If you’ve been referred to PolyLabel or seen the product names and need to get your bearings, this guide lays out the whole family in one place. There are six core products across two families — one built for plain durability, one built to show tampering — all in the $135–$495 range, all customisable with your logo, text, and sequential barcode numbering.

You don’t need to memorise the lineup. Each product solves one clear problem, and they sort neatly into two groups. Below, every product gets a card with its mechanism, price range, and the use case it’s built for — and a comparison table puts all six side by side so you can scan straight to the one you need.

Two families at a glance

The quickest way to orient yourself: decide whether you need a label that simply stays on, or one that leaves evidence when someone tries to remove it.

• The PolyAsset family (durability): permanent identifiers that resist handling, chemicals, and abrasion. No tamper signal — they’re meant to last, not to self-destruct. PolyAsset Platinum, PolyAsset White.
• The tamper-evident family (security): labels that leave a deliberate signal — residue, destruction, or a pattern — when tampered with. PolyVoid, PolyBreak, PolyCheck Chrome, PolyCheck Platinum.

Here’s the whole family in one view:

The PolyAsset family — durability

Extra-durable polyester (mylar) asset labels with a permanent, heavy-duty adhesive. These are the workhorses for identifying and tracking equipment that you want labelled for its whole service life.

Neither version leaves a tamper signal — if someone removes one, it simply comes off. The value is in how rarely that happens, and in how well the printed barcode and serial survive cleaning and abrasion in the meantime.

The tamper-evident family — PolyVoid, PolyBreak, PolyCheck

These labels are built to make tampering obvious. Each leaves a different signal, suited to a different security or compliance need. (For help choosing among them, see the full decision framework in Tamper-Evident Asset Labels.)

The three differ in the signal they leave behind. PolyVoid leaves lasting “VOID” residue as evidence. PolyBreak destroys itself so it can’t be moved to another asset. PolyCheck shows a checkerboard pattern that deters tampering on visible, high-value equipment. Matching the signal to your need — evidence, non-transferability, or deterrence — is the whole decision.

Why these are two families, not one label

It’s reasonable to ask why PolyLabel doesn’t sell a single label that does everything. The answer is that durability and tamper-evidence are opposite engineering goals. A PolyAsset label is built to bond permanently and survive years of handling — the last thing you want is for it to lift or break. A PolyBreak label is built to do exactly that: fracture the instant anyone touches it. No single material can be optimised for both “never comes off” and “destroys itself on contact.”

So the family you choose follows from one question: do you want the label to last, or to react? Durability problems point to the PolyAsset family; security and compliance problems point to PolyVoid, PolyBreak, or PolyCheck. Most organisations end up using both — durable labels for general equipment, tamper-evident labels for the assets that warrant them.

Which family do you need?

If you’re identifying and tracking equipment and simply want the label to last, you’re in PolyAsset territory — and Asset Tags vs Asset Labels walks through choosing the right durable label. If you need a label to prove or deter tampering, you’re in PolyVoid / PolyBreak / PolyCheck territory, and Tamper-Evident Asset Labels maps each signal to its scenario.

Tagging school devices specifically? See School Asset Tags and the school asset labels range.

How to order from PolyLabel

Every product in both families is made to order in Canada, with the same customisation options:

• Branding and data — your logo, custom text, and sequential barcode numbering on any of the six.
• Proofs — layouts emailed for approval before production, so you confirm the design and numbering range first.
• Samples — with enough lead time, physical samples can be mailed so you can test durability or the tamper signal on a real asset.
• Pricing — all six core products fall in the $135–$495 range depending on size and quantity; variants are chosen on each product page.

Ordering for more than one use case — say, durable PolyAsset labels for general equipment and PolyVoid for audited inventory — is fine; specify each product and its numbering separately in the same order.

Common questions

Why do all six products share the same $135–$495 range?

Price tracks size and quantity rather than the security mechanism, so a durable PolyAsset and a tamper-evident PolyVoid of the same dimensions and run size cost the same. You choose the variant and quantity on each product page.

Can I combine durable and tamper-evident labels in one order?

Yes. Many buyers tag general equipment with PolyAsset and reserve PolyVoid, PolyBreak, or PolyCheck for the assets that need a tamper signal. Specify each product and its numbering separately.

Which should I start from?

The use case, not the popularity. PolyAsset for everyday durability; PolyVoid and PolyCheck for security and compliance. If you’re unsure, request samples and test them in your own environment before ordering a full run.

For a security or compliance buyer, the question is rarely “do I need a tamper-evident label?” — it’s “what do I need the label to do when someone interferes with it?” Different situations call for different tamper signals. An audit needs proof that a label was disturbed. A chain-of-custody process needs a label that can’t be lifted and reapplied. A high-value asset in a shared space needs a visible deterrent that says, plainly, that tampering will show.

PolyLabel produces three distinct tamper-evident mechanisms for exactly these scenarios: VOID residue (PolyVoid), total destruction (PolyBreak), and a visible checkerboard pattern (PolyCheck). This guide matches each one to the compliance and security situation it’s built for, with a decision tree at the end to make the choice quick.

The three tamper signals

Every tamper-evident label works by leaving an irreversible signal when removal is attempted. The differences are in what signal it leaves and whether the label can be reapplied afterward — and those differences map directly to different compliance needs.

It helps to think in terms of two properties: the evidence a label leaves, and whether it can be reused after removal. An audit cares most about evidence that lasts. A chain-of-custody process cares most that a label can never be transferred to another item. A deterrence use case cares most that tampering is visible at a glance. Each PolyLabel mechanism is optimised for one of these.

PolyVoid — VOID residue for audit and compliance

PolyVoid White is a white polyester (mylar) tamper-evident label that leaves the word “VOID” behind — both on the surface it was stuck to and on the label itself — the moment it’s lifted. The evidence is unambiguous and stays visible, which is exactly what an audit trail needs.

Best for: situations where you need durable, lasting evidence that tampering occurred. That includes serialised inventory subject to audit, evidence chain-of-custody where a reviewer checks the label later, and regulatory-compliance contexts where you must be able to demonstrate whether an asset or container was opened. PolyVoid also carries extra durability for outdoor use. $135–$495.

A typical PolyVoid case: a finance team serialises every laptop and applies a PolyVoid label across a screw or seam. At audit time, an intact label confirms the asset hasn’t been opened or swapped; a “VOID” marking flags it for investigation. Because the evidence doesn’t fade, it holds up between annual reviews.

PolyBreak — total destruction for chain-of-custody

PolyBreak White Destructible is a white, semi-gloss destructible polyester with a very aggressive, solvent-based adhesive. It doesn’t peel — it fractures, breaking apart into small pieces at any attempt at removal. There is no clean lift, and crucially, the label cannot be reconstructed or reapplied to another asset.

Best for: evidence chain-of-custody and any process where a label being moved to a different item would defeat the control. Legal evidence handling, regulated transport, and serialised components that must never be swapped between units are the classic cases. If your requirement is “this label must be impossible to transfer,” PolyBreak is the mechanism. $135–$495.

A typical PolyBreak case: a regulated component is sealed before transport, and the receiving site must be certain the seal on arrival is the original. Because PolyBreak shatters on any removal attempt and can’t be reconstructed, a clean, intact label is itself the proof of an unbroken chain.

PolyCheck — visible checkerboard for high-value deterrence

The PolyCheck Chrome and PolyCheck Platinum labels are durable polyester produced in two parts, with an adhesive that leaves a distinctive checkerboard pattern across both the surface and the label when it’s tampered with or removed. The metallic finish makes the label look official and high-security, which is a deterrent in itself — it signals to anyone considering removal that the attempt will be obvious.

Best for: high-value asset deterrence in shared or semi-public spaces — expensive equipment in open offices, shared labs, or assets that transfer between locations and need a visible “do not tamper” marker. Both finishes are $135–$495.

One procurement note: PolyCheck Chrome should not be used with barcodes. Its highly reflective surface interferes with scanning. If you need both a tamper-evident checkerboard and a scannable barcode, specify PolyCheck Platinum instead.

A typical PolyCheck case: high-value AV or lab equipment shared across departments. The checkerboard pattern and metallic finish make any removal attempt immediately visible to the next user, which deters casual tampering and asset “borrowing” without a formal transfer.

Matching the product to the scenario

A lower-cost option: stock Tamper Seals

The PolyVoid, PolyBreak, and PolyCheck labels above are fully customisable asset labels — your logo, custom text, and serialised barcodes. If you simply need small, pre-printed seals to deter and signal unauthorised opening — on cartons, components, or equipment panels — the dedicated Tamper Seals line is an inexpensive alternative. Tamper Seal Chrome uses a chrome checkered-pattern release, and Tamper Seal White is a white destructible, both in a compact 3/8″ × 1″ format from $50–$200. They trade customisation for a lower price point and fast availability.

What to specify when you order

Whichever signal you choose, a few decisions shape how well the label performs in your process:

• Surface and adhesive. Tell us what the label sticks to — metal, plastic, powder-coat, glass. PolyBreak’s aggressive solvent-based adhesive behaves differently from PolyVoid’s, and the right match affects how cleanly the tamper signal triggers.
• Serialisation. Set your numbering range up front so each label ties to one record. Sequential numbers keep reconciliation and audit straightforward.
• Barcode format. If you scan, specify the symbology (Code 128 and Code 39 are widely supported) — and remember PolyCheck Chrome’s reflective surface rules out barcodes, so use Platinum if you need one.
• Size and placement. The label has to sit across the seam, screw, or join you want protected. Smaller seals suit components; larger labels suit equipment faces.

PolyLabel emails proofs for approval and, with lead time, mails physical samples — test the tamper signal on a real asset before you order a full run.

Buyer’s decision tree

Work through these questions in order and you’ll land on the right product:

1. Must the label be impossible to move to another asset? → PolyBreak White Destructible. It self-destructs and can’t be reapplied.
2. Do you need lasting, readable evidence that tampering happened (for an audit or reviewer)? → PolyVoid White. The “VOID” residue stays visible.
3. Is the goal to deter tampering on high-value, visible equipment? → PolyCheck. Choose Platinum if you also need a scannable barcode, Chrome if you don’t.
4. Do you just need cheap, pre-printed seals without custom branding? → Tamper Seals (Chrome or White).

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between tamper-evident and tamper-proof?

No label is truly tamper-proof — a determined person can damage almost anything. “Tamper-evident” is the accurate term: the label makes tampering obvious, either by leaving residue (PolyVoid), destroying itself (PolyBreak), or showing a pattern (PolyCheck). The value is in the evidence and deterrence, not in making removal physically impossible.

Can tamper-evident labels carry our logo and serial numbers?

Yes. PolyVoid, PolyBreak, and PolyCheck are produced with your logo, custom text, and sequential barcode numbering — with the one exception that PolyCheck Chrome’s reflective surface isn’t suitable for barcodes, so use PolyCheck Platinum if you need both.

Which one do I choose for regulatory compliance?

It depends on what the regulation requires you to demonstrate. If you must show evidence that a seal was disturbed, PolyVoid’s lasting residue is usually the fit. If the control depends on a label never being transferable, PolyBreak’s total destruction is the safer choice. When in doubt, request samples of both and test against your specific process.

Do tamper-evident labels work on curved or textured surfaces?

They can, but the surface matters. A clean, reasonably smooth area gives the most reliable tamper signal and the strongest bond. Heavily textured, oily, or very small curved surfaces can compromise both adhesion and the evenness of the VOID or checkerboard pattern. If your application is awkward, request samples and test placement before ordering.

Get the right tamper-evident label

Browse the tamper-evident lineup — PolyVoid White, PolyBreak White Destructible, PolyCheck Chrome, and PolyCheck Platinum — or the lower-cost Tamper Seals. PolyLabel can email proofs for approval and, with enough lead time, mail physical samples so you can test the tamper signal against your own process before ordering.

New to the terminology? Start with Asset Tags vs Asset Labels. Want the full product family at a glance? See the visual guide to the PolyLabel security label family.

If you’re setting up asset tracking for the first time, the terminology trips people up immediately. One vendor quotes “asset tags,” your finance team writes “asset labels” on the requisition, and a barcode supplier calls them “property tags.” It’s rarely clear whether these are three different products or one product described three ways.

The short answer: in modern practice the terms are largely interchangeable, but there are subtle distinctions worth understanding before you spend a purchase order on the wrong thing. This guide defines each term in plain language, shows when each applies, and points you to the durable labels most businesses actually need.

What is an asset tag?

An asset tag is a self-adhesive identifier applied to a physical asset so it can be tracked and identified through its working life. It almost always carries a unique serial number, and usually a barcode or QR code, so the item can be scanned into an asset register rather than recorded by hand.

The word “tag” carries some history. For decades, an asset tag often meant a rugged, sometimes rigid identifier — anodised aluminium plates riveted or adhered to machinery. That association still lingers, which is why “tag” tends to imply durability and permanence. Today, though, the term covers durable polyester adhesive labels just as readily as metal plates.

What is an asset label?

An asset label is functionally the same thing: an adhesive label applied to an asset to identify and track it. The word “label” simply emphasises the medium — a printed, adhesive-backed film — rather than the role. In day-to-day B2B procurement, “asset label” and “asset tag” describe the same item, and most suppliers (PolyLabel included) use them interchangeably.

So is there actually a difference?

For practical purposes, no — not for the polyester labels most organisations buy. The distinction that remains is one of emphasis and, occasionally, form:

• “Tag” leans toward the identifier and its permanence. Some suppliers still reserve it for rigid or metal-plate identifiers.
• “Label” leans toward the flexible, printed adhesive medium that conforms to a curved or textured surface.

What matters far more than the word on the quote is the material and the adhesive. A cheap paper “asset tag” will fail faster than a quality polyester “asset label,” regardless of what either is called. So the real procurement question isn’t “tag or label?” — it’s “what is it made of, and will it survive where I’m putting it?”

Asset tag vs asset label: a side-by-side

Other terms you’ll hear for the same thing

A few more names cover the same product family, so you can decode any quote that lands on your desk:

• Property tag — common in government, education, and public-sector procurement; identical in function to an asset tag.
• Inventory label or equipment label — emphasise the tracking purpose; the same adhesive polyester product.
• Barcode label — describes the data on the label rather than the label itself; any asset tag carrying a scannable code qualifies.

None of these names changes what you should buy. They all point to a durable, serialised, adhesive identifier — and the differences that actually matter are still material, adhesive, and whether it carries a barcode.

What actually matters: material, adhesive, and barcode

Whatever you call them, three things determine whether your labels do their job:

• Material. Polyester (mylar) is the durable standard — it resists moisture, abrasion, and cleaning chemicals where paper and vinyl fail. PolyLabel’s PolyAsset labels are an extra-durable polyester in either a metallic Platinum or a White semi-gloss finish.
• Adhesive. A permanent, heavy-duty adhesive that bonds to the plastics and painted metals your assets are made of, so labels don’t lift at the corner.
• Barcode and serial. A scannable barcode (Code 128 and Code 39 are the common, widely-readable choices) plus sequential numbering ties each label to one record and removes manual-entry errors.

If your assets live somewhere demanding — outdoors, in a lab with solvents, or in constant handling — say so when you order. The right material and adhesive for a climate-controlled office differ from what survives a loading dock, and matching the label to its environment is what separates a five-year label from a five-month one.

What information goes on an asset label?

Once you’ve settled on the label itself, decide what it carries. A typical business asset label includes:

• A unique asset ID or serial number — the anchor for your asset register, ideally sequential so no two labels collide.
• A barcode or QR code encoding that ID, so the asset scans into your system instead of being keyed in by hand.
• Your organisation name or logo — for recognition and, in theft cases, as a clear ownership marker.
• Optional return text — a “Property of [organisation]” line on portable equipment.

PolyLabel prints all of this to order and can email a proof before production, so you confirm the layout, barcode format, and numbering range before committing to a run.

Choosing between PolyAsset Platinum and PolyAsset White

For most businesses, the durable, non-tamper PolyAsset line is the right starting point. The choice between its two finishes comes down to handling and budget:

• PolyAsset Platinum — the premium option, with a metallic/aluminium finish that hides scuffs and reads as an official, permanent identifier. Best for high-handling or high-value equipment. $135–$495.
• PolyAsset White — the cost-effective standard, a white semi-gloss polyester for stationary equipment where you want durability without the premium finish. $135–$495.

What if you need the label to show tampering?

PolyAsset labels are built to stay on — they’re permanent identifiers, not security seals. If your requirement is different, where you need the label to leave evidence that someone tried to remove or alter it, that’s a separate product family: tamper-evident labels. Those are the right choice for audits, chain-of-custody, and high-value asset deterrence. We cover how to choose among them in Tamper-Evident Asset Labels: When You Need PolyVoid, PolyBreak, or PolyCheck.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need barcodes on my asset labels?

For anything beyond a handful of items, yes. A scannable barcode or QR code lets you check assets in and out in seconds and eliminates transcription errors. If you’re starting fresh, Code 128 or Code 39 are safe, widely-supported formats; if you already scan existing labels, match the format you have.

What material is best for asset labels?

Polyester (mylar) for almost every business case. It withstands moisture, abrasion, and cleaning chemicals far better than paper or vinyl, and it’s available in finishes (metallic or white) to suit the asset. Anodised aluminium plates exist for extreme industrial settings, but polyester covers the vast majority of office, IT, lab, and equipment uses.

How long should asset labels last?

A quality polyester label with a permanent adhesive and a protective topcoat should last the full service life of the asset — many years. When cheaper labels fail early, it’s almost always the adhesive lifting or the print wearing off, not the asset outliving the label.

Where to start

If you’re tagging general business or IT equipment, the PolyAsset Platinum and PolyAsset White lines cover most needs, with your logo, custom text, and sequential barcode numbering included. If you’re tagging school devices specifically, start with our school asset labels range and the companion guide, School Asset Tags: Choosing Durable Labels for Chromebooks, Tablets, and Lab Equipment.

Not sure which finish suits your assets? Request a physical sample and test it in your own environment before committing to a run.

Want a tour of the full lineup by name? See our visual guide to the PolyLabel security label family.

If you run IT or procurement for a school or district, you already know the problem with most asset tags: they don’t survive the building. A label that looks fine on the purchase order peels off a Chromebook lid by October, smears under a disinfectant wipe, or wears illegible after a term of sliding in and out of a charging cart. When the tag fails, so does the inventory record behind it — and that surfaces at exactly the wrong moment, during an audit or an end-of-year reconciliation.

This guide covers the three ways school asset tags actually fail in the field, what to look for in a durable replacement, and how the two PolyAsset variants map to the two categories of equipment every school buys for: high-handling student devices and stationary lab gear.

Why most school asset tags don’t last a school year

Generic office-supply labels are built for filing cabinets, not for 1,200 students. Three failure modes account for nearly every illegible or missing tag we see returned from school environments.

1. Students peel them off

Movable devices live in hands all day. A corner that lifts even slightly becomes a target, and a paper or thin-film label with weak adhesive will be gone within weeks. For a 1:1 Chromebook or tablet programme, this is the single most common reason inventory drifts out of sync — the device is still in service, but its identity is in a wastebasket.

The fix is a polyester face stock with a permanent, high-tack adhesive that bonds hard to the device casing and resists the lifted-corner problem in the first place. PolyAsset labels are produced on a durable polyester mylar specifically so the bond outlasts the curiosity.

2. Cleaning chemicals lift the print and adhesive

Schools wipe down shared devices constantly — alcohol, quaternary disinfectants, and general-purpose cleaners. Many label inks and laminates aren’t rated for repeated chemical contact. The barcode greys out, the serial number ghosts, and a scanner can no longer read what’s left.

A school asset tag needs a chemical-resistant topcoat over the printed data so the barcode and serial survive routine cleaning. This is the difference between a label that’s still scannable in year three and one that needs replacing — and re-recording — every year.

3. Trays, carts, and lab benches abrade the surface

Even stationary equipment takes a beating. Chromebooks slide in and out of charging trays dozens of times a week, and the friction sands down anything sitting proud of the casing. In labs, tags meet solvents, heat, and the constant scuff of shared workstations. A semi-gloss or metallic polyester face handles this abrasion far better than coated paper, which frays at the edges and then delaminates.

What “durable” actually means for a school asset tag

When you’re comparing options, four attributes determine whether a tag lasts the life of the device:

• Face material. Polyester (mylar) is the baseline for durability. PolyAsset uses an extra-durable polyester in either a metallic/aluminium Platinum finish or a White semi-gloss finish. Both resist tearing, moisture, and abrasion in a way paper and vinyl don’t.
• Adhesive. A permanent acrylic adhesive that bonds to plastic, painted metal, and powder-coated surfaces — the materials Chromebooks, carts, and lab equipment are actually made of.
• Print protection. A topcoat or laminate over thermal-transfer or laser-printed data, so barcodes and serials survive wipes and handling.
• Variable data. Sequential serial numbers and a scannable barcode (1D or QR), printed at the factory, so every tag is unique and tied to one asset record. PolyAsset tags can carry your logo, custom text, and serialised barcode numbering as standard.

Match those four against any quote you receive. If a vendor can’t speak to adhesive type and print protection specifically, the tag is likely built for an office, not a school.

PolyAsset Platinum vs PolyAsset White: which fits where

Both PolyAsset variants are extra-durable polyester asset labels in the same $135–$495 range, so the decision isn’t about quality tiers — it’s about matching finish and budget to where the tag will live.

PolyAsset Platinum — for high-handling devices

PolyAsset Platinum is the choice for anything that moves with a student. The metallic finish does two jobs: it stands up to the daily abrasion of charging trays and bags, and it reads as a permanent, official identifier — which measurably reduces the urge to pick at it. For a 1:1 Chromebook deployment or a tablet cart that circulates between classrooms, Platinum is the tag that’s still on the device, and still scannable, at refresh time.

PolyAsset White — for stationary equipment

PolyAsset White is the cost-effective workhorse for equipment that lives in one room. Microscopes, AV carts, projectors, and benchtop lab instruments don’t face the same constant handling as a student laptop, so the white semi-gloss polyester gives you the same chemical and abrasion resistance without paying for the metallic finish. When you’re tagging an entire science wing or a media-services inventory, the per-tag savings add up while durability stays where it needs to be.

A quick procurement framework

If you want a default rule for your purchasing team:

• Goes home, goes in a bag, or rides in a cart → PolyAsset Platinum.
• Stays bolted to a bench or lives in one room → PolyAsset White.
• High theft risk or moves between sites → consider a tamper seal instead, where you need evidence that an asset was interfered with.

Standardising on one variant per category keeps reordering simple and your inventory data consistent across the district.

Frequently asked questions

Do school asset tags need barcodes?

For any inventory of meaningful size, yes. A scannable barcode or QR code lets staff check devices in and out in seconds and eliminates the transcription errors that come with typing serials by hand. PolyAsset tags can be produced with sequential barcode numbering tied to your asset register.

How long should school asset tags last?

A durable polyester tag with a protective topcoat should last the full service life of the device — typically the three-to-five-year refresh cycle for Chromebooks and longer for lab equipment. The failure point on cheaper tags is almost always the print or the adhesive, not the deployment.

Will the labels survive disinfectant and alcohol wipes?

The polyester face and protective topcoat are built for repeated cleaning. That’s the whole point of specifying a topcoat over the printed data — the barcode and serial stay readable after routine wipe-downs.

Can we add our school logo and sequential numbering?

Yes. PolyAsset tags are customised with your logo, custom text, and serialised barcode numbers, and proofs can be emailed for approval before production.

Order school asset tags built for the building

PolyLabel manufactures durable asset tags for Canadian and US schools, with custom logos, sequential numbering, and fast turnaround. Browse the school asset labels range, or go straight to the two variants most districts standardise on:

• PolyAsset Platinum — for Chromebooks, tablets, and any device that moves.
• PolyAsset White — the cost-effective choice for stationary lab and AV equipment.

Not sure which finish fits your fleet? Request a physical sample and put it through your own charging trays and cleaning routine before you commit.

New to asset tagging? Start with Asset Tags vs Asset Labels: What’s the Difference to get the terminology straight, then see the full lineup in our visual guide to the PolyLabel security label family.

Tamper-evident is defined as a process or device that detects unauthorized or illegal access to any protected object. Tamper-evident seal or label has 1 or more barriers or indicators to entry. If any one of these seals is missing or breached, it notifies the potential users and provides visible evidence of tampering.

This additional step of including TEL or tamper-evident labels to your product proves that you are concerned about your integrity of the product. It is important to note that the tamper-evident seals should not contain critical information about the product.
You can safeguard your customers and your items in several ways. Below, there is a list of 5 uses of tamper-evident labels that may be beneficial for your business.

Uses of Tamper Evident Labels

1. Bags and Jar Seals

These tamper-evident seals or labels are found wrapped around jar tops which prove that the product is unopened and sealed. This offers peace of mind to buyers when they buy a product. In the case of jars, a tamper-evident label is placed from one end of it to another. It also seals a bag from one side to another. The tamper-evident label adds extra value to the product.

2. Safety Tabs

This method of tamper-evident labeling involves fixing perforated tabs to the product labels. The additional label material overlaps with the opening or lid of the product. Once the perforation safety tabs are ripped, it indicates the tampering of the product. This kind of labeling is mostly used in lip balms and other similar cosmetic products and it helps the customers to check if the product has been unsealed or opened before purchasing it. Various tamper-evident labels can be used for both oval and round tubes and they are available in multiple colors and materials that suit the products’ requirements, styles, and brandings.

3. Void Labels

Silver void tamper-evident labels cover a huge series of products. The material is specially designed and it appears as a metallic silver seal. If the seal is removed, a secondary coating of silver label remains on the product. Several shapes and sizes of void labels are available and you can add any information on it, such as dates, messages, ingredients, etc.

4. Shrink Bands

This tamper-evident label is the most commonly used packaging technique. The shrink bands are generally used in food packaging, medical products, and cosmetics. They are available in several finishes and colors, and they are applied by using a normal heat source.

5. Induction Seals

These tamper-evident labels are mostly found in bottles and containers. A material lid made of wax, aluminum, plastic, and paper pulp, is placed on the top of pill bottles or containers to seal it. The seals are generally used on food, liquid, and drug containers and for products having an extended shelf-life. If the induction seal has tampered, it alerts the users about the potential damage, usage or changes to the product before purchase or consumption.

Uses of Tamper Evident Labels Summary

To sum up, the benefits of using tamper-evident labels are that it preserves product integrity, especially in the case of various perishable consumer items such as food and medicines. Seals are also used to gain customer trust and help brands generate market reputation by guaranteeing quality. Tamper-evident labels also help companies track down issues of product tampering feasibly without hampering their delivery chain.

At PolyLabel.com we have a number of products ideal for Tamper Evident Labeling. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact us at 519-743-3422, where our team can answer your questions on Tamper Evident Labels. If you prefer you can also contact us via our online form.

Using bar codes however save a lot of time. They speed up the process of data entry as well as reduce the possibility of errors while doing so. Asset tags include the company logo and are usually red, blue or black in color, making them easier to spot.

Asset tags are commonly made using anodized aluminum or polyester. More than 80% of asset tags are made with anodized aluminum and are chemically treated, to provide a durable texture. Polyester is used for making lower budget tags.

Today, asset tagging is used in a wide number of industries. Starting from schools, governments, medical labs, manufacturing companies to wineries, asset tags have become an integral part of our lives.  Here is some information on how to asset tag equipment.

How are Asset Tags used with Equipment?

How to Asset Tag Equipment

• Tracking – Asset tags are used to track the equipment they are tagged on. With the use of asset tags, one can find the location of the asset, making it easy to trace and find.
• Identification -. Asset tags can help distinguish one asset from another in the same category through their unique tag.
• Segmentation – Asset tags help in segmentation of assets according to their use, type, cost, etc. Certain codes are used for certain categories of segmentation.
• Maintenance – By using the unique serial number or the bar code, one can access the database of the particular device which contains instructions and schedules for repair and maintenance.
• Inventory control – Asset tags help in the process of auditing the asset list in companies. They also come handy in calculating the value of the asset over the years.

Types of Asset Tags

Over the years, the process of asset tagging has evolved along with the advancement of technology. There are varied types of asset tags available in the market with certain specific usage and features –

• Readable asset tags – These kinds of tags are labels with words or numbers which can be read easily.
• Text tags – A text asset tag includes a header, a custom text and an additional text along with a number and a bar code.
• Barcode – These asset tags use the bar code technology to identify an object. This technology uses a combination of bars, lines and spaces.
• Radio Frequency Identification – The RFID technology uses radio waves to identify an object.

How are Asset Tags used for Equipment?

The process of asset tagging is not very complicated, rather it is quite simple. The process includes certain essential steps, viz. –

1. Categorization of the Asset

Assets need to be grouped before being tagged. They can be grouped on the basis of cost, use, type, etc. Once grouped, they can be accessed in their category, e.g. furniture, IT equipment, etc.

2. Assigning Unique ID

After the process of categorization is done, each asset should be assigned a unique identification number. This number will distinguish individual assets in the same category. These numbers also contain codes which determine or provide other info regarding the asset. This helps in getting information regarding the asset by simply checking the number.

3. Selection of Asset Label

All asset labels are not the same. There are a variety of asset labels designed to suit different purposes. Durable asset tags are suited for objects exposed to harsh conditions while security asset tags are used for high-value assets. While choosing the type of label required, several factors need to be considered, such as the asset’s category and environmental conditions it will be exposed to.

4. Syncing with the Asset Tracking System

Several data needs to be entered into the asset tracking system depending on the asset category and type. This data includes –

• Model number
• Manufacturer/retailer information
• Unique Identification number
• Date of acquisition
• Location of ownership
• Asset value
• Asset status

5. Adding the Asset Tag

Pressure-sensitive adhesives, as well as mechanical attachments, are used in tags. Several tags offer both types of attachments. The type of attachment is selected depending on the asset, company policy or budget.

6. Implementation of Data Verification Process

Once the asset tag has been applied, a data verification process must be implemented. The process of asset tagging remains incomplete without this step. There must be a minimum of 2 data points for data verification. Eg: barcode and serial number.

How to Asset Tag Equipment

Asset tags allow organizations to track, locate and document an asset. It has substantially reduced human error from supply chain or inventory management allowing brands to limit logistics and provide better services to consumers.
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Asset tags help to track the whereabouts and the number of transactions related to the asset/s. A company usually acquires various types of assets or products over a time period. These products get circulated within numerous locations and departments. This increases the chances of their loss, theft or misplacement. Hence, a label or a tag is attached to it so that its location can be tracked.

How do Asset Tags Operate?

There are many types of asset tags. Tags like barcode or Unique Identification (UID) asset tags need to be checked manually. They usually have serial numbers in order to enable quicker tracking. They even include the logo of the company so that they can be identified easily. But advanced asset tags like RFID and GPS send beacons’ or signals periodically which are then utilized to track the actual location of the asset/s concern.

Benefits of Asset Tags

They serve their purpose across many industries, for example, warehouses, education, healthcare and the likes. The main benefits include:

1. Equipment tracking: Barcodes are attached to assets to track various info starting from manufacturing date to the number of transactions or transfers that product has gone through.
2. MRO information: MRO stands for ‘maintenance, repair and overhaul’. Managing MRO inventory is crucial for a product-centric business. Availability of raw or related materials for production is essential for a smooth manufacturing chain. Timely checking on the inventory with the help of an asset tracking system helps to keep the capital stock updated.
3. Controlling inventory: Firms can keep a track of their capital or inventory stock with the help of asset tagging. It helps in inventory management which is crucial.

Choose the Right Tag

Selecting the right type of tag for the equipment is essential. Various options that are available are:

1. Barcodes: They are the most widely used asset tags and usually known as 1D barcodes. They are grouped into Code 39 and Code 128. Code 39 uses alpha-numeric code along with seven special characters. Whereas code 128 includes 128 characters, thus being more efficient while scanning.
2. Quick Response (QR) codes: An updated version over barcodes, QR codes are space-efficient and hold more information. It is easy to scan QR codes by smartphones.
3. Radio frequency identification (RFID): Businesses dealing with expensive equipment generally use RFID asset tags. Information is transmitted through radio waves. An added advantage in this tagging is that the reader of the signal need not be present while the asset is being scanned. They are commonly used close to garages, hangars, warehouses and workshops.
4. Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS trackers are used to track the location of a particular asset in real-time. GPS tags are combined with RFID tagging for military assets and personnel.

Asset tagging minimize wastage of resources and costs associated with inventory management, theft or misplacement of products or essentials.

Asset tagging is mostly beneficial in case of expensive equipment, both fixed and movable assets. Fixed assets require maintenance, so asset tags provide MRO information for their periodic service sessions. GPS and RFID tags are used commonly for movable assets.

Further, taking into account the type of industry, added information can be used with the tags for easier tracking and better logistics.

Asset tagging is most commonly used in inventory management, and for managing repair and maintenance processes. Asset labels are used in various sectors, such as industries, education, healthcare, defense, warehousing, manufacturing, and utilities.

How To Apply Asset Labels

To apply streamlined asset labels, the following steps are essential to the system.

1. Asset Type Identification

Creating a categorization system for assets is an important step that requires the grouping of assets based on costs, uses, departments, or any other factors. Accounting systems generally include both intangible and tangible assets but asset tagging relates to only tangible assets.

Categorizing the assets will ensure that the physical asset categorization corresponds to the accounting system, which makes it simpler to integrate. Tangible asset categories may include:

• Office Furniture
• Computers and Laptops
• Audio/Visual Equipment
• Technical Equipment like Air Conditioning or Power Supply Units

2. Assign a UIN (Unique Identification Number)

Each tangible asset must have a UIN to make tracking accurate and easy. This unique number given to each asset separates them from other assets of the same type and category. Assigning a unique number helps in managing processes like maintenance, accounting, and reordering.

3. Determine the Kind of Asset Label

Several kinds of asset tags and labels are available, each designed for a specific purpose. For instance, there are durable asset labels suitable for those assets which are exposed to rough or harsh conditions. Security asset labels are suitable for physical assets of high-value that may be exposed to tampering or theft. These factors must be taken into consideration while determining the most suitable type of asset tag for a particular asset or category.

4. Enter Associated Information

Each transaction relating to the asset must be recorded into the tracking system, along with detailed information associated with the asset. To make the process more efficient, organizations must maintain relative documentation outlining how the assets are categorized, when and how the assets are to be tagged, what kinds of assets tags to apply for certain physical assets and the process of data entry.

5. Attach Asset Tag

The attachment process may vary depending on the kind of physical asset and tag. While some asset labels may require pressure-sensitive adhesives, others may require mechanical attachments. Certain asset labels use both the method of attaching tags to the item.

6. Execute Process of Data Verification

This step is extremely crucial and it involves verification of assets from two different data points, the serial number and the barcode of the product. This helps in mitigating data breaches and ensures verifiable accurate asset tagging. Implementation of a reliable asset labeling method ensures that the physical assets are consistently categorized and tracked, which makes it easier to locate them.

Asset tags are an important tool that identifies individual assets. They are durable and can withstand any environmental conditions, unlike other paper-based tags that fade or fall off when exposed to snow, rain, or UV over the years. Manual data entry is not required in asset tagging which enables efficient and accurate inventory tracking.

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