What is Asset Tagging?

Asset tagging is the process of assigning and affixing unique identifiers to IT equipment for inventory tracking purposes. Tags can be barcodes, QR codes, RFID chips, or simple serial number labels. Each tag links to a record in an asset management system containing details about the device — make, model, serial number, purchase date, assigned user, and location.

Asset tagging is essential for ITAD because it provides a reliable way to track every piece of equipment from acquisition through retirement. When equipment is collected for disposition, the asset tags allow for accurate inventory reconciliation — confirming that every device that was picked up is accounted for in the destruction or recycling records.

Good asset tagging practices include tagging equipment immediately upon receipt, maintaining a centralized asset database, performing regular physical audits against the database, and ensuring tags are durable enough to last the equipment's lifecycle. During ITAD processing, asset tags are recorded on certificates of destruction, creating a clear link between your inventory records and the disposition documentation.