4 Important Features of Free Asset Inventory Tracking Tools

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What words come to mind when you think of the task of “tracking assets and inventory”? Time-consuming. Expensive. Too many. Error-prone. Limited access. Asset and inventory tracking is quickly being recognized as a process that is vital to the successful operation of many organizations, both large and small. Once you realize you do need an asset inventory tracking tool in your arsenal, then you have to start the search to find the right fit. While nothing is ever completely free, there are some programs that are free to get started, but adding features adds to the price. In the search for free asset inventory tracking tools, be sure that your selected software covers these four important features. If they aren’t up front and obvious, then maybe free isn’t the way to go.

Accurate Records and “The Cloud”

You don’t know what you don’t have until you can’t find it! One of the most fundamental pieces of knowledge a company can have regarding its assets is simply knowing what they have. Maintaining accurate records is one of the basic features of any free asset inventory tracking tool or paid software program. Knowing what you have, where it is, the check in/check out status and even the maintenance history of assets should always be readily available in any tracking program.

When you know what you have and where you have it, employees can do their jobs more confidently. You can also rest assured that your information is accurate. This makes your employees, customers, and clients happy, which is always great for business.

And unfortunately, accidents do happen. Whether a server goes down or your network gets infected with malware, losing data is possible. But, when you have your data stored in the cloud, you don't have to worry about losing valuable information. You can rest assured knowing your database will still be there, no matter what happens.

Mobility

Asset management mobile platforms enable you to house all of your asset-related data in one centralized location, saving you and your employees time, frustration and in the end, money. In the past, tracking down an asset meant endless hours of manual searching. Today’s asset tracking technology virtually eliminates the human factor, automating processes and improving the accuracy of data.

More and more, employees access content online via their phones than through more traditional desktop environments. The combination of asset tracking software and mobile devices enables them to be in a better position to carry out tasks or meet the needs of clients and customers anytime, from anywhere.

Many tracking platforms come with free mobile iOS and Android apps sync that with the cloud, so your data is always served up in real time 24 hours a day, every day. You no longer need to wait until you’re back in the office to check on the status of an item. One of the most useful features is the inclusion of a mobile barcode scanner, which eliminates the need for a separate handheld scanner. If your free asset inventory tracking tool doesn’t have this feature, then move along!

Ease in Training

We all know that technology is constantly changing. Employees can be resistant to change, especially big complex ones. When you migrate your asset tracking data, which was most likely kept as an electronic spreadsheet or a handwritten ledger, there will be a bit of a learning curve in learning the new processes. They key here is to find an asset tracking program that is simple and easy to use. If your software is too complicated and requires extensive training to master, it’s safe to assume that your employees won’t use it. When it comes to any new process, the simpler, the better.

Accessibility from anywhere

Many companies are seeing a rise in the number of employees who work outside the traditional office environment. Asset tracking software allows on-the-go employees to access valuable records they need to do their job 24/7. Having a cloud-based database makes it easy for your employees to work from anywhere without disrupting your company's workflow.

Promoting access to your data through an asset inventory app means all of your employees will see the same information, no matter when or where they access it. They can be sure it will always be accurate and in real time.

Asset Panda's cloud-based software makes it easy for you to keep your asset and inventory records in line. We designed our platform with a flexible interface, so you can make it match your organization’s specific needs. Keeping your information in the cloud means you can access inventory records at any time, so you can check on the status of an asset even if you're not physically in the office.

You won’t need any additional hardware, software or expensive software licenses to use Asset Panda. It includes a built-in mobile barcode scanner, so there’s no need for a separate handheld scanner to upload your inventory. You’re entitled to an unlimited number of users, empowering you to loop in all of your stakeholders, without concern for cost. When everyone’s communicating, accountability and accuracy increase throughout your entire organization.

Asset Panda adapts to how you work today, and for years to come; our technology is flexible enough to incorporate new technologies as they become available in the future. Give Asset Panda a try free for 14 days. Visit assetpanda.com to get started today.

 
By:

Audra London

Audra London, founder of Conceptual Communications, LLC, has over 10 years of writing, public relations and marketing experience and serves as an expert on press releases, media relations, feature writing, web content and marketing copy.

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