We take for granted how important access to telecommunications is in our daily lives until there is a service outage. The ability to instantly communicate globally is the expected standard of today.

These systems are only able to function if servicers are able to properly access and maintain the equipment which keeps them running.

From the physical infrastructure in place to the tools and machines relied upon to service it, there is a bevy of equipment used in the telecom industry. Almost every piece requires telecommunications equipment tags.

Applications

Asset Tracking

Nearly every telecom company has some type of asset data they need to track. Whether it is equipment, cables, utility poles, or tools; everything needs to be tracked.

It seems like a logistical nightmare to try and manage all of these parts at once. Most telecom operations utilize tracking solutions such as asset tags.

Keeping track of equipment is a major focus for this type of application.

For many telecommunications and network organizations, barcode tracking via nameplate is a must.

This type of metal tag allows for quick and simple scanning of equipment into a monitoring system. The system can then be updated instantly with information regarding a piece of equipment or machinery.

This can include location, operational status, or simply logging for inventory purposes.

A simplified solution with serialized number marking is also commonly used for utility poles and other simple assets or equipment.

This marking method allows for equipment to still be tracked, without having to incorporate a full computer and scanning system.

Inspections

Telecom equipment is sometimes exposed to harsh environments, heavy workloads, and years of usage. In order to maintain a safe and effective operation, telecommunications equipment must be inspected on a periodic basis.

Frequent inspections of machines, tools, and equipment is vital for worker safety, as well as making sure that the equipment is working to its full capacity.

In order to track the status of inspections, many organization utilize tags. This can be as simple as a date of last inspection for a piece of equipment, or as sophisticated as a constantly updated database using a barcode type tag.

Regular pole inspections are vital for keeping up to date audit trails and equipment inspections.

Examples of information often included:

  • Company contact info
  • Servicing number
  • GPS Location
  • Condition of the pole
  • When It Was Last Serviced or inspected

Processes

Embossing

When it comes to telecom equipment, exposure to the elements is often a major role of the job. With assets such as utility poles exposed to weather, mud, and other hazards on a regular basis, any identification solution used must be extremely durable.

Selecting a process which can accommodate these demands is important in ensuring an effective identification solution.

Metal embossed tags are created using a specially made die set, which produces durable raised characters in surface of the material.

These nameplates are most commonly seen on telephone and other utility type poles.

Photo Anodization

For identification plates which require more information or a more complex design such as a barcode, photo anodization is the right solution.

This process creates a design embedded within the material, which appears printed but doesn’t simply rub off the way an ink would.

Photo anodization is rated for 20+ years in the toughest environments, including exposure to weather. These are also suitable for outdoor equipment and poles.

Materials

In addition to process selection, choosing the right material is equally important for any tag or nameplate solution.

Telecom tags are sometimes subject to years of wear and tear from weather and usage. This means a durable material is essential.

A few examples of our material options include:

  • Stainless Steel
  • Aluminum
  • Brass

All three of these material choices are suited for the tough nature of telecom work.

Wrap-Up

With each passing day, we rely more and more on telecommunications networks to function as a society. They have gone from a novelty to a necessity within the past century.

Servicing, managing, and repairing the equipment which creates these networks is a crucial task.

Utilizing the best in custom identification plates helps ensure a smooth and seamless telecom network.