Fixed assets are defined as any object that a business uses internally, including computers, phones, software, office equipment, laptops, furniture, etc.  Fixed Assets Management is the process of tracking fixed assets to maintain an accurate count of all items, while also providing preventative maintenance, theft deterrence and financial accounting.  Tracking fixed assets can be an important concern for all businesses, regardless of size, because without an accurate method of keeping track of assets, it can become difficult to control them.  For example, many employees use specific tools such as laptops that belong to the company, but for the most part they’re in the employee’s possession.  It’s important to know where all of these devices are, who has the devices, when they were checked out, when they’re supposed to be returned and when they might be scheduled for maintenance, and asset tracking software can help companies do just that.

Fixed asset software such as IntelliTrack DMS: Fixed Assets allows a company to give each asset a unique barcode that can be scanned by a mobile computer, which then tracks them through over thirty different descriptors.  After all fixed assets are tagged with a fixed asset label and barcode, the software easily allows management to take a periodic inventory of all fixed assets.  The use of barcoding and asset tracking software simplifies the management of fixed assets and allows those performing a fixed asset count to finish in 1/10^thof the time it would take manually.  This barcode application results in improved equipment maintenance, reduction of unnecessary equipment purchases, an increase in inventory accuracy, reduction of thefts and overhead, as well as more accurate tax calculations based on depreciation.  You should try the IntelliTrack software out for yourself,so Download a Free Demo Now.  If you need any additonal information or advice about adding fixed asset tracking software, mobile computers for tracking, or asset labels to your company, please contact Barcoding Inc., they even offer entire packaged solutions for all sizes of businesses.

ScanSource is having an interactive web seminar about GS1 Databar (RSS) on Monday June 23rd and it sounds like it’ll be pretty informative.  GS1 symbols have the ability to carry more information than the current UPC/EAN barcode and they’re ideal for small hard-to-mark products.  The fact that GS1 Databar can provide more data in less space makes it very appealing to many industries.  You’ll definitely want to check out this seminar to learn more.  They’ll be going over several questions, including:

1. What is GS1 Databar?
2. Why is Datalogic making the change?
3. What POS scanners and POS  application software changes are required?

Don’t miss this event, ENROLL NOW.

When: Monday June 23, 2008

Time: 2 PM EDT

When I talk about rugged mobile computers or rugged barcode scanners, some of you may not know exactly how rugged these devices are.  I wanted to include this demonstration by Intermec of their CN3 mobile computer’s ruggedness, to show exactly what rugged means.  These tests are unbelievable and it’s amazing what this mobile computer can go through and still function perfectly.  Check it out!

If you want any additional information about the very rugged CN3, you can contact me or visit www.barcoding.com, they have great information on their site about the CN3 and other Intermec mobile computers.

I found this really cool Wagamama Restaurant case study video from Microsoft awhile back, it’s pretty outdated, but still relevant.  I think it seems like a great idea and I can’t believe mobile computers aren’t utilized in more restaurants.  Check it out…

This mobile system seems like it would benefit customers, employees and restaurant owners.  It looks like a win-win situation to me and I’m surprised you don’t see this kind of implementation more often.  Tables would be turned more quickly, allowing customers to receive quick service and employees would in turn have the opportunity to make more in tips; and of course the more customers served the more revenue for the restaurant owners.  Our society is also increasingly concerned about the ingredients in the food we eat, so the additional information provided on the hand-held computers is just one more benefit.  Just imagine how easy it would be for a customer to select a gluten-free dish, or any other dish dependent on an allergy.  Mobile technology has advanced significantly since this case study was released in 2002, so even more is possible now.  For example, mobile computers are more rugged and can withstand the harshest of conditions, so a clumsy server should have nothing to worry about.  Paying at your table is also something that could easily be added today as well, servers could even carry portable printers to complete the entire order right at the table.  I would love to visit a restaurant with this technology in place, I think it’s a great idea and a great way to improve service, increase efficiency and increase sales. 

Choosing the right mobile devices can sometimes be a challenge, so it’s essential that you review the options available before making any decisions.  The Intermec white paper, 8 Steps to Going Mobile, suggests 8 steps and corresponding questions that can help you gather facts and determine what devices are right for your requirements.   The following is a brief summary of the 8 steps suggested by Intermec, but you can read the entire white paper at the link above.

1. Establish Clear Goals

• What current processes need improvement?
• Which current processes could benefit from a switch to automated data collection?

2. Determine Data Requirements

• Do you require real-time access to data?
• How often will data from your mobile workforce need to be transferred to the office?
• Will you require GPS to track employees?

3. Determine What Data Will be Collected and Received by Your Mobile Workers

• Will workers capture data with a built-in barcode scanner?
• How much data and information can be pre-populated on the application?

4. Determine the Working Conditions of the Mobile Worker and Any Environmental Factors

• Will the device be subjected to extreme environmental conditions such as hot/cold, rain, dust, etc?
• Will the device be operated in low-light, sunlight?
• Will your mobile worker need a keypad or touch screen mobile computer?
• Will your mobile worker be on the move constantly, requiring a lighter weight design?
• Do you require battery backup, batteries that charge separately from the device and batteries that can be hot swapped?

5. Establish Technology Requirements

• Will you require middleware for the device?
• Will you want to lock down the device so mobile workers can’t add software or delete information?
• Will the device meet the requirements of the application in terms of operating system, peripherals and data storage?

6. Select a Supplier That Offers the Correct Amount of Support

• Will your supplier offer on-site and off-site end-user training?
• Do you need a supplier who offers purchase or lease options?
• What kind of services will your supplier offer after sale?

7. Financial Considerations

• What will be most cost effective for your business?
• Will you require financing?
• Always benchmark the success to determine your ROI

8. Consider Future Processes and System Upgrades

• Will the system support any upgrades you’re planning in the near future?
• Will your application outgrow your device too quickly?

Again, this is just a summary of the Intermec white paper written by Kristi Urich, for a more in-depth look at mobile computing considerations you should read the entire white paper.