First things first, what do we mean by asset tracking? It’s a way to lose fewer assets, as well as minimise and streamline your operations. Asset tracking solutions will help save you time and money.

Effectively, an asset tracking system is a digital representation of your physical assets. In other words, if you have a spanner, you’ll be able to log it and track it on your asset tracking system, recording any maintenance, movement, or usage data.

Why You Need an Asset Tracking Solution

Why do you need an asset tracking solution? It will provide you with greater control and visibility over your assets. This saves you time and money, as well as optimising your operations.

With an asset tracking solution, you will:

• Lose fewer assets: Asset management allows you to monitor asset location, which translates to less theft and a smaller chance of assets getting left behind on-site.
• Retrieve assets faster: Knowing where exactly assets are, whether on-site, in a stockroom, or elsewhere, allows you to retrieve them more effectively, saving you money on petrol and giving you more time to do other things.
• Ensure compliance transparency: As you can add information to your assets, you’ll be able to create an audit history for maintenance, tax, insurance, and other financial details, and usage data for GDPR compliance.
• Optimise your operations: The time you save allows you to prioritise and distribute tasks more effectively, optimising your workflow and your profits.

 To find out more about these benefits, read our blog covering 5 ways asset tracking software saves you money.

What Kind of Asset Tracking Solutions Are There?

Most asset tracking processes will include some sort of asset tagging solution. This means using asset tags to track and monitor the whereabouts of your equipment, as well as viewing and editing information in an instant, by quickly scanning the tag to retrieve asset data. The differences lie in which intelligence the asset tags create.

There is a vast amount of different ways you can track assets. The methods and processes you undertake may depend if you’re asset tracking for construction equipment, implementing IT asset management, or tracking fixed assets, but the ways asset tags are implemented and used are similar across the board.

Here, we’re focusing on three different types of asset tracking solution: QR code asset tags, RFID tags, and GPS trackers.

QR Code Asset Tags

QR code asset tags are the most common asset tracking solution. Every time you scan a QR code in your asset tracking app, the data related to that asset will become visible. 

Here, you’ll be able to edit maintenance and usage information, for example. Every scan will also update the asset’s last seen location and record which of your colleagues scanned it.

QR Code Pros:

• Inexpensive
• No extra devices required (just your smartphone is needed!)
• Easy to implement

QR Code Cons:

• Less functionality than the other two asset tracking solutions
• The asset tags need to be visible and scannable on your assets

RFID Tracking

RFID allows for more automation when it comes to tracking your assets. With RFID, you use a third-party scanner, linked to your asset tracking system. The functionality is similar to QR codes, whereby scanning an RFID tag will also open an asset’s profile.

A benefit of RFID is that you don’t need a line-of-sight to the asset, unlike with QR codes. This means even if your assets tags are hidden, they can still be detected. 

To read about the itemit RFID tracking system in action see how the Ministry of Defence are tracking their assets. They’re tracking priceless paintings, so RFID tags are placed under the frame so as not to affect the value of the painting. 

RFID Tracking Pros:

• More automation on offer
• No line-of-sight required
• Faster asset tracking

RFID Tracking Cons:

• More expensive than QR tracking
• Third-party readers are required

If you’re wondering if RFID is right for your business, click the button below for expert advice from our friendly and knowledgeable team.

GPS Tracking

GPS tracking gives you a different option when it comes to your asset tracking solution. With GPS tracking the location of your assets updates automatically. This means, unlike RFID and QR tags, there is no manual interaction with your assets needed in order to know their location.

GPS tracking, therefore, is a great solution if you suffer from high levels of asset loss or theft.

GPS Tracking Pros:

• More visibility over asset location
• Reduced effect/ chance of theft
• No manual scanning required

GPS Tracking Cons:

• Battery life is dependent on the amount of times location is updated
• More expensive than QR code asset tracking

Asset Management With These Solutions

itemit is unique, as you can use a combination of these asset tracking solutions. Other systems only allow for one or two types of tagging, but we offer all of these. This is important as not all assets will warrant the price of a GPS tracker, but for your vital or very high price tag pieces of equipment, GPS could be game-changing.

So, you’ll be able to use QR codes on certain assets, RFID tags on others, and add GPS tags to others. The ability to mix and match is what makes itemit so effective at saving you time and money.

To find out more about itemit’s asset tracking solutions, you can contact us here or fill in the form below.

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or, download the itemit app to get started

Your business’ IT resources help keep the day-to-day running smoothly. Whether it’s with sales calls, marketing, or development, IT assets are crucial for most modern business processes.

This is why an IT asset management system is essential, as you need to know where your IT assets are and that they’re running smoothly at any given moment. This means that you may need to implement an IT asset register.

What is an IT Asset Register?

An IT asset register is a resource where you can log all of your IT assets, from your laptops to phones, to USB sticks. Anything with IT capabilities can be logged, managed, and tracked on your IT asset register.

So, whether you’re looking at hardware asset management, software asset management, or more general asset tracking, an IT asset register will be involved.

Why Do I Need One?

A register of all your resources is essential, as this is where you can log, track, and manage all of your data. Whether this is where assets are, financial information such as warranty dates and insurance information, or other data, such as compliance data, an IT asset register will help.

The main way an IT asset register and IT asset management help is by simplifying processes and making them more visible to you and your team. Instead of having to sift through tabs to look at different spreadsheets showing different things, you have all the data in one place against a specific asset.

What this means is you can see data, such as maintenance history, warranty end dates, and helpful location data, against an asset itself, rather than on a row in a spreadsheet. All it takes is the scan of an asset tag attached to an asset, and you’ll be able to view and update this data in an instant.

Step By Step to Creating an IT Asset Register

Creating an IT asset register and improving your IT asset management processes are simple. They are as follows:

1. Tag and Log your Assets

First, you’ll want to log your assets into your IT asset register. You can do this before you start tagging them or as you go. Either way, you’ll get a neat audit trail as you start tagging.

To link the IT assets to their tag, all you need to do is use your asset management app and scan the QR code or barcode.

2. Assign your Assets

Next, you’ll want to assign the assets to your colleagues. When it comes to IT assets, it’s most likely they’ll have a permanent user. Whether this is a phone or a laptop, you’ll want the additional accountability of knowing who is in charge of what.

This is helpful for onboarding, too, as it can show you what you own and where any gaps are that need filling.

3. Make the Most out of the Best IT Asset Management Features

The last step is to start tracking your IT assets while making the most out of your IT asset management software’s features.

For example, if an asset is shared, if it’s a testing device or a USB, you’ll be able to book that piece of equipment in advance, and use equipment check in check out functionality.

Location tracking is helpful for an audit trail, especially if your staff are working remotely. Knowing that the correct assets are in the correct place goes a long way towards saving time and avoiding losses.

Finally, issues management functionality will help you rectify any problems with IT assets speedily and with ease. A user only needs to scan the QR code or barcode and report the issue, ready for your requisition or maintenance team to rectify.

To find out more about the many features itemit’s IT asset management software has, and why you need an IT asset register, you can contact us here or fill in the form below.

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or, download the itemit app to get started

In a post COVID-19 world, it’s essential to know where your assets and equipment are, who’s using them, and what state they’re in. This is where check in check out software comes in.

Check in check out software has a wide suite of features which will help you run effectively within this new normal. While a post COVID-19 world may throw up challenges with accountability, check in check out software can tackle them.

IT Asset Management Software and Working From Home

One of the challenges COVID-19 has created is working from home. This in and of itself creates challenges to effectivity and communication, and there are ways you can tackle these challenges.

When it comes to tracking your assets, check in check out software can increase communication and transparency. Using check in check out software for IT asset management helps by showing you who has which assets.

Firstly, you’ll be able to assign assets to your colleagues, so you can verify in reports that everyone is up and running to the best of their ability.

Another challenge, however, is with a pool of shared assets. There may be assets that you can’t give to everyone due to practicality or budgetary constraints, and this is where check in check out software comes in.

If a shared asset, such as a piece of testing equipment or a shared tool, is needed, it can be booked in advance, indicating to everyone that it’s unavailable in this period.

Ultimately, this creates a transparent view and helps your team-mates effectively plan their work, leading to higher morale and more efficiency in their new workplaces.

Optimising Workflows With Equipment Checkout Software

While this optimises workflows for IT asset management and working from home, what if you’re still onsite? For example, if you’re part of a construction company or in restoration and remediation?

Even without COVID-19, using a check in check out software is helpful, as equipment checkout capabilities indicate to your colleagues which tools and equipment can and can’t be used. 

With additional constraints due to COVID-19, however, it’s more important than ever that you have a hands-free way to audit assets and disseminate them, which is where QR code asset tags come in. 

This way, you’ll be able to scan an asset, check it out, and continue working with it without blocking any of your colleagues from doing their jobs.

Check In Check Out Software, Hygiene, and Social Distancing

Overall, a post COVID-19 world will create many challenges when it comes to how things work. From social distancing to more scrutiny over hygiene.

Equipment check in check out software allows you to indicate when equipment is being cleaned, or when it’s checked out for maintenance for cleaning. 

So, whether you’re a facilities manager or if you are in construction, you’ll be able to implement your new, required processes using asset tracking and check in check out software.

To find out more about how itemit can help you with all manner of asset management requirements, you can contact us here or fill in the form below.

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or, download the itemit app to get started

What are the best asset management and tracking tools and features? This really does depend on what you need to achieve. Do you need to increase the visibility of what assets the business has and where they are? Do you need a better way to manage equipment maintenance? Or do you just need a fixed asset register that you can rely on? No matter what your requirements, there’s a feature and solution available that will make all this and much more possible.

The itemit asset management and tracking tool has been designed to help as many businesses solve their asset management problems as possible. We’ve built a complete solution from the core of needing to track and manage assets, so that now maintenance and equipment tracking, bookings and check in check out, are all possible at the touch of a button.

Let’s run through some of the best features on offer.

Track Your Assets’ Locations with GPS Trackers and QR Code Tags

The main feature and possibly the core of your asset management and tracking tools will be tracking the location of your assets. 

There are a few methods to do this, and it’ll depend on which type of asset tag you’re opting to use. If you have a continued problem with assets that get lost or stolen, GPS tags may be the ideal tagging option for you. If you want to know where assets are and can reply on this being recorded by staff and engineers scanning your assets, then QR code asset tags can be a great low-cost tag choice.

At itemit, we believe that in most cases, a combination of tag types may be required to achieve the ultimate asset tracking solution. Once your assets are tagged, you’ll get a complete view of where your assets are, where they’ve been, and who has been using them. A great benefit of QR codes is that itemit has an in-built scanner, so you don’t need to purchase any additional devices or hardware. Every scan of a QR code will update your asset’s location, allowing you to run reports and audit where your assets have been.

GPS, on the other hand, fills in the gaps. QR code asset tags show last seen locations so that you can audit and make business-centric decisions. GPS tagging shows you where assets are, reducing theft, improving retrieval times, and giving you total control over your assets.

Tracking Assets in Bulk

The benefit of asset management and tracking tools is that all of your assets are unique. This way, you can track equipment maintenance against the specific asset that requires it or add warranties and instruction manuals to necessary assets.

However, most asset management and tracking tools may stop here. It’s not practical to only track an asset one at a time in every circumstance, so the best features will involve some handy bulk tracking functionality.

So, if a group of assets are moving from a warehouse to a construction site, you’ll be able to use hierarchical locations to record this change and update it quickly. Or, if you’re using IT asset management software, knowing who has which laptops, phones, and computers can help with onboarding and with moves to and from the office.

More Asset Management and Tracking Tools

There are many more asset management and tracking tools that you may be looking for, and these may be more specific to your industry.

The best asset tracking systems will have been built on industry knowledge and needs, so the ability to track maintenance, bookings, and run reports should already be integrated.

These additional features will allow you to view quickly where all of your assets are, where they’ve been, who’s been using them, and what state they’re in. Having this knowledge gives you more power over your finances, and helps you save buckets of time and money.

To find out more about how itemit’s asset management and tracking tool can help you, you can contact us here or fill in the form below.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

When you’re looking for UK asset tracking, you’ll need some tools to find the best software for your business.

There are many reasons you may be conducting a search to find an asset tracking system. Perhaps you have an existing tool that you’re no longer happy with, or maybe you need to minimise the number of lost and stolen assets you’re company is experiencing. It could even be that you’re growing at such a rapid pace that you need a better process for onboarding new staff.

No matter what your reasons a UK-based asset tracking system will change the way you manage tools, equipment and IT hardware, forever. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can optimise your search for asset tracking software in order to begin saving time and money and to make better business-centric decisions.

Know What Your UK Asset Tracking System Needs to Give You

The first thing to establish is what you’re looking for. This may sound easy, but sometimes the wider business has additional requirements that you may be able to incorporate into your search to find the best solution for you and your colleagues in the long-term. The best way to do this is to:

– Discuss internally and establish a list of core requirements

– Create a list of nice-to-have features and functionality that would be a huge bonus

– Establish your budget and timeframe

Your requirements may include things such as a way to track asset whereabouts to minimise asset losses and thefts. Or perhaps you want teams to have access to asset data on-the-go and simultaneously.

Whichever tracking solution you choose, it must have effective features that’ll assist your day to day operations. For example, if you can use GPS tagging with your system, off-the-shelf, not only will it work out cheaper from fewer lost assets, it’ll also shield you from theft in the first place as GPS tracking is a major theft deterrent.

The use of QR code asset tags will also help speed up your processes, as the retrieval of asset profiles is instant. What this means is you’ll be able to check out or book an asset on your phone almost instantly after scanning it. Thereafter, your colleagues will all see that it’s not available for use in that period.

These are just a few examples of how a UK asset tracking system can help you and your workflow. You’ll also be able to track maintenance, reminders, warranties, and more, but knowing where to look will help inform your search.

Make the Most Out of an Asset Management Free Trial

A free trial can help you test that the asset tracking software really does fit in well with your needs. It’s a great way to test the whole range of functionality on offer and see if the software is usable and manageable with zero risk.

** If you’re ready to try a system for yourself, start your free trial of itemit here

You may not need a free trial if you’ve seen everything you need already, or if you’re tracking fewer assets, but a free trial can help as a proof of concept. With a proof of concept, you’ll be able to collect information about who needs what from your asset management system and see if it can do what they’re asking. 

Utilise Comparison Sites

Comparison sites can help you in your search at any point in an investigative funnel. 

So, if you’re at the beginning of your search, the ability to see information about an asset tracking system and compare that to other systems can inform which systems you test.

If you’re at the end of your search and ready to purchase, comparison sites can help you verify your decision, showing you that you are investing in the correct UK asset tracking system.

The benefit, too, if you’re based in the UK, is that when you find software, you’ll be in the same time-zone as your UK asset tracking system, and can make an immediate enquiry.

To find out more about itemit and our UK asset tracking system, you can contact us directly at team@itemit.com or fill in the form below.

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or, download the itemit app to get started

If you’re not already doing so, your construction business needs to start equipment maintenance tracking right away. Without it, you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities to mitigate risks and optimise your operations.

Let’s take a closer look into what construction equipment maintenance tracking will do for your business.

What is Equipment Maintenance Tracking?

First things first, when we talk about equipment maintenance tracking, what do we mean? Equipment maintenance tracking is the process of scheduling, recording and monitoring the maintenance requirements of your tools, machinery and equipment.

Construction equipment maintenance software is the tool used to manage your maintenance schedule, and the best solutions offer equipment tagging, tracking and management functionality as standard in an all singing all dancing package.

Here are our top 3 reasons why your construction business needs to implement equipment maintenance tracking

1. To Improve the Health and Lifespan of your Tools and Equipment

A well-maintained asset will serve you better over the longer-term. One of the more significant benefits of using equipment maintenance tracking is to ensure your assets useable lifetime is as long as possible. In order to achieve this asset health must be optimised.

So, in practice, how does the itemit equipment management software help you achieve this?

• Maintenance schedule logging and notifications – A system of reminders in your asset management software lets you see when assets require maintenance and to plan future workloads accordingly. This can be planned maintenance, reactive maintenance or routine inspections such as PAT testing your electrical equipment
• Reporting and monitoring equipment faults  – When a piece of equipment requires fixing, you can rapidly report the issue against the unique piece of equipment so that your Engineers know exactly which asset requires attention. In addition, you can monitor the incoming issues live and see in real-time which assets still require fixing. The faster your assets are fixed and usable, the quicker they can get back to helping you make money.

This gives you full transparency over what is required and gives you full control over your asset maintenance.

Check out these videos to see how itemit is helping businesses just like yours to take back control of their equipment management.

2. To View Complete Audit Trails for Each Piece of Equipment

When an asset is sent for repair, it is much easier to fix the asset if you have access to its historical records. Has it encountered this problem before? Is it reaching the end of its usable life? itemit ensures you have access to this historical information by keeping a record of all the changes your assets go through. This allows you to make better, business-centric decisions. Knowing maintenance history in full shows you what has gone wrong with an asset and when, and how it was fixed.

This history shows you when an asset is no longer economical to repair, if it has had many bouts of maintenance. The ability to run reports with equipment maintenance tracking allows you to buy new assets only when it is required, saving you money and optimising your time. 

3. To Minimise Asset Downtime

Assets can have maintenance schedules booked in advance to ensure that the whole team has transparency on when an asset will be unavailable. In itemit it’s as simple as booking an item for the required period and checking it out once it’s taken for maintenance. Of course, you can also use this functionality to reserve assets required for particular jobs. This guarantees that you and your team will have the assets they need, when they need them.

Having reminders, issues, and check in check out functionality provides you with complete control over your equipment maintenance tracking. 

Overall, this will save you a lot of time and optimise the rate your workforce can fulfil their duties at because everyone knows which assets are available for use and can use them effectively.

For more ways asset tracking can help your construction company, you can check out our other blogs such as:

 – How IoT has Altered the Trajectory of Construction Equipment Tracking Forever

– What is Equipment Check in Check Out Software

– or, contact us at team@itemit.com or fill in the form below. We’re always happy to walk you through the process and start helping you save time!

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started