Asset Tags For Dummies

Asset tags are a necessary evil in an IT environment. Well, in one that has a clue. Imagine an organization that doesn’t have asset tags on their laptops. Now, imagine someone on staff selling those laptops on eBay. You might laugh. It happens far too often. As a result “most” organizations use some sort of asset tag. But, even then an organization can invariably figure out a way to mess up something that simple.

Case in point. I was riding the train home from work when I spotted someone from a company called Canadian Tire. The person in question had their laptop open and were working away madly none the wiser that I could see their access card on a lanyard.

There it was. Glistening in the sunlight. The asset tag with a GREAT BIG LOGO.

(Image used under CC from eltham_mob)

Now, if I were a ne’er do well I would now have a prime target to social or what have you. Long and the short being that this organization has put their employees in the crosshairs by shortening the distance between safe and boneheaded in one easy sticker. I almost wonder if this is akin to male cat wandering around its neighbourhood pissing on everything in sight. All the while thinking to himself, “that’s mine, that’s mine, oooh nice, that’s mine”.

Organizations need to take a little more time to consider what they’re doing when they slap their logo on every available surface. Many people work away on their laptops on the train, in coffee shops et cetera. Why would you want to draw attention to them by making it obvious as to where they worked? Why would you want to potentially put your employee in jeopardy?

It doesn’t make sense to have an asset tag that clearly identifies the company on a laptop lid or similar mobile asset. If there really is a need to do so something like a QR-Code could be used instead.

If you’re of a mind to have an asset tag (good idea) you should not skimp on the cost here. I have seen the absolutely moronic and ill conceived rollout of asset tags that, not only identified the company but, peeled of very easily leaving no trace.

Um, yeah, WTF?

Here’s an example of what an asset tag should leave behind if its removed.

Notice the residual pattern? An ordinary sticker just won’t cut it.

Asset tags are a necessary item to track your corporate resources but, for the love of all that’s good and holy, do it right.