Your fixed asset inventory is often in flux: assets are bought, reassigned, upgraded, put into retirement, sent out for maintenance and even loaned. Your asset tags and asset tracking software needs to keep up with these changes.

There are as many places to attach an ID Tag as there are types of assets. What assets can get stolen? What assets do you capitalize? When the accountants come through, what is the equipment that they want to verify? Which instruments are likely to end up "moving" to another department or, worse still, finding its way to a sub-contractor's inventory? Even schools and churches have assets that need to be marked: AV and sound gear, computers, lab equipment and kitchen apparatus. Sooner or later, your organization or firm will need to do a comprehensive inventory of your assets. These tags just make it much easier to track and to enforce your ownership rights.

It used to be that expensive assets were simply the large ones: a big punch press, a forklift, some large mainframe in the back room. These days, your assets are much more portable. They look alike. Tools worth $ thousands can fit into a carry-on case. The workforce is much more specialized and getting the right equipment to the right technician can cut lead times in half. Although certain PC equipment may be less expensive, the date inside is ever more precious.

All this means that assets need to be labeled. Asset tags need to be noticeable, but not inconvenient. They need a low profile. They should not be in a position that invites picking and benevolent vandals. But, they cannot be so well hidden that you need a roadmap to find them. Popular spots are locations near the OEM's nameplate, the inside of a case, at the edge of a desk. Locate tags away from areas subject to frequent wear, such as near a keypad or handle.

In some cases, however, assets should NOT be marked. It might be impossible or not practible to mark certain capital assets. Examples might be:

• Warranty Impacts. Some small equipment, if marked, could obsolete the associated warranty.
• Loss of Value. Marking an antique should be approached with care.
• Existing Asset Number. Some companies rely upon a car's VIN. Other company's add their own asset tag.
• Assets that Cannot be Stolen. Obviously, you cannot mark land, or most furniture and fixtures.

Also see:
    Labeling your Cell Phone
    Design Your Own