At System ID, we sell a lot of asset tags in every size, shape, color, and material. And trust us—it can be hard for customers to determine which
asset tag (asset label) is best for their applications. That’s why manufacturers like
Zebra,
Datamax-O’Neil, and
Honeywell Intermec produce a wide array of
barcode labels in several types of different materials. This vast selection enables companies to efficiently track nearly every type of fixed asset, from office equipment and furniture to heavy equipment and manufacturing parts.
To help you select
the right labeling solution, here is a list of the most common asset tags and their preferred applications by material type. You may choose standard in-stock sizes, which we can
preprint with colors, text, and graphics such as your company logo and address. Or, you can opt for a completely
customized label or tag in any shape or size. There are literally hundreds of materials, adhesives, and treatments available to fit any application. So, if you need something specific,
give us a call.
Metalized matte silver polyester, 2 mil
Purpose: To track business assets
Environment: Harsh indoor environments
Metalized matte silver polyester labels work well in harsh conditions and offer an affordable option to anodized metal tags.
Benefits:
- More affordable than metal tags
- Resistant to heat, tearing, abrasion, and stretch
- Heat-resistance up to 303°F
- Flexible (similar to that of aluminum foil tags)
- UL-recognized with specific color foils
- Optional harsh environment laminate offers better value than anodized metal tags
Applications:
- Industrial applications where labels may be subjected to physical stress or heat
- Office furniture, including desks, cabinets, and chairs
- Office equipment, such as phones, laptops, computers, and monitors
Important: Because this tag is metalized, it will conduct electricity; therefore, do not use it on the backs of printed circuit boards with electrical contacts.
Note: This tag does not include theft-deterrent features.
Adhesive:
- Permanent
- One of the best for Low Surface Energy (LSE) plastics
Surfaces:
- Smooth, flat
- Doesn’t conform to uneven or curved surfaces
Options:
Gloss white polyester, 2 mil
Purpose: To track business assets and personal property
Environment: Indoors and outdoors
Gloss white polyester labels are the most affordable asset tag and are perfect for tracking office equipment and furniture.
Benefits:
- Most affordable asset tag
- Resistant to heat, tearing, abrasion, and stretch
- Heat-resistance up to 303°F
- UL-recognized with specific color foils
- Optional premium harsh environment laminate expands label use
Note: This tag does not include theft-deterrent features.
Applications:
- Office furniture, including desks, cabinets, and chairs
- Office equipment, such as phones, laptops, computers, and monitors
Adhesive:
- Permanent
- One of the best for Low Surface Energy (LSE) plastics
Surfaces:
- Smooth, flat
- Doesn’t conform to uneven or curved surfaces
Options:
Security silver VOID polyester, 2 mil
Purpose: To track and prevent the theft of business assets
Environment: Indoors and outdoors
The affordable security silver VOID polyester tags prevent theft by displaying the word "void" if the label is removed.
Benefits:
- Most affordable theft-deterrent, tamper-proof asset tag
- Prevents theft and fraud
- Durable
- Affordable alternative for destructible reflective vinyl asset tags
- Optional laminates do not impact security
Applications:
- Office equipment that requires tamper-resistant protection, such as computers, monitors, laptops, routers, and servers
Adhesive:
- Permanent
- Unique adhesive; the word “Void” appears on the applied surface and material if removed
Note: Once removed, this label cannot be reapplied.
Surfaces:
- Smooth, flat
- Doesn’t conform to uneven or curved surfaces
Options:
Destructible reflective white vinyl, 7 mil
Purpose: To track and prevent the theft of business assets
Environment: Indoors and outdoors
Desstructible reflective white vinyl tags tear apart when attempting to remove them, thereby preventing fraud.
Benefits:
- Best solution for preventing fraud; label tears apart when attempting to remove it
- Extremely durable
- Very opaque
- Outdoor rating of seven years
- Optional laminates negate durability
- An affordable option to 8 mil anodized metal asset tags
Applications:
- Office equipment that requires tamper-resistant protection, such as computers, monitors, laptops, routers, and servers
Adhesive:
Note: Once removed, this label cannot be reapplied.
Surfaces:
- Corrugated or moderately irregular surfaces
Options:
LexSaver plus, 10 mil, white
Purpose: To track and prevent the theft of industrial business assets
Environment: Indoors and outdoors
Resistant to abrasion and tears in industrial environments, LexSaver plus asset tags are one of the best for low surface energy (LSE) plastics and oily metals.
Benefits:
- Resistant to heat, tearing, abrasion, and stretch
- Ultra-durable
- Has UV-resistant polypropylene protective coating with embossed velvet finish
- Outdoor rating of seven years
Applications:
- Industrial items that are subject to physical stress, such as power boxes, construction equipment, power tools, lawn equipment, and ladders
Adhesive:
- Permanent
- One of the best for Low Surface Energy (LSE) plastics and oily metals
Surfaces:
- Smooth, flat
- Doesn’t conform to uneven surfaces
Options:
Anodized aluminum foil
Purpose: To track business assets
Environment: Harsh outdoor environments
Anodized aluminum foil asset tags conform to most surfaces and are one of the most durable tags around, making them ideal for extended outdoor use.
Benefits:
- Most durable asset tag (foil barcode label) for extended outdoor use
- Resistant to chemicals, solvents, abrasion, and high temperatures
- Flexible; conforms to most surfaces
- UL-recognized with specific color foils
- Various thicknesses available
- Comes with or without adhesives and/or holes
Applications:
- Industrial items that are subject to physical stress, such as freight cars, containers, farm equipment, tools, forklifts, gym equipment, vending machines, air conditioners, machinery, road signs, and motorcycles
Adhesive:
Surfaces:
- Conforms to most surfaces, including curved ones
Note: The thicker the aluminum, the less label conformance and flexibility.
Options:
Want to learn more?
See “
Best Barcode Labels for Manufacturing,” or refer to the
System ID Barcode Printing Guide.
