retail, Communications | Healthcare, Labs, OEM, Construction, Manufacturing, Distribution, Education |
Applications | Low power electronics and office equipment and furnishing | IT hardware and test equipment such as laptops, computer peripherals and projectors | Computers, electronics, appliances and automotive surfaces | Power tools, machinery, industrial and medical equipment |
Environment | Indoor use only | Indoor and light or short-term outdoor use | Indoor and Outdoor | Withstands extreme outdoor environments and long-term outdoor use (UV and abrasion resistance) |
Custom sizes and layouts | Pre-sized only | Custom sizes and layouts available | Custom sizes and layouts available | Custom sizes and layouts available |
Chemical resistance | No | Yes | Some | Yes |
Available with barcode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tamper-evident options | No | Yes | No | No |
Adheres to curved surfaces | No | No | No | Yes |
View All ReadyGuard Tags | View All DuraGuard Tags | View All QuickGuard Tags | View All SetonGuard Tags |
Asset labels are everywhere you look
Most physical assets that are valuable or critical (or both) to an organization's operations benefit from asset tags. Many different industries deploy asset labels on a wide variety of machines, tools, possessions, products, property and much, much more.
Computers, laptops, servers, networking equipment and printers
Medical equipment, hospital beds, wheelchairs, IV poles and other medical supplies
Tools, machinery, vehicles and raw materials
Tanks, pumps and safety gear
Heavy equipment, power tools, scaffolding and safety gear
Classroom equipment such as projectors, whiteboards, desks and chairs
High-value inventory such as jewelry, electronics and clothing
Vehicles, trailers, shipping containers and cargo
Furnishings, fixtures and appliances
Office equipment, firearms, vehicles and emergency response gear
Generators, pipelines and wind turbines
Asset tags are vital to protecting assets, processes and costs
Asset tags help provide the visibility and control that managers, companies and facilities need to optimize operations and advance business objectives. Some of the many benefits include:
- Improved inventory management: Asset tags let you know what you have, where you have it, reducing the risk and impact of loss and theft
- Streamlined maintenance: Asset labels make repair histories visible and maintenance easier, regular and sustainable
- Better regulatory compliance: Many industries, such as healthcare and financial services, are subject to asset tracking compliance and regulatory requirements
- Increased cost savings: Asset tags bolster budgets by extending asset life, findability and enabling better repair-or-replace decisions
Still not sure which asset tag is right for your application? Seton has a wide variety of asset tags, RFID tags, and barcode labels available. You’ll even find tamper-evident custom destructible ID labels that will help protect your assets. Need to see and and feel the tags to make a decision? Contact us for a FREE sample pack.