Managing fixed assets can prove to be a nightmare, especially when one has to indulge in time-consuming depreciation calculation while following complicated IRS regulations and procedures. The process becomes all the more complicated if the person doesn't even have a proper listing or valuation of the assets that they own.

The problem is not only of assessing the value of these assets. If they are not properly classified, they may not be utilized productively. Given this scenario, fixed asset management program offers the perfect solution to work towards optimum returns.

The first step in this program involves the classification of the company’s fixed assets. These can include physical assets such as office furniture and fixtures, infrastructure including the plant and expensive machinery and equipment. In research companies, the laboratory will also be classified as a fixed asset.

A fixed asset can loosely be defined as any asset that can be used again and again in the process of production and services. Fixed assets can also include returnables such as containers and pallets. Therefore, the fixed asset program also takes these into consideration while classifying inventory.

There are many advantages associated with a fixed asset management program. First of all, it helps cut down on tax assessment. This is because someone can cut down on unnecessary capital expenditures and also calculate the depreciative value of their assets. This in turn ensures that they obtain correct valuation for insurance purposes. Otherwise, if they don’t take into consideration the correct depreciation value, they may end up paying higher premiums for them.

Another advantage that follows their evaluation is that people reduce their inventory time. This means that they can reinstate assets that they had written off. They may also ‘find’ assets which they previously thought were lost.

To implement a fixed asset management program, three basic assets are required. These include a host system with a PDCD(portable data collection device) software to maintain the master record and a bar code scanner that reads the identifying fixed asset ID tag.