“Honoring what seems trivial is a way of saying that everything is powerful, everything is useful” — Lissa Jensen An element that, although simple, is very important for the effective control of assets; but which, despite their importance, does not usually receive their due value, are the famous platelets (or tags ) of asset control .
In this article, I listed some important information about the famous Signs , so that they are not relegated to the background when carrying out the inventory.
First of all, it's good to keep in mind that not all wealth control platelets are the same. Made in a wide variety of sizes, thicknesses and materials, platelets have specific applications and must be carefully selected according to their use, the type of asset to be controlled, or even the control technology to be adopted in the project - the most used being:
Numerical control: the simplest model basically consists of aluminum plates or polyester labels engraved with a numerical sequence. Although functional, this platelet pattern is out of use, as it has many drawbacks when compared to the most current control technologies. Because the collection of control data is done manually, it is more susceptible to errors, in addition to making the inventory activity more time-consuming and costly compared to other types of technology. Even though it is still used by many companies, physical control exclusively by sequential numerical control is now an obsolete method. Barcode: barcode asset control technology is currently the most widespread. Simple, functional, versatile and economical, it offers the possibility of automating the inventory activity by reading the barcode using an infrared reader or the smartphone's own camera, allowing the registered asset data (description, manufacturer, model, serial number, etc.) to be viewed, corrected, supplemented or changed during the inventory. Commonly made of anodized aluminum, bar-coded aluminum plates guarantee excellent resistance to chemical agents such as cleaning products, thinner, alcohol, gasoline, kerosene and some acids in low concentrations, and are also resistant to temperature variations, UV radiation, humidity, salt spray, mechanical shocks and abrasion. They are unbeatable in terms of value for money. QR Code: with a construction pattern very similar to that of aluminum plates with bar codes, QR Code plates differ in that they allow the dynamic and direct connection of each asset to links , websites or pages online with relevant information about the inventoried item, making it possible to expand the control functions. OIT: dedicated to identifying assets subject to operation at high temperatures, which may exceed 500O C, OIT technology allows the reading of data encoded in tags metallic perforated through the use of optical sensors. This technology is capable of creating more than 16 thousand different codes of up to 5 digits. RFID: very agile and versatile, the tags RFID technologies allow the collection of information from several assets simultaneously, without the need for physical or visual contact between the data collector and the inventoried items, providing a greater degree of automation and speed in taking inventory. However, the implementation of asset control with RFID technology tends to be more costly and time-consuming than the technologies mentioned above. In addition to the higher cost of tags compared to aluminum platelets, it requires the use of antennas and data readers compatible with the technology, in addition to carrying out concept tests to test the assertiveness and stability of the system under different operating and environmental conditions. In concept tests, the following are also selected tags that better respond to these conditions to meet the different types of assets to be controlled. In addition to defining the most appropriate control technology for your assets, it is important to keep in mind some practical information about platelets that, if well observed, can reduce the risk of unforeseen events during inventory work:
Wealth control platelets are not off-the-shelf products and are customized to meet the needs of each customer. Thus, in addition to the time required to define the specifications (size, colors, number of digits, layout , etc.), aluminum plates with bar codes or QR Codes have an approximate manufacturing time of 7 to 10 business days. Some tags RFID also require time for recording and, eventually, importing the material. So don't forget to consider these deadlines in your inventory work schedule. It never hurts to remember: never, under any circumstances, create platelets with repeated control numbers. As a matter of good practice, the sequential numbering of asset control platelets must be sequential, unique, and unambiguous. Duplications and repetitions of platelets can create significant weaknesses and inaccuracies in asset control. Avoid creating prefixes to identify asset accounting classes. Although at first it seems like a good idea, specific prefixes for each asset class add little to the effectiveness of the controls and become a complicator in the routine movement of assets. Platelets segregated by prefixes are difficult to manage, make inventory time-consuming, and can make control more susceptible to errors. Remember: it is enough that the numbering is sequential, unique and unambiguous - as simple as that. Whenever possible, choose the use of complementary technologies: depending on your dimensions, nothing prevents a Tag RFID has also printed the barcode and the corresponding sequential numbering; or that barcode platelets have the sequential numbering printed. This prevents inventory work from being compromised in the face of any technological limitation. Thus, the possible lack of an RFID reader or a data collector will not prevent the inventory work from being carried out. The platelet material for asset control must be appropriate to the type of asset one wishes to control. Although aluminum platelets are the most common when applied with Barcode , for example, the control of heavy machinery, especially when susceptible to high temperatures, vibrations, mechanical shocks or other severe conditions, requires the use of platelets made of stronger materials, such as stainless steel. The adhesive must also be suitable to withstand the conditions of use of the platelets, or even be replaced by mechanical attachment with screws or rivets. And it never hurts to pay attention to good practices when platelets adhere:
Cleanliness, organization and care for the aesthetic pattern of the application — always! If you allow me a quick digression: I never forget a beautiful jewelry store that I entered as a customer once and where I noticed that all the heritage platelets were crooked - some even upside down. Despite the high investment in the store's furniture and decoration, it was those crooked and poorly bonded platelets that stood out on the scene. Attention to the places where platelets are attached to tables and cabinets. It is not recommended that platelets be placed on the sides of the furniture because, in the event of a possible change of layout from the office, these assets can be placed against walls or against each other, limiting or even canceling access to the asset control code. Platelets must be glued to visible flat surfaces, in places that, although accessible during the inventory, are discreet, not compromising aesthetics or interfering with the normal use of the assets. Avoid attaching the platelets to moving parts that do not provide good adhesion or in places that may curve them. Platelets must not be attached to surfaces that contain information about the assets. It may seem obvious, but 20 years of experience tell me that it never hurts to recommend it. Na TATICCA Allinial Global Brazil we offer a wide range of services related to the valuation and control of assets and materials, such as the physical inventory of fixed assets and inventories, the study of useful lives and asset valuations for various purposes. We strictly follow the regulatory bases and the best market practices, valuing quality, technical soundness and professional ethics. And yes, at TATICCA we take care of your project down to the smallest details, with the seriousness and attention it deserves. Ask us for a proposal.
Jackson Martins — Asset and Materials Assessment and Control Solutions Partner
Contact TATICCA, which provides integrated auditing, accounting, tax, corporate finance, financial advisory, risk advisory, technology, business consulting and training services, for more information, at www.taticca.com.br or e-mail taticca@taticca.com.br and learn more. Our company has professionals with extensive experience in the market and has certified methodologies for carrying out activities.
