What's AT& MS ?

We know about inFlow Inventory Software and have seen the templates for MS Access and OpenOffice.org for databases. We have also tested QuickBooks for inventory tracking, however none of the above quite fit what were looking for. We would like a software or database that is simple, does not have monthly fees (or ludicrous licensing fees), does not require a programmer to build a complex database to manage and maintain, and things of that nature. We want a system similar to how a library works; a worker comes in and checks out a ladder, we log it in the database and when it is returned, we log it again showing it is available.

Thanks for reading and please share your ideas.

Thanks!

Asset Tracking System in ms access

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...read the full Asset Tracking Software review of: Barcoder Software Barcode Inventory System Point of Sale Barcode Asset Tracking

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Asset management software products can help businesses trim operational costs by enabling them to discover, track and monitor the use of corporate assets. Companies can use the tools to record the location, age, condition, value and other details of a wide range of their fixed and portable assets. The information can be invaluable in helping companies maximize asset utilization, eliminate unnecessary purchases and ensure proper tax accountability and depreciation.

The term fixed assets is usually used to describe capital equipment, furniture and technology products such as computers, phones, printers and other office equipment. With an asset tracking system, barcode labels or wireless smart tags are attached to each asset. The labels can contain information on a wide range of asset related descriptors, such as the serial number of that piece of equipment, the location where it is installed, the date it was purchased, cost of the item and when it is due for a technology refresh or update.

Companies that wish to maintain an accurate inventory of their fixed assets them simply use asset tracking barcode scanners to read the information from each asset and to pull the information into a central management system from where it can be analyzed. Many companies conduct such asset inventory checks periodically and sometimes as often as once every year depending on the size of the business. An asset tracking software system can significantly lower the cost and complexity associated with this task, compared to a manual asset check. It can also help them instantly locate any asset that might need to be replaced.

Asset tracking software can also be used to keep a handle on portable assets. These are assets such as construction equipment, shipping containers, specialized packaging materials and other items that a company might own, but is mostly used by partners, distributors and customers. Portable assets can represent a significant capital expenditure for companies but tracking them is often far more difficult because they are rarely onsite. However, the proliferation of low-cost Radio Frequency ID devices (RFID), wireless smart tag technologies and proximity-based asset tags which broadcast the location of a portable asset are giving companies simpler ways to track such assets as well.

Historically the use of asset management technologies has been associated with large enterprises. In fact some of the earliest users of the technology were automobile makers such as General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Such companies initially started using asset management tools to track their own capital assets but later started applying the technology for the purposes of tracking vehicle parts for quality control and maintenance-related applications as well.

Over the years more companies and organizations, including many small and medium-sized businesses have started using asset tracking technologies. Driving adoption of the technology is the growing availability of relatively inexpensive off-the-shelf asset tracking software tools that require very little integration or customization. The ubiquity of PC technologies, mobile computers, wireless technologies and handheld devices have also made asset tracking tools more mobile and easy to use.

Small and medium businesses as well as organizations in the educational and healthcare sectors can benefit tremendously from the growing availability of easy-to-use, relatively inexpensive asset management systems. Asset management tools can help such companies keep a lid on capital costs at a time when economic pressures are forcing companies of all sizes to be more conservative with their expenditures.

Many companies literally have assets accounting to thousands within the firm that requires tracking; this is because if a business does not correctly track their assets, this results to substantial financial losses.

Whereas traditional inventory provide you with information particularly on the number of assets your company has, generally it does not address those essential information attached to that particular asset, like location, maintenance, cost and utilization.

An implementation of an appropriate asset tracking solution within your firm allows you to efficiently track assets so that an employee for instance will know to locate a specific asset should it requires a maintenance confirmation, how old it is, determine its value depreciation as well as its maintenance cost.

An asset tracking solution can be hand-held based or PC and used to manage and track a companys assets. These assets can either be non-fixed or fixed and identified with a label that contains a distinctive bar code or number.

Asset barcode labels are efficient particularly when performing an audit. Benefits of asset tracking solutions generally include:

Track asset by location, building, supplier, user etc. Determine what your business has as well as that client or employee has them.

Enable you to calculate asset depreciation easily.

Obtain comprehensive reports.

Determine asset costs.

Reduce expenses because you know what you have therefore you will not buy the same items.

Spend lesser time looking for needed equipment.

Reduces items unreturned or lost.

Reduces borrowing with no permission.

Operate with a much tighter budget but with much better service

Asset tracking solution packages today are available with convenient import tools that gets you started on a simple inventory system quickly.

Types of asset tracking solutions:

1. Software-based asset computer tracking. For a tracking to start, a software is set up into you the hard drive of your computer, then it dials unto a central monitoring station on a specific schedule by means of an IP connection or modem so that if your computer is accounted stolen or lost, it is identified in a protected database in order that next time this computer calls in, its whereabouts is efficiently tracked.

2. Software tracking

By means of monitoring license software and license contracts compliance, organizations can successfully manage their software investment at the same time avoiding penalties and fines associated with non-compliance.

3. Barcode Systems

Generally this incorporates barcode tags with readers like handheld scanners, barcode wands and PDAs. These systems efficiently combine maintenance and valuation scheduling, location-centric asset tracking and other essential functions.

4. GPS Solutions

This uses a two-way satellite technology, capable on locating asset trailers and vehicles.

5. Proximity tagging

This is linked to access system control that helps to discourage theft, however should a certain asset disappear, this system can quickly track its location.

Here are features to look for when selecting the right asset tracking solution:

1. Navigation

This section covers the interfaces layout and design, including ease of access to principal program functions, data entry and general operation, thereby providing you with a general idea of how a user could easily get the system up and running.

2. Management Features

This segment recognizes how many books can be supported, available depreciation methods, asset editing utility and many other capabilities including mass edits, splitting assets and dispositions.

Also, whether the system supports barcode scanning or not, is addressed.

3. Integration

This segment identifies the ability of the system to share information with GL programs, tax software and supplementary accounting systems.

4. Reporting

Look for a system with reporting functions, including report and customization writer features and support for a variety of IRS schedules and forms.

5. Help and support

Look for a system with built-in help utilities as well as gauges support options available such as regular updates.

Determine whether these are already incorporated with the system license or does it entail additional purchase.

Without asset tracking solution, assets maintenance costs can not be determined, therefore you have practically no reference how much your assets are costing to run your business as well as your maintenance staff has no efficient record of work previously carried out that could assist them to fix a concern inexpensively.

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...read the full Asset Tracking Software review of: Tramigo

The company I'm working for is attempting to create an inventory tracking system for all the computers in our offices. We track the Computer and the Monitor by an Asset tag we created and a Serial Number provided on the computer. Then we change the computers names to be that of their asset tags so we can better track them.

But how can we digitally track monitors? They have no unique digital identifier.

It may be hard to believe but an activity as basic as asset tracking can save you thousands of dollars each year. True, creating a program to monitor assets such as computers, chairs, desks, printers, and monitors may not sound like the most exciting activity in the world but it can pay big benefits.

Think for a minute about how much of your capital is tied up in assets. If you have been in business for some time then looking at it this way could be eye opening. Each year you've purchased little by little but in the long run it would cost you thousands to replace that equipment. Do you really know what you have, where it is, and how it is being used? Do you know which pieces of equipment are still under warranty or do you simply fix or replace things as they break down? If you have a good asset tracking program you'll be able to answer those questions quickly and easily. If you don't then you probably have no idea how many of your assets walk out the door each year or if you are paying to repair items that should be repaired for free.

Today's asset tracking systems are designed to be installed quickly and easily. They take advantage of technology such as bar code scanning which make installation and maintenance a snap. If you use Microsoft Windows you can find many economical and easy to use systems. Depending on how large your company is and how many assets you intend to catalog, your asset tracking system can pay for itself in no time at all.

In addition to helping you minimize theft and pilfering of your office assets, a good asset tracking system can help you prepare reports that you need for your management or the taxing authorities, help you avoid surprise capital expenditures, and make your job easier. Once you have your assets loaded into your asset tracking system it is a simple job to keep it up to date. Many companies find that an annual audit is sufficient while others prefer to monitor their database at more frequent intervals. Either way, bar code scanning can make the audit process relatively painless.

When it comes down to actually selecting an asset tracking software program there are a couple of things that you can look at in order to feel comfortable that you are making the right decision. First of all look at how long the developer has been in business. If, for example, a company is new to the market then you need to be aware that if they can't make a go of it you will be on your own. The other thing you can consider is whether or not they offer a guarantee. The best companies will stand behind their products. This means that they will allow you to trial the software before you buy. That's pretty much a risk free situation for you. The important thing is, you need to get up to speed when it comes to asset tracking. Otherwise there is a good chance that you are wasting valuable resources—both time and money.

How much money are your assets worth? Do you even know? How many of your assets are lost each year due to theft or pilfering? Do you even know? If you don't have a good handle on how well your assets are working for you then it is time that you invested in a good asset tracking program. Of course asset tracking can help you do a whole lot more than just see where your equipment is located. The systems on the market today can help you track warranties, monitor maintenance, and help you better manage your cash flow.

Whether you are running a business or an organization such as a school, asset tracking can help you protect one of your most significant resources—money. Consider, for example, your computer equipment. Do you really know how old it is and what type of capabilities it has. When you install an asset tracking system you'll be armed with the information you need in order to make smart business decisions about whether or not to replace your equipment. Should something break down, you'll also know if you need to pay for the repair yourself or if the item is still covered by a manufacturer's warranty.

Comprehensive reporting features can save countless hours when it comes to preparing your annual tax documents or doing your annual business planning. As you prepare your yearly budget you'll be able to stop guessing on what types of capital equipment you need to replace. Your asset tracking system will provide you with the intelligence you need to make an informed estimate rather than pulling an estimate out of the air. When it comes time to provide documentation for your tax documents you'll be able to forget about mobilizing a team to count up your hardware. You'll have it all right at your fingertips.

If you have investigated asset tracking software in the past and determined that it is not right for you, then it's probably time to take another look. Today's bar coding technology makes compiling and maintaining a database of your equipment easier than ever. Look for a asset tracking program that handles both bar code printers and scanners. You'll be able to quickly and easily process all your equipment. If you have an asset tracking sytem already, look for a new program that will allow you to import data from existing files.

The long and short of it is, if you do not have a good reliable asset tracking system set up then you are probably spending more money than you need to. While you may not be subject to theft, chances are you are buying equipment you don't really need. You may have hidden assets that you had forgotten about or equipment sitting in an empty room gathering dust. Asset tracking software can help you avoid situations like that. You need to take control of your assets now and stop spending unnecessary and very valuable dollars on hardware or equipment that you just don't need.