If
you’ve never purchased an asset tag before, you might be wondering what kind of
tag is right for you. There are many factors that play a role in determining
the right kind of tag, and with so many products ranging from small polyester
labels to metal nameplates and even RFID tags, it can be hard to know where to
start.
Before
you begin, there are a few things to consider. The first is the objective
you’re trying to accomplish. Do you want to implement a new tracking system,
expand your existing system or even just improve the efficiency of your
existing system? No matter what you’re looking to accomplish, Metalcraft has a
solution for you.
The
second thing to consider is the environment your assets will be exposed to. It
is important to determine the level of exposure your tags will have to such
things as sunlight, chemicals, solvents, temperatures, abrasion or other
environmental factors. For example, most colors will fade after long-term
exposure to sunlight; therefore we usually recommend that any tags exposed to
sunlight for long periods of time be printed in black only. Another example
deals with tags that are exposed to chemicals, caustics, solvents or acids. If
your tags are subject to extreme exposure to any of these, it may affect the
longevity of the material. It is also important to make sure your tags aren’t
applied at temperatures that are too hot or cold, because that will affect the
performance of the adhesive.
The
third step is to assess the material composition of your assets because certain
materials work better with certain types of tags and adhesives. For example, if
your assets are composed of metal, it may impact the readability of an RFID
tag. Or if the surface you’re applying the tag to is curved, you will need a
tag composed of a thinner material with more flexibility. Metalcraft’s Foil BarCode Labels have a thin profile which allows them to conform to curved
surfaces. They also work great for applications with exposure to harsh
environments because of the way the image is sealed into the material.
After
you’ve determined the environment and composition of your assets, you will need
to further qualify your application. In other words, you will need to know such
things as how long the tags need to last, or what the expected read range is,
or if your assets are fixed or mobile (do they stay in one facility or do they
move between multiple facilities?).
Knowing answers to these questions will help you determine what type of
tag you will need, what kind of tracking technology will work best (i.e. bar
code, RFID, or both), and what kind of budget you will need for the right tag.
With
so many options available for tracking assets, it is often hard for companies
to find the right solution for their needs. However, Metalcraft has a number of
different solutions available ranging from roll labels and metal nameplates all
the way to RFID technology. No matter the timeframe, budget, environment or
asset type, Metalcraft can provide a solution for you!