Issues Addressed by Asset Tracking In Specific Industries

The basic definition of asset tracking is: the method of tracking physical assets, either by scanning barcode labels attached to the assets or by using tags using GPS or RFID which broadcast their location. Locating assets is a very common, and time-consuming activity in many businesses, both large and small, as well as across major industries. Assets are kept in one location and then shared throughout an office or even spread out to multiple locations. The challenge employees face is keeping track of all the movement and changes of possession over time of hundreds or even thousands of assets.

In order to track a company or organization’s assets, it’s imperative to have a reliable asset tracking system in place. Asset tracking immediately answers three of the most common questions:

1. What assets do we own (or in some cases, lease)?
2. Where is a particular piece of equipment?
3. Who has it?

Accurately tracking this vital information requires a custom database that presents data securely, in real time, so that at any time of day or night, one has up to date information about an asset’s whereabouts. Additionally, asset tracking is becoming more valuable in keeping up with regular maintenance, preventing unnecessary repairs and other expenses to maintain vital machines and equipment in good working order, saving money and contributing to a healthier bottom line.

So many industries are realizing the benefits of asset tracking in everyday activities. As companies continue to expand and its workforce become more mobile, asset tracking is one of the most important tasks to keep everyone on task and on track. For example ...

Construction

Given the high price of specialty fleet equipment, construction companies must keep a very close eye on its assets. With more equipment continuously being added and the transfer of equipment from jobsite to jobsite, it’s important for these companies to keep track of the location and efficiency of their assets. Additionally, as clients or project change, they can evaluate which types of assets they may not need or may need more of, which can cut costs.

Healthcare

Hospitals are overloaded with patients and shortened staff. Having an up to date record of supplies, devices and various other objects is invaluable to doctors and hospital staff when time is of the essence. Missing or out-of-service equipment could mean a life or death situation for some patients and puts a strain on the financial stability of these facilities if they are needed and have to be replaced or consistently repaired.

Education

It’s no secret that schools are very costly and require a lot of specific tools and equipment to teach our children. As schools get away from chalkboards and utilize more technology-driven (and costly) educational tools, asset tracking is invaluable to keep track of what schools have on each campus and where it is. From classroom supplies – paper based teaching aids, pencils, software, computers and printers; to extracurricular activities and equipment – uniforms, recreational equipment – schools also have to track items like land purchased, construction projects and upgrades, and the maintenance of all equipment on campus, including leased assets.

Fire/EMS

The assets available to fire departments, relief organizations or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations. Complete knowledge about these assets—from where they are to the condition they’re in—is key. Thanks to asset tracking, data is secured with access parameters and can be limited to areas such as storage rooms, vehicles, fire stations, ambulances, clinics, shelters, etc. Asset tracking can eliminate duplicated data entry errors between firefighters and medical staff and allows users to run advanced, real-time reports to quickly determine which products are needed at a fire station, in an ambulance, or even at a hospital/clinic.

Asset Panda’s flexible asset tracking system, available via free mobile apps and on the web, gives organizations and industries a comprehensive, lifecycle view of their vital assets and equipment. Completely customizable, the Asset Panda platform is not just incredibly powerful; it’s also very simple to use.

Clients are entitled to an unlimited number of users and may add specific details in their custom entries, like repair and replacement costs, current condition and administrative information. Asset Panda features tracking capabilities like check in/out; scheduling of routine maintenance; tracking by location, category, owner, serial or model number; ability to track non-traditional assets; custom electronic signature; custom notifications; tracking and monitoring the availability of equipment; and scheduling of testing and maintenance of parts/equipment replacements. The depth of this information empowers clients to make better, more informed decisions, eliminate guesswork and costly errors, and eliminate wasteful spending.

With its free mobile apps, Asset Panda is an unbeatable value. The tool requires only a smartphone or tablet, or the web. We don’t have hardware and software licenses to pay for upgrades. No separate expensive barcode scanners are required, which saves our customers repair and replacement costs.

At Asset Panda, our mission is to empower industries and their respective companies to track their vital assets exactly how they want. To learn more, contact Asset Panda at www.assetpanda.com and start your free 14-day trial today.