Powerful Asset Inventory Software Makes a Difference in the Classroom

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Why does powerful asset inventory software matter for public educational institutions? We expect the world from our schools: the highest quality education, knowledgeable and compassionate teachers who are excited about working with students, and the very best educational resources available today. Many of our schools produce all of those things and much more – and on a very tight budget in classrooms that have become quite a bit larger over the years. They’re able to work magic – or something close to it – by remaining watchful stewards of their resources.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that fall 2019 public school enrollment is expected to be slightly higher than the 50.7 million students enrolled in fall 2018. NCES has projected a total of 50.8 public school students entering prekindergarten through 12th grade in fall 2019 -- the highest ever enrollment for public schools (source: Digest of Education Statistics). Total public elementary and secondary enrollment is projected to increase between fall 2018 and fall 2028 to 51.4 million students. Of the nation’s 3.7 million teachers headed back to classrooms this fall, 3.2 million of them are public school teachers. Teachers and administrators strive to take care of the resources they have to maximize the lifespan of those assets. Government grants are often contingent upon the careful tracking and management of educational assets, as well – another reason why every public educational institution should consider powerful asset inventory software. The right solution can help free up budget dollars by reducing waste on poor asset control.

Without a formal means of tracking and management, educational assets are targets for loss and theft. Powerful asset inventory software establishes a unique and trackable identity for every fixed asset in a school’s inventory. Each asset is distinguished with a barcode that, when scanned, not only reveals the item’s exact location and condition, but also the identity of the person who currently has it, the item’s complete maintenance history, depreciation, insurance policy information, warranty, and more.

The software also allows users to establish a check-in/check-out system far more efficient and accurate than a sign-in/sign-out sheet. Let’s say, for example, a teacher has a limited supply of tablets available for students to check out for a limited time. The teacher can require her students to check out tablets using by scanning their barcodes, which then establishes the students’ accountability for their safe and timely return.

Typically, an asset’s barcode is registered by a separate handheld barcode scanner. Those scanners are available in a variety of price points based on varying features, including scanning range, and levels of sophistication. Some software providers, however, have created solutions that work in conjunction with a mobile app that includes a built-in barcode scanner. All that a user needs, then, to scan an item is to reach for his or her smartphone or tablet. In a busy school environment, that’s not only a convenience but a savings of time and money. Users don’t have to hunt down a barcode scanner; nor do they have to pay for replacements when scanners go missing. Everything they need to track and manage the lifecycle of their educational assets lives in the palm of their hand.

Preventive maintenance of educational assets is crucial, as it prolongs their respective useful lives and helps schools remain within their budgets. Custom notifications established by the user issue a reminder when it’s time for service. Powerful asset inventory software also makes it simple for schools to conduct educational asset audits and report depreciation, which in turn can help them continue to qualify for government grants and other funds.

Asset Panda’s powerful, yet simple asset inventory software streamlines the process of educational asset management and helps educators keep their assets in good working order.

By:

Courtney Roush

Courtney Roush is a freelance writer, editor, and communications strategist with 25 years of experience. Her favorite discipline is crisis communications – and it’s a highly relevant one in our present times.

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