How to Improve Asset Tracking with Barcodes
Tracking assets efficiently is a challenge for many businesses. Whether managing equipment, inventory, or tools, organizations need a reliable system to reduce losses, improve accountability, and streamline operations. Barcode technology provides an effective solution, offering real-time tracking with minimal manual effort.
Gimbal Barcode integrates with Salesforce to simplify asset tracking, providing businesses with a powerful tool for real-time monitoring and accurate record-keeping. This step-by-step guide explains how to implement a barcode-based asset tracking system and maximize its benefits.
Step 1: Identify Asset Tracking Needs
Before implementing barcode technology, organizations should evaluate their current asset tracking challenges. Common issues include:
Difficulty locating equipment and tools
Inefficient manual tracking processes
Inconsistent or missing asset records
Compliance requirements for maintenance and audits
Assessing these challenges helps determine which assets require tracking and how barcode scanning can improve efficiency.
Step 2: Choose the Right Barcode Type
Not all barcodes are created equal. Selecting the right type depends on the environment and asset characteristics:
Linear Barcodes (1D Codes) – Simple and widely used for inventory and supplies, including Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, EAN, UPC, and ITF.
2D Barcodes – Store more data in a compact format, making them ideal for detailed asset tracking. Examples include QR Codes, GS1 DataMatrix, and PDF417.
Choosing the right barcode ensures accurate tracking while minimizing scanning errors.
Step 3: Implement Barcode Labels and Tags
Once the barcode type is selected, each asset should receive a unique barcode label. Key considerations for labeling include:
Durability – Labels must withstand environmental conditions such as heat, moisture, and abrasion
Placement – Barcodes should be placed where they are easily scannable but protected from damage
Standardization – Consistent labeling ensures accurate record-keeping across all assets
Properly labeled assets allow businesses to track equipment movements with a simple scan.
Step 4: Integrate with Asset Management Software
For a practical demonstration of how barcodes enhance asset tracking, watch this video on scanning asset barcodes for consignment and tracking. The video showcases how businesses can use Gimbal Barcode to track assets effectively within Salesforce.
Integrating barcode tracking with Salesforce enhances asset management beyond basic scanning. The combination of Gimbal Barcode and Salesforce transforms asset tracking into a powerful, automated system. Some of the key benefits include:
Centralized Asset Data – Instead of managing records across multiple platforms, Salesforce consolidates all asset data, making it easily accessible in one place.
Real-Time Tracking & Workflows – Asset scans instantly update in Salesforce, triggering automated alerts for maintenance, audits, or stock replenishment.
Advanced Reporting & Analytics – Businesses can generate reports on asset utilization, lifecycle trends, and movement history, enabling smarter decision-making.
Mobile Accessibility – Employees can scan barcodes and update asset statuses using mobile devices, ensuring seamless asset management across locations.
Enhanced Security & Compliance – Role-based access control and detailed audit logs provide accountability and regulatory compliance tracking.
By integrating barcode data with Salesforce, businesses gain more than just basic tracking. Gimbal Barcode enhances asset tracking by providing deeper visibility and automation. Some of the key advantages include:
Seamless Data Synchronization – Every barcode scan instantly updates in Salesforce, ensuring records are always up to date.
Workflow Automation – Maintenance schedules, check-in/check-out processes, and compliance alerts can be automated, reducing manual effort.
Comprehensive Reporting & Analytics – Salesforce provides dashboards and reports to analyze asset utilization, trends, and inventory needs.
User Access Control – Businesses can restrict or grant asset access based on roles, improving security and accountability.
Scalability & Customization – Whether tracking a few hundred or thousands of assets, the system scales while allowing customization to meet specific business needs.
Step 5: Train Employees on Barcode Scanning
For barcode tracking to be effective, employees must understand how to use the system correctly. Training should cover:
How to scan barcodes with mobile or handheld scanners
Steps for updating asset status within Salesforce
Best practices for maintaining barcode labels and preventing damage
Troubleshooting common scanning issues
Providing clear guidelines ensures that staff can quickly adopt barcode scanning into daily operations.
Step 6: Monitor and Optimize the System
Once barcode tracking is in place, businesses should regularly evaluate its performance. Key areas to monitor include:
Scanning accuracy – Identifying and resolving misreads or label damage
Asset movement trends – Analyzing data to optimize asset allocation
Compliance and audits – Ensuring records align with regulatory requirements
User feedback – Gathering input from employees to refine workflows
Ongoing optimization helps maximize the efficiency of barcode-based asset tracking.
The Future of Barcode-Based Asset Tracking
As organizations embrace digital transformation, barcode tracking continues to evolve. Advanced integrations, AI-powered analytics, and mobile accessibility further enhance asset management capabilities.
By implementing a barcode tracking system with Gimbal Barcode and Salesforce, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce asset losses, and streamline operations. Learn more about Gimbal Barcode on the Salesforce AppExchange.