Attendees at the upcoming Asset Management Conference & Expo in San Diego will learn how the convergence of new technology and new demands for information will affect asset management during the keynote speech delivered by Dr. Douglas Goetz of the Defense Acquisition University on Feb. 21.

A list of current exhibitors for the Asset Management Conference & Expo in San Diego on Feb. 21 and 22.

Returnable pallets and totes pose an asset tracking challenge

Packaging is typically not thought of as a corporate asset, but the increasing use of returnable and reusable shipping containers is forcing many companies to take a new approach to how they track their pallets, totes and boxes.

The U.S. Navy has boosted efficiency and cut costs with an automated asset tracking system for its portable fleet hospitals and expeditionary medical units (EMUs). The tracking systems uses a combination of RFID, bar codes, contact memory buttons, and specially designed software.

While many companies have been driven to deploy RFID to meet mandates from large customers, even more manufacturers are turning to the technology to make operational improvements.

IT Asset Management Requires Enterprise-wide Commitment

Asset management programs in many IT departments have traditionally been approached on a project-by-project basis, driven by compliance issues or customer audits. But more and more research has highlighted the need for companies to view IT asset management as an area in need of continuous improvement.