What is Asset Tracking Automation?
Asset tracking automation is the process of using advanced technologies and software solutions to monitor, manage, and optimize an organization’s physical assets seamlessly.
It leverages various technologies like barcode scanning, RFID, IoT, BLE, GPS tracking, and specialized software to create a comprehensive and real-time view of an organization’s assets.
This approach enables organizations to track the location, condition, and usage of assets accurately, leading to improved operational efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced security.
TL;DR
Asset tracking automation uses technology and software to monitor and manage an organization’s physical assets in real time.
Implementation involves choosing the right technology, selecting suitable software, integrating with existing systems, and training staff.
Real-time benefits include improved maintenance scheduling, efficient audits, process consistency, and enhanced staff accountability.
How to Implement Asset Tracking Automation?
Implementing asset tracking automation involves several key steps to ensure a seamless transition to the new system:
- Choose the Right Technology: Begin by selecting the most suitable tracking technology based on your organization’s needs. Barcode systems are cost-effective and easy to implement for smaller-scale asset tracking, while RFID and GPS offer more advanced capabilities for larger and more complex asset management. IoT and BLE are also modern technologies that can be utilized.
- Select the Right Software: Invest in asset tracking software that aligns with your business requirements. Look for features such as maintenance scheduling, real-time tracking, inventory audits, and customization options.
- Integrate with Current Systems: Ensure seamless integration of the chosen software with your existing systems and databases to prevent data silos and streamline operations.
- Training and Adoption: Train your staff to effectively use the new asset tracking system. Modern asset tracking software is often mobile-friendly and user-friendly, making it accessible to all team members.
- Maintenance Scheduling: Leverage the software’s maintenance scheduling feature to plan and execute servicing sessions based on factors like asset age and condition. Regular inspections are critical for preventing unexpected breakdowns and prolonging asset lifespan.
- Inventory Audits: Conduct regular inventory audits with the automated system to identify and eliminate ghost assets – items that are no longer in use but still on the inventory list. Manual audits are time-consuming, and automation can significantly improve accuracy.
- Process Consistency: Implementing an automated system ensures consistency in asset management processes. It eliminates discrepancies in data entry, ensures uniformity in asset status descriptions, and minimizes human errors.
- Staff Accountability: Asset tracking software enables a check-in/check-out system that improves staff accountability. Borrowers can easily link their name to borrowed assets, and the system sends reminders for timely returns. This transparency also reduces the risk of equipment theft.
- Workforce Empowerment: Asset tracking software empowers your workforce by providing easy access to critical asset information. Employees can quickly report issues, access maintenance records, user manuals, and other relevant documents, improving overall productivity.
Real-Time Benefits of Asset Tracking Automation
Implementing asset tracking automation offers several significant advantages for organizations:
- Increased Reliability of Maintenance Scheduling: Automated asset tracking allows for proactive maintenance scheduling based on asset age and condition, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and improving overall reliability.
- Efficient Inventory Audits: Automated systems streamline inventory audits, helping organizations identify and eliminate ghost assets quickly. This reduces unnecessary expenses and ensures accurate asset records.
- Enhanced Process Consistency: Automation eliminates variations in asset management processes caused by personnel changes. Consistency in data entry and asset status descriptions is maintained across the organization.
- Improved Staff Accountability: The check-in/check-out system promotes staff accountability, reduces equipment theft, and ensures better operational efficiency.
- Workforce Empowerment: Employees gain access to valuable asset information, such as maintenance records and user manuals, through the software, leading to improved productivity and reduced downtime.