Taking care of hardware assets can be easier than done. Such as these can be valuable and they can have a large impact on your day-to-day business. Therefore, taking care of them is a priority. As we have already seen, however, it can be tricky. This is simply because hardware assets can often be used in a multitude of different locations. Laptops, for example, can be used in the office, on the train, at home, or in the field. Consequently, managing them can seem difficult. 

When you start using a reliable hardware asset register, however, day-to-day business can seem easier.

Did you know that creating an asset register is easy? All that you have to do is affix a barcode, RFID tag, or QR code to each of your hardware assets. The good news is that tags and barcodes have usually been made to last. In other words, you won’t have to spend very much time attaching them to your assets. Neither will you have to spend much time worrying whether the tag or barcodes have stuck. They are built to last. 

Once everything is affixed, and in place all you need to do is scan the code to create a digital profile. A profile such as this will ensure you can add and store a lot of information about the asset question. 

You could, for example, add some or all of the following information:

• The assets make model and serial number
• When you purchase the asset
• The asset’s expected lifespan
• The maintenance schedule
• Photograph of the asset for easy identification
• Warranty and insurance details
• User instruction manual and/or link to the manual
• Which department the asset is usually located in (if any)
• Which members of your team usually use the asset
• And so much more

When you add a lot of information about each asset to your hardware asset register you make life easier. For example, should you need to make an insurance claim on the laptop you know where to find the insurance details. This could potentially save you a lot of time and effort.

Some people make the mistake of assuming that you need a lot of technology to locate your assets. In truth, all that you need is a hardware asset register that is reliable and lets you track your assets. 

As we have already seen, you need to affix a barcode or a QR code to your assets. As soon as you have done this and created an asset register, location tracking will start. 

When you track the location of your assets, you can see where they are all day, every day. All you need to log into your asset register software. What you have, you can see where your assets are located. Tracking the location of your assets does not have to be a big deal, it can be quite a simple procedure that has many benefits.

When you start using a hardware asset register in the workplace. It helps to boost productivity. This is because you know where your assets are, you may even know who is using them. You may also know if an asset is undergoing maintenance. 

Furthermore, you can start using the software to help you tick all of those boxes. You could set up a product ordering system using your asset register software. The system could help you by automatically ordering assets when your stock count is low. As a result, this means you don’t have to spend as much time worrying about whether you have enough stock in your warehouse. Consequently, productivity can be boosted and you could find yourself spending more time on other issues.

Controlling your assets can be so much easier than you imagined. When you start using a reliable and modern hardware asset register you will have more control. What this ultimately means is that you could see your business from a new perspective. Thanks to the data that your asset register will automatically start creating, you can learn more about your business. You could, for example, see your business from a whole new level. A result of this means that you could potentially make your business more successful. You could do all of this simply by controlling your business’s assets.

As you can see, using a hardware asset register comes with many benefits. You can do more than you think when you use the right asset register. You will have more control over each of your assets and you can see where they are every minute of every day. It’s this that can help to bring peace of mind.

Wish to speak with an expert about your hardware asset register and controlling your hardware assets? Contact us today at team@itemit.com.

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If you own or run a construction site, you will know it’s not easy to take care of your tools. What’s even harder is tracking all of your tools. If you have tools in more than one location, keeping a track of them can seem impossible. 

The great news is that when you use the right equipment tracking software, tracking becomes so much easier.

Some people use spreadsheets to help them track their tools. Other people use notebooks, and some simply jot down who has what. Unfortunately, these are not effective or reliable ways of tracking your tools. 

As you are no doubt aware, your tools cost money. Should you lose or have them stolen you could end up paying for too much to replace them. This is where using reliable equipment tracking software can make a real difference. 

Thanks to the way that the software works, you will know where every single tool is all of the time. In order to achieve this, you would need to create a digital profile for every single tool, piece of machinery, and equipment. To do this, you need to fix a barcode to each of your assets. Once scanned, the barcode will bring up a digital profile showing you where your tools are. 

Don’t worry, the barcodes that you have fixed to your tools have been made to last. They stick firmly to your tools, allowing you to track them. 

When you know exactly where all of your tools are 24 hours a day, seven days a week you can have peace of mind. Consequently, you could get rid of those unreliable spreadsheets, notebooks and lists. A direct result of this means that, for the very first time you could have an accurate list of all of your assets.

Regardless of how large or small your business is, you will need to take care of all of your tools. This is where using the right equipment tracking software can make a real difference. While you are setting up your digital profiles, you will be given the opportunity to create reminders. 

In theory, you could set up maintenance reminders for all of your tools. In practice, this could take a little time, but once it’s done you will know your tools are being looked after. This is always good to know.

A direct result of your tools being maintained frequently is that they are less likely to fail. What this means is your tools could realistically last longer. This potentially means that you could save money every year and that’s never a bad thing. You could put that money to good use elsewhere.

Knowing exactly what tools you should use for the next job can be easy. However, identifying the tools can be difficult. This is exactly why you need to use reliable And modern equipment tracking software. Software such as this often allows you to take and upload photographs of your tools. This can help with identification, ensuring that you only ever use the tools for the job.

Recognition can be important when you want to make sure the right teams only ever have the right equipment. For example, you may want to make sure that a specific truck is only ever used on a specific site. If you want a worker to use a truck, a photo of the truck ensures they drive the right one away.

Not everyone is aware that when they start using some equipment tracking software it helps to boost security. This is because: 

• You always know where all of your tools are all day, every day
• You can assign tools to specific people
• It may be possible to set up a check-in check-out feature so you know who has what
• It will be clear that all of your tools are tracked
• Workers are less likely to lose or take your tools
• Should a few of your tools be left behind somewhere it will be easy to track them. A result of this means they can be retrieved. 

Without specifically trying to improve security levels, you could find that your new equipment tracking software does just that. Consequently, you could spend less money replacing tools that have been lost or stolen.  

It is entirely possible for you to track all of your construction tools with ease. All that you need to do is to make sure you use the right tracking software with the right features. You could find that tracking every single tool, piece of equipment, machinery, and vehicles, etc is easier than you imagined. 

Want to learn how to use equipment tracking software so you have more control over your construction tools? Contact us today at team@itemit.com. 

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Most of us are aware that artificial intelligence is becoming more and more advanced. Many of us are also aware of chat-related benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) has created. However, not everyone knows that the use of AI alongside an equipment tracking system can be a great thing. But how can AI help when used with tracking systems and can they make a real difference? We’re going to take a look at this now.

The role of inventory management is an important one, even if AI is not used. However, one of the best things that you could use AI for is inventory management. When you use an equipment tracking system it can get a boost when you use AI. This is thanks to the fact that artificial intelligence can ensure that your inventory is under more control.

Artificial intelligence can potentially be more reliable when it comes to showing you where your inventory is. However, when it is used alongside a reliable equipment tracking system there are many possibilities. You could, for example, leave it to AI to order more products. You may be able to ensure that the right people always have access to the right tools, and so on. As long as you use a tracking system that you can rely on, AI can potentially enhance it. If you use a tracking system that’s somewhat lacking, there may be limits to what artificial intelligence can do. This is why it always pays to use a tracking system you know works well.

If you manufacture anything you will know full well how important quality inspections are. You need to make sure that your customers are happy. It’s important that all of your products are in the ideal condition. This is where artificial intelligence can help immensely. When it is used in the workplace it can help to improve your quality inspections immensely. 

When you use artificial intelligence, you could see which parts tend to fail inspections more frequently than others. This could help you to make changes where necessary. In addition to this, you could see where improvements in your manufacturing process could be made. Not only could this help to iron out any potential issues, it could save you time as well as money. 

Imagine being able to offer better quality products to your customers thanks to artificial intelligence. There’s a real potential here for your customers to have more faith in your company. It may even be something that you could advertise to your customers.

In the future, there’s a chance that machine learning could be improved by artificial intelligence. A result of this means that you could automate a lot of different equipment tracking system-related activities. 

Machine learning revolves around your computer systems learning without you having to program them. This occurs by the machines examining a range of statistical models and algorithms so that inferences can be drawn from them. Consequently, you could automate a lot of tasks that take too much time. You could, for example, put an end to ticking boxes. You could, for example, understand whether your delivery is on the way. When you log into your tracking system you could possibly see exactly where your delivery is. With all of this in mind, you could find that your business begins to benefit from the use of machine learning and AI.

Without a doubt, it looks as though artificial intelligence is here to stay. We have already seen its continued use and growth in many different businesses. It’s also very likely that a lot of businesses will begin to use AI in many different ways. When it comes to using an equipment tracking system in the workplace, there’s a chance your equipment is better taken care of. The maintenance of your equipment could be improved and automated. What this means is that you may no longer need to worry about your equipment. It could be in safe hands. A direct result of this means that you could save your business money. You could no longer spend as much money replacing and repairing assets that have broken down. 

While it is hard to say what the future could hold for the world of AI, we know that it could help in the workplace. You may well find that in just a few years a lot of your workplace procedures are automated by artificial intelligence. A direct result of this means that you could find that equipment tracking is far easier. Along with this, there may be other areas of your business that could benefit from the use of artificial intelligence. 

Would you like to chat with an equipment tracking system about the use of artificial intelligence? Contact us at team@itemit.com.

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Your fixed asset register is there to help you have full control over all of your assets. This can be easier said than done if your asset register is a spreadsheet. With the latest software, you can have reliable data that allows you to do more. You could, for example, allow the data to offer you better contingency planning and risk management. 

Let’s take a look at just how your asset register allows this.

A contingency plan is a special type of plan that involves keeping your business running. It does this by ensuring there’s a backup for your teams, and/or your entire business. A result of this plan means that you’ll know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency. As such, a contingency plan is very important. 

If you didn’t have a contingency plan and your system went down for 6 hours, what would you do? If a very important client chose to pull out of a project at the last minute, what would your next move be?

Your contingency plan can be kept safe thanks to the use of a fixed asset register. This is simply because the register would give you easy access to the plan. In addition to this, it will make sure your plan is always available. 

Did you know that every contingency plan has 5 steps? These are: 

1. Programme management – This step involves you ensuring that at least 1 team member from every department represents their department. Your plan will mention who this is and what objectives they need to fulfil. 
2. Planning – Risk assessments need to be carried out so you know the impact on your business. 
3. Implementation – The third step involves you noting down every single aspect of your plan. You need to include which departments will be most affected and why. Lastly, it’s vital that you include the action that affected team members need to take. These actions can be listed in your fixed asset register for ease of access. 
4. Testing and exercise – Let’s imagine that your building has lost power. What do you plan to do should this event arise? Test your contingency plan and see what happens. Perhaps you’ll need a backup electricity supply. Just make sure that you have what you need to get through the exercises/tests so you know all will be well should the power go out. Don’t worry, the details of your tests and exercises can be added to your asset register. This could ensure you know what to do if and when the power goes out for real. 
5. Programme improvement – How can you make your contingency plan better? How can you improve it? Will you need more generators, more tools? Or more team members to help you. Think about how you can make the ideal outcome last for as long as possible. If you can improve the outcome your business could be better for it.

Risk management is all about searching for risks and identifying and treating them. These risks could include security issues, loss of machinery, theft, floods, and so on. Ideally, you will be prepared for any of the above and more. Your fixed asset register could be useful here as it can show you exactly when you need to use your contingency plan. All that you have to do is carry out a risk assessment and work out the details. These details can then be uploaded to your asset register so they can be accessed easily.

Risk management is made up of 5 techniques, these are:

1. Avoidance – This step is all about potentially avoiding risks. For example, you would not send your vans out on the road if the roads were flooded. You would not store your tools in your warehouse without keeping them secure. Take a look at what you can do to avoid risks in the workplace and note them in your fixed asset register. 
2. Retention – On some occasions, accepting that a risk could occur may be the ideal option. For example, putting up with a gate being covered in graffiti and vandalised could be less expensive than claiming on your insurance. 
3. Spreading – This involves spreading the risk around. For example, you could make 4-5 copies of important documents and keep them in numerous locations. 
4. Loss prevention and reduction – Using devices such as security cameras could help to reduce theft. Making sure you have the right type of insurance can also help. 
5. Transfer – Lastly, there may be a chance to transfer the risk to another business. You could, for example, allow a company to hold a work event in your function suite. The company will have to show that they’ve included your function suite in their insurance policy. If something goes wrong the company can make the claim rather than you.

Using a fixed asset register alongside your contingency plan and risk assessment strategy can give you peace of mind. It’s no wonder then, that more and more people are using an asset register in this way. 

Would you like to chat with a fixed asset register expert and contingency planning and risk management? Contact us today at team@itemit.com.

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If you work in a hospital you know how important it is to keep track of everything. If you want to provide a high standard of care you need to know where your equipment is. However, we all know that this is easier said than done. People from other departments can borrow heart monitors and other important machines. A result of this means that you can spend too much time looking for something you need. 

The good news is that life can be made so much easier. If you use the right equipment tracking software, tracking everything becomes a breeze. 

Hospital tracking software works in the same way as other tracking software. Ostensibly, you can use an RFID tag, for example, to help you track your monitors and everything else. Firstly, you need to choose some reliable equipment tracking software. As soon as you have, you’re halfway there. 

The next step is for you to attach an RFID tag, barcode, or QR code to those assets you want to track. This could be anything from stethoscopes to ECG machines to beds, etc. If you want to track something, affix an RFID tag, barcode, or QR code to it. Once a code is attached you can create what’s known as a digital profile. This profile will come up on your smartphone, for example, when you scan the barcode. Then, it will be time for you to add as much information about the asset as you wish. The profile that you’ll see in front of you will offer you the chance to fill in some boxes. Add as much information as you wish so you know what you’re tracking. 

Once you’ve filled in those all-important boxes you can begin to track your monitors, etc. This means you can see where they are at all times. You could even see whether they’re being used in another department and by whom. This makes life so much easier as it makes retrieving those assets relatively easy.

One of the benefits of using modern and reliable equipment tracking software is that it often lets you track almost anything. This ultimately means that you could track:

• Ambulances
• Furniture
• Storage equipment
• Medical fridges
• Microscopes
• Examination equipment 
• Computers, tablets, laptops
• Phones
• Scanners 
• All types of machines
• Beds
• And so much more 

If you can attach an RFID tag, or code to a flat surface, you can track whatever it’s stuck to. As a result, you can track some or all of the above, or even more. You can see where everything is at the touch of a button, giving you peace of mind. 

Just make sure that you affix the RFID tag, etc to somewhere inconspicuous. Ideally, the tag will be out of sight, meaning it’s less likely to be removed. You could, for example, put a tag on the rear side of your laptops. It could be added to the underside of a wheelchair, and so on. Tags and barcodes tend to be very hard-wearing which means they’ll keep tracking for a long time.

Tracking software can do so much more than you think. Most modern equipment tracking software can help you to do some or all of the following:

• Schedule reminders so your assets are maintained regularly 
• Allow you and your team to check assets in and out
• Let you organise your assets into collections
• Make updating many assets in bulk, ensuring it’s easier 
• Allow you to track your assets via a smartphone or tablet
• Let you track assets via a laptop or desktop computer
• Make access easy as you can track everything via an iOS or Android app
• Allow you to create and export reports based on reliable data
• And much more 

Make sure that you opt for tracking software that offers all of the above and more. If you do, you’re more likely to have reliable, easy-to-use software that works well.

One of the best benefits associated with using equipment tracking software is the improvement in patient care. You could, for example, find and retrieve much-needed equipment more quickly. This ultimately means that your patients may not have to wait as long to receive treatment. 

The equipment and anything else that you use is likely to be in a better condition than it otherwise would. This is all thanks to the fact that regular maintenance can be scheduled. A result of this means that faults and issues could be found sooner rather than later. It also means you could spend less money trying to replace those assets that no longer work. This is simply because you’ll take better care of your current machines and monitors, etc. 

Wish to speak with an equipment tracking software expert about hospital equipment tracking? Contact us now at team@itemit.com

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You need to take good care of your assets. From the moment you purchase them and throughout their lives so they last as long as possible. However, all assets fail, are lost, or get broken. The good news is that you can help to lengthen your asset’s life. You can do this by using methods such as pre-emptive maintenance. 

Read on for some suggestions that can help.

One of the best and easiest ways for you to take care of your assets is to track them. When you opt for some reliable asset tracking software, you’re in good hands. Ideally, the software you choose will let you track your assets 24 hours a day. Regardless of where you are or what device you’re using, you should be able to locate your assets quickly. 

Affix an RFID tag, barcode, or QR code to your assets and create a digital profile. Let this profile help you to track assets and make use of a range of features. Some software allows you to plan for pre-emptive maintenance, lets you export reports, and more. Just make sure you opt for tracking software that’s reliable and modern. If you do, you’re onto a winner.

Another really useful and easy way of looking after your assets is by assigning them. When you carefully assign assets to the right people, you know they’re in safe hands. 

The people you assign the assets to will be aware that you track the assets. Automatically, this means that they will be taken care of. Additionally, when you assign assets it means that no one else has authorised use. This feature ups the security level instantly. It means that assets may not be stolen or get lost. It also means that they may be looked after a little more. While they may still need to undergo yearly or quarterly pre-emptive maintenance, for example, they could be in better condition. 

Did you know that when you assign assets you can see who is using which assets and where they’re located? 

When you assign assets upon request you start to build a picture of which department needs what. This picture, as such, comes in the form of data and you could export a report. Depending on the tracking software you choose, this feature can prove to be extremely helpful.

It goes without saying that you want to take care of your assets. This is where pre-emptive maintenance comes in. Maintenance such as this allows you to get on top of issues before they become a real problem. 

In other words, you can set up a maintenance schedule so everything is looked after. Remember when we talked about creating a digital profile for each of your assets? When you do this, you’re given the opportunity to set up reminders. These reminders can be maintenance reminders. 

Set up in accordance with how often you wish your assets to be checked out, maintenance reminders are a great idea. They help you to lengthen your assets’ life with ease. 

Set up a reminder for each of your assets. Be sure to send an alert to your maintenance team so they know what’s what. As soon as they receive the alert they can add the asset to the maintenance queue. With any luck, your assets will be checked over and repaired (if necessary) quickly. It’s these repairs that also help you to lengthen the life of your assets.

We have already looked at you tagging all of your current assets. However, you also need to make sure that you tag any new assets. When you do, you give yourself the opportunity to take more care of them. 

It can be difficult to know when new assets arrive. So, ask a member of your team or two to alert you when this happens. You can then add the asset to the system and create a digital profile. Make sure you also create a schedule so that pre-emptive maintenance is organised. With any luck, it will be a while before new assets need to be repaired. However, it’s always worth adding them to a digital profile just in case. Doing so also means you can track the location of each asset. This can only be a good thing. 

It is perfectly possible for you to lengthen the life of your assets. The great news is that you don’t need to do very much to achieve this. Simply track your assets, add a tag, assign assets, and set up maintenance schedules. When you do all of the above you can easily lengthen the life of your assets. 

Would you like to chat with an expert about using pre-emptive maintenance to lengthen your asset’s life? Contact us now at team@itemit.com.

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