Asset Management An Introductory Guide
Asset Management By ASP Microcomputers Companies, institutions and government departments are starting to realise the benefits of managing their assets using dedicated Asset Management software. In the past, organisations have not been keeping proper records of their assets, or have only managed them with modest levels of information that was manually recorded or on basic computer systems. The environment and recording requirements in which assets operate have changed, so the need to properly record your assets has become more pronounced, and the information necessary to manage your assets has also become more complex. These increases in demands have not always been matched with an increase in resources to manage the Asset Register, so the need for an efficient, effective, and automated system has become apparent. Managing assets could be done by hand on paper, although that isn't a very usable or efficient option, as typically there are thousands of assets in a small to medium organisation. It also rarely allows access to an instant and accurate list of an organisation s assets. An enquiry as 2012 ASP Microcomputers Page 2 of 8
to the whereabouts of an organisations digital camera, for example, or office laptops, will generally require some time to investigate before an accurate response can be obtained. Computerised asset registers could be created using a spreadsheet program such as Microsoft Excel, however that is not an efficient system either. Manual asset management also leaves an organisation wide open to theft. In relation to the monitoring of assets for regular safety checks or warranty information that may be required from time to time, manual asset management has been proven to be less efficient than an automated process. The most versatile solution is dedicated Asset Tracking software, often with barcoded asset tags and portable barcode reading equipment. By investing in asset tracking software, businesses, organisations and government departments are better able to keep in control of their assets. Data technology solutions now include portable barcode readers which simplify and speed up the asset identification process and enable easy tracking of warranty and safety inspection dates. Such systems can provide built in barcode label printing for assets, locations and borrowers thereby enabling easy tracking of loaned items. A company is then able to audit its asset inventory periodically through the use of portable barcode readers. The more sophisticated automated asset management processes enable staff responsible for this area to carry a complete asset database in the palm of their hand thereby allowing in-field repositioning of assets and collection of other asset data. 2012 ASP Microcomputers Page 3 of 8
While in the past corporations, government departments and organisations have relied on manual asset management, these same entities are now realising the savings and efficiencies offered by affordable asset management solutions now available in the market. In Australia, these systems are being designed, developed and delivered to businesses by local companies who have a demonstrated track record in areas such as automated asset management. Australian companies have been at the forefront of development and are recognised world wide for the cutting edge solutions that have enabled corporations, government departments and organisations to gain complete control of their assets for a relatively small investment. Any manual data collection process that currently works on a paper basis can be more efficiently managed with barcode labelling and portable barcode readers. The efficiencies gained create improved productivity and accuracy. By simply attaching a barcode to fixed assets, management is able to create an easily accessible account of what the company owns, can conduct periodic physical inventories, can quickly track those who have custody of each asset, and can minimise the loss of equipment through pilfering. Some Definitions Asset tracking software is at the core of an organisation s management of its assets, such as reporting, historical data, disposal, maintenance and so on. But, in the simplest possible view, a system needs to know what your assets are, and where they are. An Asset is anything that an organisation owns or is responsible for. Assets can be computers, tools, publications, furniture, office equipment, and so on. They can also be vehicles, roads, bridges, paint, or even trees, but this paper focuses on equipment assets. A Location is a place where an asset is stored, kept or held. Locations may be rooms, shelves, cupboards, buildings, yards, and so on. 2012 ASP Microcomputers Page 4 of 8
An Asset Register is a list of all of the Assets in an asset portfolio, together with information about those assets, such as manufacturer, brand, model, condition, location, etc., set out so that the data can be retrieved as required. From a practical point of view, many organisations face challenges in tracking the location and condition of their fixed assets, and often waste time searching for lost assets. Asset tracking software allows organisations to keep track of the assets that they own, where each asset is located, who has it, when it was checked out, when it is due for return, when it is scheduled for maintenance, when unused assets can be disposed and so on. Implementing an Equipment Asset Register Getting started is probably the toughest part of implementing an Asset Tracking System. 2012 ASP Microcomputers Page 5 of 8
One of the first things you will need to do is determine the type of assets you have so you can select the appropriate type of label or labels. There are many types of label materials available, from paper based permanent (basic applications) right through to metalised or teflon coated labels (generally used for assets subject to harsh and rigorous conditions). Next, you need to identify the separate locations that you want to record assets against - generally, these will be rooms or perhaps even shelves or clearly defined sections of a larger area. Remember, the location is the general area where the asset is located, so divide the room or area up to manageable areas - don t have one asset per location, but equally don t have hundreds of different assets under the same location! Enter these locations into the Asset Tracking system, and then print barcode labels for the locations. Next, attach the location barcode to the location - we find that the top of the door jamb is very convenient. Choosing the right asset label There are many types of asset labels available, and what you choose will depend not only on the kind of assets you adhere them to, but the nature of the asset. Getting it right the first time prevents you having to regularly replace asset labels due to falling off, wear and tear or tampering. 2012 ASP Microcomputers Page 6 of 8 For example, items that tend to move around or are handled regularly require a highly durable asset label. Examples of highly durable labels are made from materials such as polypropylene plastic, polyester silver or aluminium. Tamper evident, dissolvable or security tag asset labels may also be useful, as they act as a deterrent when the label may be at risk of being removed by a borrower. Items that are located outdoors or exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as machinery, tools, scaffolding or outdoor furniture may require an even higher grade label, such as anodised aluminium or titanium labels. These can be manufactured with both adhesive and rivet holes
so that they can be fixed into place using nails or screws. Items that remain in a fixed indoor location and are not handled in any way can get away with using a paper based asset label. Paper based labels are also useful for your location barcodes. Ideally, when applying asset labels to your items, stick them on a surface that isn t likely to be handled often, or conspicuous and at the same time is easily accessed to scan using your barcode reader during asset audits. This helps to preserve your labels, and prevent tampering or removal. Depending on the number of assets you have, or the number of assets you are having to label on a yearly basis may determine if you require a means of producing your own labels, or outsourcing them. Some asset tracking programs have a built in feature for printing barcode labels through your laser copier or printer. Paper labels and some plastic label varieties are also available in an A4 format for printing using your laser printer or photocopier. When choosing the right kind of asset label, be sure that you are aware of the surface type you are applying the labels to, as well as exposure (ie indoor or outdoor, or temperature), available space for the label and life expectancy. The company supplying your asset solution should also be knowledgeable in supply you with the right asset labels for your needs. Creating your assets register After you have the locations defined, the next step is to enter the asset details. If you already have a list of your assets in a computer-readable format (for instance, in Excel spreadsheets, or Access databases), you've almost finished before you started - all you need to do is import this data into your Asset Tracking program, then print out the location and asset labels, then go around and stick the labels on the right assets and locations, and you're done! If you don't already have a computer-readable list of your assets, then unfortunately you'll probably have quite a lot of typing to do. As with any large task, the best approach is "divide-and-conquer". Work on a single room or location at a time, and if you have helpers, give them a defined section of the room, or a whole room or location of their own. There's often no need to finish the job all at once. There are two main ways that you can build an Asset Register from the ground up. You could enter the details of all of your assets into the Asset Tracking program, print out labels, and 2012 ASP Microcomputers Page 7 of 8
then attach the labels to the assets. The main advantage of this method is that you can print the asset details on the labels. The other way to get your Asset Register started is to print a sequence of labels, then attach them to the assets. Then, scan the label and enter the asset details into the Asset Tracking program. The advantage here is that you can scan the barcode in, but the disadvantage is that your labels can't have the asset details printed on them, not without reprinting all the labels, which defeats the purpose of this option. You'll find that being able to take the computer to the assets can be very helpful, so consider using a notebook computer for this phase. This saves a lot of walking, or doubling handling information by writing it on paper, also providing more room for error. Many Asset Tracking systems allow you to enter new assets using a portable barcode scanner, but this can be impractical, since entering letters can be like sending an SMS on your mobile phone. Once you have your assets and locations defined, we suggest that you perform an assets check. This usually involves loading the asset database (or a sub-set of it) into a portable barcode scanner, then taking the scanner around to each location, scanning the location barcode, and then all of the assets within the location. Asset management is less time consuming, more accurate and generally much easier once the decision is made to invest in an automated asset management system. ASP Microcomputers 456 North Road, Ormond, Victoria, 3204 Australia Telephone: (03) 9578-7600 FAX: (03) 9578-7727 email: solutions@asp.com.au World Wide Web: http:// (ASP Microcomputers is a division of Grayline Holdings Pty. Ltd,. A.C.N. 004 940 729) 2012 ASP Microcomputers Page 8 of 8