What Type of Asset Tag Do You Need?
by Maverick Label | November 30, 2022
Asset tagging is a vital business function for many businesses and ordering the correct tags for your application is an important part of this process. But with so many options, how do you know which tag is the right fit for your application? We break down the different types of asset tags we offer, and which tag might be the right fit for you.
What is an Asset Tag?
Asset Tags are permanent-adhesive labels that are used to track equipment and assets for easy management and quick processing. Also known as Property ID Labels, these tags are used to track physical assets, manage location data and maintenance history, and discourage fraud within an organization.
The tags may contain barcodes, serial numbering, company contact information, etc. Asset tags enable companies to have a complete view of their owned assets.
Why Should You Use Asset Tags?
Asset tags, especially those with QR or barcodes, let you follow an item through its lifecycle. This can be helpful in a wide variety of ways. Frequently, companies use tags as the foundation for inventory purposes. Asset tags can also help with auditing and accounting compliance. They can give management the full scope of current assets and future needs, and track high-end items that need a physical ID.
In addition, asset tags act as the first line of defense against loss or theft of moveable assets. If you tag a laptop or other tool, you increase the chances of it being returned.
Different Tags for Different Purposes
Many companies do not have special property needs and require a tag with a serial number, barcode, and company name and logo on indoor quality materials. Our most popular asset tags, and the ones we use in house, are on the Polyester 2-mil Metalized Matte Silver material. This tag is also our most economical option.
Tamper-Evident Asset Tags
Do you need your tags to have a security feature? Expensive equipment has a greater risk of theft. Our most popular asset tag can help with this, but they can be peeled off with enough time and tenacity. In many cases, being able to remove the asset tag can be useful. For example, we remove our tags before donating items. But in some cases, you need a tag that is not able to be removed.
Our VOID pattern asset tag is created with several layers, including separate text and security or “residue” layers. When someone attempts to remove the label, the weak adhesive between layers breaks, allowing the top layer to be removed. The bottom layer remains and can be difficult and time-consuming to completely clean-off.
Our Destructible asset tags are made from a very breakable material. While they are easy to remove from their lining, and place on an item, once they’ve “cured” in place, they are very difficult to remove.
These tags fragment when someone tries to peel them off and stick to the surface. It is very difficult to get every piece of this material off equipment, so there is evidence left when someone has attempted to remove it.
Outdoors and Other Harsh Environments
What if you have heavy equipment that is stored outside, or if you have assets that need to be cleaned with chemical abrasives? We offer asset tags that stand up to almost any environment and are made to last. We have three different types of asset tag materials that are rated for outdoor use and other harsh environments – Anodized Aluminum Foil, Anodized Metal, and LexSaver®plus.
LexSaver®plus is what we recommend for harsh environments. This material is resistant to heat, tearing, excessive abrasion, and stretch. The protective coating is UV resistant and has an embossed velvet finish that is ultra-durable. LexSaver®plus is best for smooth surfaces, and it will not conform to uneven surfaces.
Anodized Aluminum Foil asset tags are the most flexible asset tags we offer. This material is perfect for curved surfaces. These tags are highly durable, and the barcodes and serial numbers are embedded into the anodized layer of the label. These tags have an outdoor durability rating of 20 years!
Anodized Metal asset tags are perfect for equipment that will be exposed to direct sunlight, salt spray, high temperatures, cleaning solvents, or continuous abrasion. The colors and graphics are etched permanently into the surface of the material and will not crack, chip or peel over its lifetime. This material also has our strongest adhesive and will stay in place for up to 20 years.
LexSaver®plus
Anodized Aluminum Foil 
Anodized MetalChoosing the Right Asset Tag
Before purchasing your asset tags, you should take stock of what you're going to be labeling and what the environment will be. Are you tagging very expensive assets that require extra security? Are you tagging tools or equipment that will be outdoors for long periods? Will you need barcode scanners and do certain departments have specific requirements? These kinds of questions should be answered before you can select the proper asset tag.
Have questions? Reach out to us! A customer care representative can answer your questions and can also send you a sample pack of all our different types of tags so you can see and feel the materials for yourself.