Sometimes it takes an Expert

Technology, as it applies to fixed asset management, ranges from the rudimentary to the cutting edge. For some applications, simple spreadsheets are used to capture asset data, while in other applications real time location systems (RTLS) provide users with the ultimate in precision and technology.

The question is, what is the best solution for your organization or industry? When you think about 2D/3D barcodes, GPS (Global Positioning Systems), and RFID (radio frequency identification), do you see them as interchangeable, can they work together, or is one technology more suited to an objective than another?

Before the technology can be addressed, however, the nature of asset management in your company or industry should be analyzed.

For example:

1. What kind of assets are they?
   1. Stationary or mobile?
   2. Low-value or high value?
   3. Mission critical or disposable?
   4. Operational or esthetic?
   5. High or low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
   6. Long or short lifespan
   
   
2. Why do you want to manage your assets?
   1. For financial management purposes
   2. For forecasting, budgeting, and planning
   3. For compliance or audit
   4. For environmental or Corporate Social Responsibility reasons
   5. For greater efficiency
   6. For emergency preparedness
   7. To provide better customer service or support
   
   
3. What information do you need to get from your asset management system?
   1. Asset optimization
   2. Depreciation and other financial measurements
   3. Tracking of regular maintenance, service, warranties, and repairs
   4. Asset condition assessment
   5. Asset retirement, decommissioning, and responsible disposition
   6. Location and movement tracking
   7. Inventory levels for more effective procurement

The answers to these kinds of questions can usually point you in the right direction as to your eventual choice of technology.

For instance, you may have heard that RFID may be the best solution, but conventional 2D barcodes may prove to be all you need. Similarly, GPS may seem necessary for your application, when a simple RFID tag could save you time and expense. Sometimes the answer is obvious and sometimes it takes an expert.

That’s where we come in. KiSP’s Professional Services can help you analyze and assess your asset environment, select the appropriate data capture technologies, and implement the KiSP solution that best fits your needs.

* all trademarks are the property of their respective owner