Many asset tracking companies happily supply their customers with GPS technology or QR codes. These two types of technology are often in competition with each other, without customers realising. This is simply because they can work in the same way. However, the latter is considered to be far superior to GPS as it can do so much more.
Whether you want to keep an up-to-date ICT asset register or see where your vehicles are, it’s worth considering each option. Let’s now take a look at both GPS and QR codes a little closer so you can understand what they offer.
What Is GPS?
GPS technology is already a large part of the lives of those who travel by car. We rely on this technology to help us get to where we need to be. GPS tracking works by linking the little device you use to satellites. These satellites send you constant signals to show you where you are. They can also show you where an asset that you want to track is.
Did you know that GPS technology was originally developed for the military?
Many businesses tend to use this type of technology so they can see where their vehicles are. However, this is not the only way that businesses use GPS. They also use this technology to help them to see where assets that were in their central warehouse are now.
The Advantages And Disadvantages of GPS
GPS tracking is known for being automatic. What this means is that you should not have to manually input any data so you understand where the asset you’re tracking is. This could be a good thing if you’re tracking a fleet of vehicles. Let’s imagine you have created an ICT asset register and you want to know where your computers are at all times. GPS may not be helpful in this instance as you may only receive location updates every 10-15 minutes. Another clear disadvantage is that Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is not cheap nor can trackers easily be affixed to assets. What this means for you is that no matter what assets you wish to track, tracking them could be difficult.
What Are QR Codes?
A Quick Response (QR) code looks a little like a barcode. This code can be read by a scanner very easily. In fact, most digital devices such as smartphones can both scan and read a QR code within a few seconds.
Many people have seen or used a QR code without much thought. These days, QR codes are often found on restaurant tables or menus. They can even be found on chairs in theatres, encouraging you to order drinks and snacks to your seats.
QR codes can and do work in a similar way to GPS systems. They can help you to keep an eye on your ICT asset register and track your asset’s location. However, they can do more than offer you location-tracking services, as we are about to see.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of QR Codes
So you want to track every asset in your ICT asset register. Using QR codes to help you do this is a good idea. This is because there’s a real potential for you to access a large amount of data just by scanning a QR code. This is thanks to the QR Codes’ very unique mode of operation. When you scan the square code, all of the data that you’ve inputted into your ICT asset register, for example, will be displayed. Consequently, you can gain access to a lot of information very quickly.
One of the disadvantages of using QR codes is they are unable to show you exactly where your assets are. This is why codes such as these also harness the power of location-tracking technology. You can see where your assets are at all times, and gain access to a lot of information.
Why QR Codes Are The Right Choice
QR codes are the right choice for you and your business because of what they offer. This technology allows you to track everything in your ICT asset register and/or any other asset register you have. Additionally, you can add as much information as you wish to your register and that information will be displayed upon scanning the relevant QR code.
Easy to attach to each asset, QR codes help you to detect the location of your assets, giving you peace of mind. Some providers of QR codes even let you add your logo so it’s easy to see who the asset belongs to. It’s not surprising then, that more and more business owners and managers are choosing to use QR codes.
Would you like to speak to an expert about creating an ICT asset register with the help of QR codes? Contact us today at team@itemit.com.
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