The AV (audiovisual) industry has grown quickly. From videoconferencing to movie theaters and from education to entertainment, AV technology is found almost everywhere.
AV organizations have fewer assets than hotels or manufacturers, but each of their assets is very costly. If any one of them stops working, it can create a huge problem for management.
That is where asset tracking software comes in handy. It helps the whole organization. The AV industry is vast because it is connected to education, media, entertainment, government and more.
This is why asset tracking software must be flexible enough to help AV experts manage their assets and equipment, deter theft and improve accountability. The AV industry faces several challenges.
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What are the challenges for the AV industry?
If your organization rents out AV equipment, the most common challenges are as follows:
Booking issues: Conflicts are bound to arise when many customers want to book the same equipment. If they are not settled in time, clients are disappointed.
Unable to track location: A significant issue with AV equipment rental is that rented assets cannot be monitored once they leave, which makes it hard to follow them and know whether they are in the right place.
Equipment upkeep: When equipment is not maintained regularly, business productivity suffers. Organizations should follow a preventive maintenance approach, yet many fail to. The result is unexpected breakdowns, which also hit the bottom line.
Useful features of asset tracking software for the AV industry
Here are some of the most useful features of asset tracking software for the AV industry:
1. Global Asset Tracking
If you track assets by hand, your information will often be wrong, and when you need something most, you won’t find it.
With asset tracking software, you can keep a close eye on all the assets, tools and equipment you own. It tells you how many assets you own, where each one is, who has it, what condition it is in, and so on.
2. Asset and Equipment Maintenance
Well-maintained assets, tools and equipment are very important in the media industry, which cannot afford unexpected breakdowns. Breakdowns delay work, which is bad news for a news media organization. Asset Infinity’s maintenance management software helps you handle these sudden breakdowns smoothly.
To manage glitches and malfunctions, asset tracking software lets you plan preventive maintenance. Whether it’s a damaged camera lens or a microphone that has stopped working, these issues can be handled by scheduling maintenance.
That way, you don’t have to worry about equipment breakdowns when you head out to cover your next news story or event.
3. Identify Non-Productive Assets
A large company has many assets in several locations. Some of them are not working and need maintenance, and some are rarely used.
These types of assets just take up space and are a burden on the company. With asset tracking software, you can identify the less useful assets and replace them with productive ones.
Also Read: Asset vs Inventory: Understanding the Key Differences
4. Increasing Asset Life Through Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is considered the most important feature, because equipment maintained at regular intervals operates safely. It creates a safer environment for employees and machines and reduces uncertainty and equipment failure.
It also helps you catch future issues early and keeps equipment performing well. It saves a lot of money and extends equipment lifespan.
The software schedules each asset’s maintenance. Assets that are not maintained tend to end in unexpected breakdowns, expensive repairs and frequent part replacements.
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid unexpected equipment failure, and it also extends equipment lifespan.
5. Faster Check-In and Check-Out
When audio or video equipment is rented out or brought in, the challenge is to keep proper records of each item.
Another challenge is controlling how many people handle that equipment.
For example:
“How many people have used this particular camera?” or “Who is responsible for logging the location, client, working state and condition of each item?” or “Which items are still under warranty and which aren’t?” or “How many items need preventive maintenance or repair?” or even “How many assets are not working and should be replaced or discarded?”
Asset tracking software answers all these questions.
One of the software’s most important features is check-in and check-out, which shows which equipment is assigned to whom.
With the software, you can also track large numbers of shared items across your teams with ease, and use reports to spot trends for better planning.
How exactly does asset tracking software help?
The process is very easy. The software tracks equipment and assets using an asset tracking technique, such as barcodes, QR codes, RFID or GPS.
Take a barcode as an example. A barcode sticker is attached to an item and gives it a unique identity. Scanning the sticker brings up the information about that item.
Also Read: What Is the Need for Asset Tracking Software in the AV Industry?
Why AV Equipment Needs to Be Tracked
Every asset and piece of equipment in the AV industry is expensive. If one item cannot be found in time or is not working properly, it can ruin the whole event.
Asset tracking software for the AV industry tells you how many fixed assets you own, where each one is and what condition it is in. It can also notify you when an asset needs maintenance.
When your assets, tools and equipment are maintained, your business is more productive. That has a positive impact on your business and helps you reach your future goals.
Asset Infinity can help your business with all its AV asset and equipment tracking. You can also schedule a free demo with us.