Definition of Asset labels
An asset label is a self-adhesive device for marking home, office and field assets to assist in identification and management. They can also be a deterrent and prevention against theft, along with providing contact information to help with returning lost items.
Benefits of an asset label
i.) Prevent against equipment theft and loss of items
ii.) Allow for tracking of computers and laptops
iii.) Contents and business insurance may be discounted if items are correctly tagged
iv.) Help identify equipment and reunite with owner if it ends up in lost property
v.) Can be linked and logged on an asset register so that the items can be located and audited by type, model, make, MAC address, serial number, warranty dates and location.
vi.) Prevention of items being exchanged if they're not the actual item for insurance and warranty claims.
B) Types of asset labels
1) Vinyl Labels - these are at the economy and cheaper end of the market and provide basic / low protection. They are mainly used for non-valuable items and are easy to remove in one piece. They provide no security and are for very simple applications on low-value marking situations.
2) Premium labels - they have special adhesives and offer security as well as identification. They are typically durable, hard to remove and are usually easily identified if tampering or removal has been attempted.
2 i.) Frangible labels - these form the basis for ultimate protection (when combined with a separate over laminate shell). They have a relatively thin top layer which is combined with a very strong adhesive. When an attempt is made to remove these labels the adhesive is so strong that you can only pick tiny pieces of the label off. They are unable to be repositioned and the tiny pieces deform in such a way that makes it almost impossible to mask the fact that someone has tried to tamper with them, or attempted to remove them. The adhesive properties are also suited to grainy surfaces and, after 24 hours or more, bond very strongly to the surface they are applied to.
2 ii.) Voiding labels - these labels have a two-stage adhesive; where attempts are made at removal or tampering it is obvious that this has occurred by leaving a VOID residue of the label on the item it's affixed to and the label itself. If the label is tried to be replaced or repositioned it is instantly noticeable.
3) Premium with over-laminate protective shell - suitable for situations where scuffing and frequent handling occur. They offer protection of the premium labels, however have an additional protective shell that is especially good for portable items such as laptops, pda's, mobile phones, blackberry's, tablets, netbooks, etc. The clear layer still allows for all the printed information to be read along with barcode scanning, but is more resistant to the elements and rubbing in places such as cases, bags, pockets and general handling.
C) Instructions on how to prepare a surface, prior to applying an asset label
It is very important that when applying self-adhesive labels that an contaminates such as dirt, oil, water, etc are removed before application. Even the oil from fingerprints can cause the adhesive to not bond as well as designed. It is also important that the temperature is not too hot or cold. Ambient room temperature of 18 to 21 degrees celsius is ideal.
In order to make the surface and conditions ideal, please follow the simple steps in the guide below;
1) Make sure that you are in a warm room and the surfaces are not too hot or cold to the touch.
2) Try to choose a smooth surface with a high surface energy (surface energy is higher on glass or smoother surfaces, than rough or powder coated surfaces which have a low surface energy). Also make sure that the application area is larger than the label (these can be very difficult to remove, so we recommend you don't cause yourself too many issues at this early stage!). Curved, radius ed or rounded edges are OK, providing that the curvature is not too much. The labels should conform to the surface easily.
3) Wipe the surface of the equipment with an alcohol wipe and rub quite hard so that any contaminants are removed.
4) Dry the surface with a dry lint-free cloth or dry wipe to ensure that it has fully dried and no haze is left on the surface.
5) Remove the label from the glassine backing sheet, being careful not to touch the adhesive side of the label. Gently apply the narrowest edge of the label squarely to the prepared area and work from one side to the other, making sure that there are no creases or air bubbles. Once applied, firmly fun your finger, or ideally roller, over the surface of the label so that you are squeezing it onto the surface.
6) If you are applying an overlaminate protective layer - remove the laminate from the backing and use the same process of applying squarely to one end of the label. Finally run your finger over the top of the label so that it has reasonable pressure to stick strongly to the printed asset label beneath.
7) Wait! - Labels need time to cure and offer their full protection, a minimum of an hour will get an initial bond, but the adhesion gets better over time (24 hours or more, ideally 72 hours). The adhesive will harden over time and provide the best possible bond. Obviously the label will stick initially, but try to keep on for longer before use. This information is true for all types of adhesive labels.
