Running a busy company can be chaotic and hectic. From keeping track of inventory to monitoring employee productivity, there are a lot of things to stay on top of. One important thing that busy companies need to keep track of is their assets. This includes everything from office supplies and furniture to computers and software. Not only is it necessary for financial reasons, but it’s also important for security purposes. It can be difficult, however, to keep track of everything when your company is busy and constantly moving forward. Here are a few tips on how to make the process a little bit easier:
Use The Right Management Software
There are a lot of different software programs out there that can help you keep track of your assets. It’s important to find one that is comprehensive and easy to use. Look for a program that offers features like asset tracking, inventory management, and barcoding. This will make it much easier to keep track of everything in your company.
Depending on the size of your company, you may want to consider investing in enterprise asset management software. This type of program is designed for larger businesses and can offer a lot of features and benefits. And if your workforce is always on the move, you might want to look for a cloud-based asset management software for field services so that you can access your information from anywhere. These solutions also offer real-time tracking, making them perfect for busy companies.
Keep A Comprehensive Inventory
Your software program will be useless if you don’t have a complete and accurate inventory of your assets. Make sure to take stock of everything in your company, no matter how big or small. This includes items like office supplies, furniture, computers, and software. Be sure to keep track of the make, model, and a serial number of each item for easy reference. Once you have a complete inventory, input all of the information into your management software so that you can easily keep track of it all.
If you have a lot of assets, you might want to consider hiring an inventory management company. These professionals can help you keep track of everything in your company and make sure that your inventory is always accurate.
Use Barcodes Or RFID Tags
Barcodes and RFID tags are a great way to keep track of your assets, especially if you have a lot of them. You can attach these tags to each item in your inventory and then scan them into your management software. This will allow you to easily keep track of where each item is and who has it. You can also use these tags to track when an asset needs to be serviced or replaced.
Additionally, you can use these tags to monitor employee productivity. For example, you can scan an RFID tag every time an employee uses a particular piece of equipment. This can help you see which employees are using their time wisely and which ones might need some additional training.
Conduct Regular Audits
Even if you’re using all of the right tools and strategies, it’s still important to conduct regular audits of your assets. This will help you ensure that everything is accounted for and that your inventory is accurate. Schedule an audit at least once a quarter, or more often if necessary.
During an audit, be sure to check for any missing or damaged items. You should also take note of any items that need to be serviced or replaced. Once you’ve completed your audit, input all of the information into your management software so that you can keep track of it all moving forward.
Create A Check-Out/Check-In System
If you have a lot of employees who are constantly using your assets, it can be helpful to create a check-out/check-in system. This will allow you to keep track of who is using each asset and when it needs to be returned. You can use your management software to create this system, or you can use a simple spreadsheet.
To start, create a list of all of the assets in your company and assign each one a unique ID number. Then, create a check-out form that includes all of the necessary information, such as the asset’s ID number, the employee’s name, and the date it was checked out. Be sure to include a spot for the employee to initial and date the form.
When an employee checks out an asset, have them fill out the form and then give it to you or another designated manager. Then, when the asset is returned, have the employee fill out a check-in form. This will help you keep track of who has each asset and when it needs to be returned.
You can also use this system to track when an asset needs to be serviced or replaced. For example, you can set a specific number of uses or a time limit for each asset. Once that limit is reached, the employee who checked it out will need to bring it back so that it can be serviced or replaced.
While it might sound daunting, keeping track of your assets is essential for any business. By using the right tools and strategies, you can easily keep track of everything in your company. As you can see, there are more than enough solutions to fit even the busiest of companies. So start implementing some of these strategies today and see how much difference it can make for your business.