At first glance, asset tags and inventory labels look almost identical. They are both durable, adhesive stickers with barcodes or serial numbers.
But they serve different purposes inside your organization. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right labeling system for your equipment, tools, or stock.
🏷️ What Are Asset Tags?
Asset tags are permanent labels used to identify and track valuable fixed assets, things your business owns and uses long-term.
They often include:
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Company name or “Property of” label
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A unique serial number or barcode
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Optional QR code for digital records
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Durable materials such as metalized silver polyester or 3M heavy-duty adhesive
You’ll find asset tags on:
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Computers, printers, and scanners
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Machinery and tools
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Office or lab equipment
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Furniture, vehicles, and electronics
Their main job is to support asset tracking and loss prevention. By scanning a barcode or QR code, staff can instantly access maintenance logs, ownership, or warranty details.
📦 What Are Inventory Labels?
Inventory labels, on the other hand, are used for shorter-term or high-volume tracking of items that move in and out of storage, warehouses, or production.
They help manage:
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Stock levels
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Product identification
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Warehouse organization
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Shipping and logistics
Inventory stickers can still be durable. McAuley Labels produces them in the same metalized silver material as asset tags, but they’re optimized for frequent scanning and high-speed labeling rather than long-term durability.
⚙️ Key Differences: Asset Tags vs. Inventory Labels
| Feature | Asset Tags | Inventory Labels |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Track company-owned equipment | Track stock, parts, or shipments |
| Lifespan | Long-term (years) | Medium or short-term (weeks to months) |
| Material | Heavy-duty polyester or 3M adhesive | Often metalized silver or paper |
| Information | Serial number, “Property of”, QR code | SKU, lot, or product ID |
| Location | Fixed assets (tools, IT, machinery) | Warehouses, bins, or packaging |
| Example Use | “Property of McAuley Labels Inc.” | “Inventory Item #00457” |
🔍 Do You Need Both?
In many operations, especially manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, yes.
Here’s why:
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Asset tags track long-term company assets
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Inventory labels track moving inventory and materials
Using both systems ensures your fixed assets stay accounted for while inventory stays accurate.
💡 McAuley Labels Tip
You can use the same design and adhesive technology for both label types to simplify reordering.
For example:
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Choose metalized silver polyester for durability
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Add QR codes to connect to digital databases
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Customize numbering for separate asset vs. inventory systems
McAuley Labels produces both:
Each set is printed to order, serialized, and shipped ready for immediate use.
