Milwaukee Tool is expanding its popular One-Key inventory management system with the introduction of Asset ID Tags. These durable QR code tags offer enhanced visibility and control over tools and equipment, extending the system’s reach beyond inherently One-Key or Milwaukee-branded items. The new tags aim to provide a more robust and cost-effective solution compared to traditional barcode systems, promising improved asset tracking for professionals and even DIY enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Milwaukee Asset ID Tags utilize QR codes for inventory tracking.
- They are compatible with any mobile device featuring the One-Key app.
- Scanning tags records time and location data.
- Available in small and large sizes, for both plastic and metal surfaces.
- Prices range from $79 to $129.
Revolutionizing Inventory Management
Milwaukee Tool has observed the limitations of traditional barcode inventory systems, such as stickers peeling off, damage from scratches rendering them unreadable, and the added cost of dedicated scanners. To address these issues, the company developed Asset ID Tags, designed to withstand the rigors of job site conditions and maintain functionality throughout a tool’s lifecycle. These tags integrate seamlessly with the existing One-Key app, eliminating the need for external scanners and bringing a wider array of tools, including non-Milwaukee and even third-party equipment, into the digital inventory fold.
How Asset ID Tags Work
Applying an Asset ID Tag is straightforward. Users affix the tag to a low-wear area of a tool or piece of equipment. Using the One-Key App on a smartphone or tablet, they scan the QR code. This action, along with the mobile device’s location data, automatically records the time and location, updating the "last seen" information for the asset within the app. This process can also be performed on a PC using the alphanumeric code found below the QR code, though the mobile experience is optimized for speed and convenience.
Durable Design for Any Surface
Milwaukee offers Asset ID Tags in two distinct types to accommodate different materials: one for plastic surfaces and another for metal. Both types are available in small (0.69" x 1") and large (1.5" x 2") sizes, providing flexibility for various tools and equipment. The tags feature a significantly stronger adhesive than standard barcode stickers, capable of withstanding temperature fluctuations and water exposure. The plastic tags are constructed from coated velvet Lexan, while the metal tags are made from anodized aluminum, ensuring the QR code’s integrity even if the tag itself sustains damage.
Expanding the One-Key Ecosystem
While Milwaukee Ticks offer Bluetooth tracking for connected tools, Asset ID Tags serve a different but complementary purpose. They are ideal for tools where a Tick might not fit or for less expensive items where a Bluetooth tracker isn’t cost-justified. Although Asset ID Tags do not ping the Bluetooth network, they significantly enhance inventory management capabilities, reduce loss and downtime, and make asset tracking more accessible to a broader range of users, from large construction firms to individual DIYers.
Availability and Pricing
The Milwaukee One-Key Asset ID Tags are available in various configurations:
- Small plastic surface tags (200 count): $79
- Large plastic surface tags (100 count): $119
- Small metal surface tags (100 count): $129
- Large metal surface tags (25 count): $129
This expansion of the One-Key platform, which now includes over 50 connected tools with plans for more, alongside new multi-user functionality and Procore integration, underscores Milwaukee Tool’s commitment to leveraging IoT technology to boost efficiency in the construction industry.
Sources
- Milwaukee One-Key Asset ID Tags | Everything You Need to Know, Pro Tool Reviews.