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Since the introduction of RFID for asset tracking, many IT managers ask us - which is best for IT Asset Management, RFID or bar coding? For several reasons, our answer to that question is RFID by far, not just because of our own offerings through RF Code, but because it truly gives organizations visibility into its IT Assets and makes tracking easier. The downside of using RFID for tracking is, of course, cost. Using standard bar codes or serial numbers in an Excel sheet doesn’t incur additional costs like implementing passive and active RFID tags and readers. The downside of the “old fashioned method” of tracking bar codes is the time investment and of course the chance for human error and resulting non-compliance. According to the Aberdeen Group, more than 67% of companies consume at least 5-10% of their revenue in asset management operations (both AM & ITAM), with more than 50% of these companies still relying on manual asset management processes to effectively track and maintain their assets.

In addition to real time reporting, using RFID tags offers organizations increased security, which comes with added value.  According to Gartner, there has been an 80% increase in the number of companies reporting stolen laptops containing sensitive information between 2006 and 2008. In addition to laptops, most companies have a majority of employees with cell phones and PDAs that need to be accounted for. RFID tags will alert you when an asset is being moved, used improperly or has been tampered with.

The added value of using RFID is certainly worth the extra cost. Bottom line is that the old method of tracking in an excel sheet, as we mention to our clients constantly, leaves too much room for error. Don’t take the risk - invest in RFID for tracking assets.

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