Never Lose a Single Device Again – Asset Tracking with Zebra

Problem: Chaos in Equipment and Asset Management

In many companies, the process of borrowing, returning, and tracking equipment relies on Excel spreadsheets, email threads, or – worse – verbal agreements. As a result, it’s hard to say where a specific item currently is, who is using it, and when it’s supposed to be returned. When there are dozens or even hundreds of assets, chaos only increases.

Lack of asset control is not just an organisational issue – it’s a financial one. Lost or damaged equipment results in real losses that could easily be avoided with better oversight. What’s more, it becomes nearly impossible to plan the use of assets when no one knows what’s available and what’s currently “in use.”

Another key issue is accountability. Without a clear register, it’s difficult to determine who last used a device. This leads to internal tension, finger-pointing, and wasted time figuring out the facts.

In practice, many companies try to cope by maintaining manual logs, printing checklists, and asking employees for signatures. But this adds bureaucracy, doesn’t guarantee accuracy, and introduces multiple points of failure. Instead of improving efficiency, the system becomes part of the problem.

Importantly, this isn’t just a rental business problem. The same challenges affect service, production, and logistics teams who share tools, vehicles, or test equipment. Without a digital trail, no one knows where things are – or what condition they’re in.

Solution: Auto ID and RFID Systems from Zebra Technologies

The solution is simpler than it seems – automate asset tracking. With Zebra technology – based on barcode scanners, labels, and RFID – you can assign a unique identifier to every asset, from laptops and projectors to drills.

The system implemented by MANUCO enables instant scanning of equipment at checkout, linking it to a specific user and setting a return deadline. The whole process takes just seconds, and data is immediately sent to a digital register accessible via desktop or mobile app.

At return, scanning the barcode again marks the asset as available. If it’s not returned on time, the system sends automatic reminders. It also generates reports showing usage history, failure frequency, and asset utilisation over time.

In one project for a tech-event company, we created a system for tracking over 300 devices – from tripods to tablets. Before implementation, small but costly items often went missing after events. Today, every item is tracked, and the company has a full rental history. Lost assets dropped to zero, and the time needed to prepare gear for deployment was cut in half.

Zebra technologies also support RFID tags, which allow multiple assets to be scanned at once – no need to scan each item individually. This is especially useful for mass returns or fast inventory checks.

Why Zebra Technologies?

• Premium-grade industrial hardware – resistant to dust, drops, extreme temperatures.
• Wide range of devices – from simple scanners to Android-based mobile computers.
• RFID and barcodes – solutions tailored to various usage scenarios.
• Seamless integration with FileMaker, WMS, ERP systems – data flows to where you need it.
• Mobility and reliability – Zebra terminals work flawlessly in the field, warehouse, office, or even under a tent.

How MANUCO Helps

MANUCO is more than a hardware supplier – we design and implement complete Auto ID solutions using Zebra technology, from needs analysis to full IT system integration.

We develop custom asset management applications that work in real-time with Zebra devices. That means users don’t have to wonder “what and how to scan” – everything is intuitive, and data flows into the system automatically.

We also support clients with inventory audits, team training, and ongoing development. The result? Companies gain full control over their assets and make smarter decisions – based not on assumptions, but on real data.