We all know that the identification of equipment is the foundation for good inventory management within a company.
Depending on the sector of activity, there are different types of unique identifiers that can be used for different types of material goods.
The most well known of these are definitely the barcode and QR code labels, which can be found on many items in our daily lives.
Barcode labels are primarily used to identify material, allowing someone to retrieve a set of information about an asset, simply by scanning it with a barcode reader.
This type of identification is also used to help companies with inventory management, to track and protect their inventory.
By scanning a product with the barcode scanner, you can see where that product is, and see if it needs to be replaced or updated.
The QR code is another type of identification. To the eye, it is smaller, but it allows you to access more information.
The type of materials used to create QR codes is essentially the same as those used for barcodes.
There are also RFID (radio frequency identification) labels, which allow you to store and retrieve information remotely.
This type of label is generally used for products with a high monetary value, but also for events to manage access.
RFID tags are either glued or integrated into items, and a signal is triggered through the transfer of electromagnetic energy, which allows the asset and its information to be tracked.
When it comes to choosing the type of label, a company wants to have to manage its inventory, there are several things to consider, such as
For barcodes and QR codes, there are many different types of labels on the market that will meet the needs of your company.
You will be able to choose from a range of labels depending on your budget and your goods.
For a durable and economical solution, choose the polypropylene label.
This is a quality self-adhesive synthetic label that will be very useful for identifying your inventory assets to facilitate your inventory management.
This label was made for products that are used frequently, and can resist moisture and withstand regular cleaning.
This means that this label format is ideal for products that are found in the bureaucratic and computer field and that must be cleaned regularly.
Designed specifically for assets that you want to identify permanently. This aluminum tag with a metallic finish can also be put on any type of product.
It offers an increased level of security and ensures a long life, because once affixed, it will not be possible to remove it manually. The engravings of this type are made by laser.
Made of polyester, this type of label is completely universal and can be applied to anything. Thanks to a double adhesive and a protective layer of polyester, this type of label stays in place for a very long time.
Like all other types of labels, it is not impossible to remove a label from a product, but it will not be an easy task.
Its printing type requires a thermal/digital transfer which makes it one of the most efficient.
This label offers you an indestructible security. It is impossible to remove this label from a product once it is affixed.
Resistant to UV rays, humidity and mildew, they are the anti-theft solution you have always dreamed of for your IT assets.
To determine which type of RFID tag corresponds to your needs, it is necessary to base yourself on the usefulness of the tag, its frequency of use and its format.
Passive RFID: relies on the electromagnetic signal energy of the RFID chip. It is necessary to be near the article to identify it.
The active RFID: is powered by a battery. The information can be transmitted over a long distance.
Semi-passive RFID: is a mixture of passive and active RFID, because it is a battery that sends a signal to the RFID chip alternately.
There are 3 types of tags established according to the frequencies, which determine the distance and speed of the RFID chip:
RFID frequency:
RFID chips can be found in different media such as wristbands at an event or even key ring to give access to a place.
In the case of inventory management, RFID adhesive labels are perfect for tracking products in an organization.
The tags come in 3 sizes, all of which are very discreet and should be chosen by the company depending on the type of product that needs to be identified.
The label cannot be torn, as its adhesive is very strong, so it can be used for various objects.
An antenna and a chip with the product information are integrated in this tag, once the signal from the RFID reader is triggered, the person on the other end of the reader can access the information.
For all types of tags, it is possible to place an order through a specialized tag supplier to have unique identifiers produced for a company.
It is also possible to purchase a label machine and the necessary materials to produce your own labels.
However, although this may seem like a simpler and more economical solution, it is important to note that the choice of printer is very important.
For barcodes and QR codes, you need the right label formats and barcode generation software.
For RFID tags, it’s the same principle, you need all the necessary material to design your tags by yourself, that is to say, RFID tags with a chip, a printer, a reader and RFID data processing software.
With the right equipment in hand, you will be able to optimize your inventory management!
Whether it is for tracking your material, or for generating your barcodes and QR codes, Hector is your ally!
Our software also has a scanner directly on its mobile application!
What could be easier to track your assets?
No matter the type of product or label, Hector can help you track your inventory.
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