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Asset Tracking in the Field: By Scanning Barcodes

Learn how to track your equipment and tools for remote teams with barcode scanning.

For field service operations where multiple crews use an array of tools, equipment, and spare parts, it is crucial to track your assets as effectively as possible. Managing these resources by hand can be inaccurate and slow, and lost time is money. Barcode tracking is a low-cost, effective way to keep tabs on assets in real-time — even when teams are working from different remote locations.

The Significance of Asset Tracking in Field Service

Field service personnel often work in difficult conditions and must transport equipment and tools from job to job. With no clear tracking system plus a bevy of choices, resources can easily end up lost in the shuffle, overbooked, or in the dust. Be able to keep the right devices in the field. Less equipment missing. It’s not only about losing equipment but ensuring that they always have what they need when completing a job.

The Role of Barcode Scanning

Barcodes offer a quick and reliable means of asset identification and check-out. All the equipment is tagged with a unique barcode that can be read by any smartphone or barcode reader. Each time an item is checked out, shelved, or returned, the scan immediately updates its status in a central database.

There is no manual entry with this system, reducing the risk of human error and keeping asset records current. Technicians can be used to confirm equipment availability and find out where it is, via a mobile app, and managers are able to monitor use of assets in real-time from stocking level to physical usage.

physical usage.

Advantages of Barcodes for Field Asset Management

• Improved Accuracy: Through barcode scanning, more accurate data is captured, decreasing the possibility of administrative errors.

• Instant Visibility: Track equipment statuses and locations in real-time from any device.

• Decreased Loss and Theft: When you know who borrowed something, it significantly reduces the chances people will lose or steal things.

• Quick Action: It only takes seconds to scan, which is so much more convenient than writing stuff down.

• Simple Integration: Barcode systems are easy to integrate into pre-existing inventory or maintenance programs.

Implementing a Barcode-Based System

To begin, every asset needs to be tagged with a ruggedized barcode tag that can withstand outdoors or mechanical conditions. Then, pick a software system that enables mobile barcode scanning and real-time connection to your asset management database. Teaching your technicians to asset scan at check-in and check-out. No matter who’s checking the equipment in or out, you’ll always have accurate information.


Field service offers convenience for the field service sector in managing assets simply and effectively with barcode scanning. It helps prevent losses, increases accountability, and keeps operations flowing smoothly — regardless of how far your teams travel. For low cost, barcode technology can change the way you keep track of field equipment.


Ready to get started?

Integrate the DataSymbol.com and BarcodeTools.com into your application in under an hour. Check out our tutorials, documentation, source code, or download the demo app to get started right away.


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