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Education Week reports that the government invested $795 billion of local, state, and federal money into K-12 public schools for the 2019-20 school year. These funds can make a larger impact on students in the public education system if we are more mindful about protecting our assets.
In recent years there has been increased spending on the cost of K-12 education. In classrooms, schools are investing in more costly technology. Schools could actually lower their funding needs by maintaining a database of asset-tagged school supplies.
Tagging your devices allows the school to protect their academic investments and provide their student body with evolving technologies. Keep reading to learn how asset tagging systems and RFID can benefit your school. You can then decide if they're right for you.
What Is Asset Tagging?
Asset tagging is the process of attaching tags to assets in order to uniquely identify each one and track data, such as location in real-time and maintenance history. Both stationary and mobile assets that are scattered over several locations and warehouses might be given these tags. This enables companies to have a comprehensive understanding of their owned assets.
Asset tagging allows managerial users to access a wide range of data tracking options. By tracking assets, you can collect and record data in an asset register.
When it comes to protecting students, fixed asset tagging can help you improve your school's security and gain a better sense of control over your students' online activities.
Why Asset Tagging Is Important in K-12 Schools
There are many benefits of asset tagging in schools. Among these are device protection and student safety.
Many schools have begun providing technology to their students as a means to promote their education. Although students sign out laptops and iPads all of the time, asset tracking can help make sure that these devices don't get lost or stolen.
Manually looking for a particular asset might be time-consuming in a workplace that is crowded with transportable assets and dispersed over several areas. However, every device used by students that has been marked with a tag can be quickly identified and located by using asset tagging.
By monitoring digital tools, you can keep track of students who may be deemed a high risk to themselves or others based on the search history of school behavioral reviews.
Track Tagged Assets With Different Tags
All tagged assets require different tags. When adopting an asset tagging system, you should discern what kind of tag time is best. There are paper tags, simple barcodes, RFID barcodes, QR codes, and NFC tags.
Paper tags are the most inexpensive option and are less durable. These tags may need to be periodically replaced. Simple barcodes require an independent database and can't be embedded into your own CRM.
NCF tags allow you to quickly register and track your assets. These tags track assets in a smaller radius but don't require any additional technology to operate.
RFID barcodes are more intricate. They are connected to a radio signal that can be tracked using GPS technology. These are more reliable than simple stickers and can track across long distances.
Benefits of Tagging for School Asset Management
Asset tagging allows you to monitor each of your asset's movement, current status, and history. These factors can help confirm that your assets are properly cared for.
- Regular monitoring and tracking of tagged assets
- Less theft
- Saved time and money
- Proper reporting and financial records
- Enhanced monitoring for asset movement
With a robust asset management system, you can simplify the monthly and annual reporting of your assets. By tagging your school's assets, you can ensure that all devices have a proper level of insurance in place.
Benefits of Fixed Asset Tagging
Fixed assets are labels that are targeted to monitor and maintain your school's physical assets. These devices may include smart boards, desktops, or computers. By tagging your fixed assets, you can protect against theft and have increased security of your assets.
When investing in an asset management system, you should consider the plethora of financial and security benefits. Schools understandably have limited resources, so need to ensure they effectively spend every cent.
How to Tag Assets With K-12 Computer Tags
You can tag your computers and other high-cost assets in a few simple steps. First, you want to start by tagging your device by identifying an asset type and category. If you have a preexisting method to organize your assets, adding computer tags will be easy.
Once you sift through your inventory, you need to develop a method to categorize your assets. You can categorize them by department or function. Investing in tags can be costly, so you need to determine which devices are worth the money and time investment. Consider using our ROI Calculator to determine how much initial investment you can allocate to protecting your most valuable assets
Specific Asset Tags and Labels
Everything of sizable value in your classrooms should be tagged to help protect your assets. Every device needs to be assigned a unique identification number. Following a consistent format will let you easily monitor your inventory.
Many people run into trouble by adopting devices' serial numbers as their numeric ID. This practice can actually disrupt your asset tagging system. Serial numbers vary from brand to brand and are inconsistent, so it would make a comprehensive inventory difficult to manage.
Implement School Asset Management Software
Whether it be K-12 computer tags, or other asset tagging systems, asset management for schools is an essential aspect of securing your devices. At Redbeam we are dedicated to making tracking your assets simple. Contact us today to regain control of your school asset management.
