5 Ways to Choose

Here are five tips on how to pick the best asset management solution for your business.

Wasp Barcode manufactures barcode software and solutions. Solutions include barcode scanners, barcode printers, inventory software, asset tracking, time and attendance systems, Point of Sale (POS) Systems, and a range of barcode labels and barcode accessories.

Accurately managing your assets is a key component to the success of your small business. Whether you are tracking IT assets, vehicles, or rental equipment, keeping all of your important assets in check can make or break your business. If you are new to asset tracking or just not sure where to go from there, Wasp Barcode Technologies engineers have put together a list of factors to consider when you are trying to find the perfect asset management solution for your small business.


1.  Ease of Operation – Training staff to use new technology can be an expensive, time-consuming process. Many vendors offer live demonstrations or even limited trials, so you can test-drive the asset management software before you buy it. This is a great way to evaluate how easy (or hard) a product will be for you and your employees to learn, without having to reorganize your entire budget.


2.  Consider What Comes Packaged –
Similar to buying a new computer, it is easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles that are not necessary. Unfortunately, this can add to the complexity of a product. Make a list of the asset management features you cannot live without – like the ability to track assets by serial number or see assets at various locations – and use this as a guide for the solutions you are considering.


3.  Mobile Capabilities –
Asset management software can be used on its own or with a mobile computer. Using a mobile computer gives you the flexibility to update asset data while on the go, instead of doing every transaction from one fixed location.


4.  Integration with Existing Technology –
There are two considerations here: hardware and software. Avoid unexpected expenses by carefully reviewing the system requirements for the asset management software you are considering. Be sure that your existing computer and operating system can support the solution in question. You should also take into account any software you currently use. For example, if you have used a rudimentary method, like Excel, can you import this data into the new system?


5.  Is It Affordable? –
Trying to determine what an asset management solution actually costs can be challenging. Elements that can bump up your basic solution cost are per-seat software licenses, hardware add-ons (like mobile computers or barcode scanners), technical support contracts, training, and implementation. Our suggestion is to request a quote that includes everything you need, so there are not any surprises when it comes time to buy.


Choosing the right asset management solution for your business can take time and careful research, but it is well worth the investment.

 

Wasp Barcode Technologies
Plano, TX
www.waspbarcode.com

August 2012
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