RFID Tags with Sequence Numbers and optional Bar Codes – RFID enabled tags and labels bring something new to the table in terms of features. The QR code is quick to scan and includes error correction, so is a big step up from a regular bar code. QR Codes with Sequence Numbers – By choosing a QR code it may now be possible to scan the label using a greater range of devices but in most cases the solutions still require installed proprietary software if non dedicated scanning hardware. This means it’s now possible to look up the item more quickly for viewing, making updates and checking in and out. While they are simple to implement and use they have a number of drawbacks which limit their effectiveness.īarcodes with Sequence Numbers – Adding a linear bar code means that the asset labels can now be scanned with a proprietary scanner. Serial Sequence Numbers -These are the simplest and most common way to identify assets. In practice many companies use these terms interchangeably. The term inventory should be applied to consumable items or items which are sold or processed during the course of business. This chart explains the differences between the most popular approaches for identifying physical or fixed assets or inventory items.

Use this chart as a simply summary of the advantages and disadvantages of using linear sequence numbers, barcodes with serial numbers, qr codes, RFID tags as well as different combinations to identify and track physical fixed assets.

Serial number tags for equipment