How to Choose the Right Barcode Asset Tag for Your Business

Barcode asset tags are used to identify and track everything from computers and office equipment to tools, machinery, rental equipment and outdoor assets. While the barcode and numbering are important, choosing the right label material and adhesive can be just as important.

The best asset tag depends on where the label will be used, what surface it will be applied to, how long it needs to last and whether tamper resistance is important.

At WePrintBarcodes.com, we offer several types of custom barcode asset labels designed for different applications. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing yours.

Standard Barcode Asset Labels

For general indoor asset tracking, a standard barcode asset label is often all that is needed.

These labels are a good choice for items such as:

• Computers and monitors
• Office equipment
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Shelving and storage equipment
• General company property

Your labels can include sequential barcode numbers, human-readable numbers, your company name, logo or other identifying information.

For many businesses, this is the most economical way to create a professional asset identification system.

Self-Destruct Asset Labels

Sometimes you want an asset label that cannot easily be removed and transferred to another item.

Self-destruct asset labels are designed to break apart when someone attempts to remove them. Instead of peeling off in one piece, the label fragments, making removal and reuse much more difficult.

These are useful for:

• Computers and electronics
• School equipment
• Tools
• Rental equipment
• IT assets
• Property that should remain permanently identified

They are a good choice when you want an additional level of security without using a metal asset plate.

Tamper-Evident Asset Labels

For applications where you want visible evidence that someone has attempted to remove a label, a tamper-evident asset label may be the better choice.

These labels are designed to show evidence of removal, helping businesses identify equipment that may have been altered, relabeled or improperly transferred.

Tamper-evident labels are especially useful for organizations that maintain tighter control over valuable equipment, electronics and other tracked assets.

Colored tamper-evident labels can also make different departments, locations or asset categories easier to identify at a glance.

Colored Asset Labels

Asset tags don't have to be plain black and white.

Colored asset labels can make your identification system easier to understand while also providing a more customized appearance.

Color can be used to:

• Identify different departments
• Distinguish equipment types
• Separate locations or facilities
• Highlight ownership
• Incorporate company branding
• Make important assets easier to locate

A colored heading, border or logo can provide quick visual identification while the barcode continues to provide machine-readable tracking.

Pearl White Polyester With High-Tack Adhesive

Standard adhesives work well on many smooth surfaces, but some assets are more difficult to label.

Our pearl white polyester asset labels with high-tack adhesive are designed for applications where stronger adhesion is required.

They can be a good choice for assets with surfaces that are textured, slightly irregular or otherwise difficult for a conventional adhesive.

The white polyester construction also provides a clean appearance and excellent contrast for barcode scanning.

Silver Metallized Polyester Asset Labels

For customers who want the appearance of a traditional metal asset tag without using an actual metal plate, silver metallized polyester is an excellent option.

The metallic appearance gives equipment a permanent, professional look and is especially popular for:

• Industrial equipment
• Electronics
• Machinery
• Tools
• Computers
• High-value company assets

Our silver metallized polyester asset labels are available with high-tack adhesive for applications where strong adhesion is important.

These labels are also a good choice when appearance matters and you want an asset tag that looks more substantial than a basic paper or white label.

Colored Silver Metallized Polyester Labels With Lamination

Businesses that want both durability and color can choose colored silver metallized polyester asset labels with polyester UV lamination.

These labels combine the metallic look of silver polyester with full-color printing and an additional protective laminated surface.

The laminate helps protect the printed information and barcode against wear and exposure, making this construction appropriate for more demanding applications.

It also allows you to incorporate logos, color coding and other graphics without giving up the appearance of a metallic asset tag.

Supreme Durability Asset Labels

For demanding environments, our Supreme Durability Asset Labels provide an additional level of protection.

These polyester laminated synthetic labels are designed for applications where exposure to moisture, abrasion, chemicals or sunlight may be a concern.

They are well suited for assets that may be used:

• Outdoors
• In warehouses
• In industrial facilities
• Around water or cleaning solutions
• On rental equipment
• In environments where labels receive frequent handling

If you expect an asset label to remain in place and readable for years under difficult conditions, it is worth choosing the label construction based on the environment rather than simply choosing the least expensive option.

Consider the Surface Before Choosing an Asset Label

One of the most overlooked factors in asset labeling is the surface to which the label will be applied.

A label that performs perfectly on a smooth painted metal cabinet may behave very differently on textured plastic, powder-coated metal or another difficult surface.

Surface texture. Smooth surfaces are generally easier to label than heavily textured ones.

Surface material. Metal, plastic, glass and painted surfaces can require different adhesive performance.

Temperature and environment. Equipment used outdoors or in industrial settings may require a more durable construction.

Expected life. An asset that will be replaced in two years may not need the same label as machinery expected to remain in service for 15 years.

Security requirements. If unauthorized removal is a concern, consider self-destruct or tamper-evident labels.

Don't Forget the Barcode and Numbering

Once you have selected the appropriate material, the label itself can be customized to fit your tracking system.

Barcode asset tags can include sequential numbering, barcode data, company name, property identification, logos, custom text and color coding.

The important thing is to create a label that works with the way your organization actually tracks its assets.

Some businesses need nothing more than a sequential barcode and number. Others may want the company name, department, phone number, website or wording such as Property of ABC Company included on every label.

Which Barcode Asset Tag Is Right for You?

There isn't one asset-label material that is best for every application.

For ordinary indoor equipment, a standard barcode asset label may be all you need. If removal is a concern, consider self-destruct or tamper-evident labels. Difficult surfaces may benefit from a high-tack adhesive, while industrial or outdoor environments may require laminated polyester or one of our Supreme Durability constructions.

If you're unsure which material is appropriate, tell us what you're labeling, the surface the label will be applied to and the environment in which it will be used. We can help you select an asset-label construction that makes sense for the application.