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Frequently Asked Questions

In our quest to help you get to know us, here are some frequently asked questions that you might like to have answered.

	Why should you select our solution?

	Which types of assets do customers most commonly track?

	Do you force upgrades to subsequent versions?

	Am I required to use a handheld with an integrated scanner?

	Which type of barcode should I use?

	Should I use preprinted barcodes?

	Should I use wireless or a cradle?

	What information should I barcode?

Can I get work done without a handheld?

Why should you select our solution?

The asset tracking system we offer is the result of offering asset tracking software for years to some of the smartest customers on the planet. During that time, customers have given suggestions, complaints, and collaborated with us. The result of this effort is that we are able to offer an off-the-shelf asset tracking solution that should meet your needs. Take a look at the Features and Benefits.

Which types of assets do customers most commonly track?

We have noticed that many of our customers spend a large percentage of their asset tracking efforts to track their IT equipment. Many track all the other assets in their financial systems, such as furniture, equipment, vehicles, tools, art, boxes, etc. You may want to refer to the Return on Investment information.

Do you force upgrades to subsequent versions?

No. Our very first customer from nine years ago is still using the software they purchased from us. The only upgrade we have given them was so that the replacement handhelds they purchased would work with their existing system. This was at no incremental cost and was covered as part of their annual maintenance. Typically, once an implementation is up and running, customers tend to focus on other business issues. We agree with the philosophy “If it is not broken, do not fix it.” If there is functionality in newer releases of the software that you are interested in, then you may decide to migrate to the latest version of ATS. While under maintenance, you get all future software releases at no incremental charge.

Am I required to use a handheld with an integrated scanner?

No. Our software will work without an integrated scanner unit. You will use the handheld screen for navigation to get your work done, but you can get your work done. This allows some of the consumer-level handhelds to be used if it is what works for you. Refer to handheld hardware information if you have more questions about handheld hardware.

Which type of barcode should I use?

There are a variety of barcode fonts and formats for you to choose from. Many of them are great for specific needs, but in our experience most customers use a commonly available barcode font such as 3 of 9. They usually only barcode the unique identifier of the asset and count on the handheld to retrieve the related asset record with all the relevant details. You will find additional helpful bits of information in Asset Tracking Basics.

Should I use preprinted barcodes?

Pre-printed labels are the best choice for asset labels. Pre-printed labels are more flexible, have greater adherence properties, and are more durable. We offer a full range of custom or standard formats designed specifically for asset labeling. Take a look in Best Practices if you would like to learn more along the lines of what we see our customers doing.

Should I use wireless or a cradle?

Some customers have a wireless infrastructure in place, which gives them the option to purchase handhelds that can connect wirelessly to the corporate network. If your technicians need to sync their data many times during the day, then wireless may be the way to go. If your technicians need to sync just a couple of times a day (maybe at lunch and at the end of the day), then using a standard batch handheld in a cradle is probably the best for you. The cradle method is much more common and less expensive than wireless.

What information should I barcode?

Barcodes are helpful because they are very accurate. Most people understand the benefits of making your unique asset identification a barcode so that you can scan it quickly, but there are other things you may want to consider barcoding. Creating location barcodes and affixing them to the doorways around your facilities is very common. If you have a task your technicians are doing where there is repetitive input of the same information, you can prepare a scan sheet that they can use to scan that information into the appropriate field on the handheld. If you are adding new assets quite a bit with the handhelds and most of the new assets are from a relatively short list of models, you might want to scan model barcodes for the new asset fields.

Can I get work done without a handheld?

Yes. With our stand alone asset tracking product you have the web interface that allows you do to anything you need to without using a handheld of any type. Usually customers will use this functionality to supplement all the work done by the handhelds.

	Asset Tracking System Products:
	ATS Stand Alone ATS Pass Through (to your system)

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