Reliable Labeling for Complex Utility Operations
Addressing Utility Asset Management Challenges.
Managing underground cables, transformers, substations, and field equipment across wide service areas takes more than organization—it requires precision, automation, and total asset visibility. In an industry where delayed repairs, misplaced tools, and outdated data can impact safety and compliance, even one unlabeled asset can slow restoration times and drive up costs. The Utility Labeling & Tracking Guide shows how barcode and RFID technologies help streamline field inspections, speed asset audits, and improve response times during routine maintenance or emergency repairs.
With BRADY’s ultra-durable labels, designed for harsh environments and long-term outdoor use, combined with AB&R’s RFID tracking solutions, utility teams gain real-time control over their physical infrastructure. From labeling systems that simplify asset identification in the field to scanning tools that enable quick, accurate audits of substations and service vehicles, our end-to-end approach helps ensure the right equipment is always visible, verified, and ready for action.
Barcode Solutions
Accurate, Weather-Resistant Labeling for Field Assets.
Barcoding remains one of the most effective, budget-friendly ways to improve asset visibility and inventory control in utility operations. Clear, durable labels help crews quickly identify tools, cables, and equipment—reducing errors, supporting compliance, and expediting audits across substations, warehouses, and field sites. Common applications include tool tracking, cable and panel labeling, inspection workflows, and spare parts management.
AB&R delivers rugged labeling solutions built for the demands of utility fieldwork. With mobile print kits for on-site labeling, prebuilt label libraries, and integration with GIS, CMMS, and asset databases, our solutions help utilities streamline identification, enhance traceability, and maintain compliance, whether you’re managing assets at a single substation or across the entire grid.
BRADY® Products That Keep You in Control
Rugged Tools Designed for Utility Field Labeling.
PermaSleeve® Labels
PermaSleeve® Heat Shrink Labels deliver durable, permanent wire and cable identification designed for harsh utility environments. Built to withstand extreme temperatures and UV exposure, these labels ensure lasting clarity and protection for field wiring, panels, and substations.
B-595 Labels
Get the durability your work demands. This ultra-durable, low-shrink vinyl with aggressive adhesive is built to label rough, dirty, or textured industrial surfaces—including outdoors—resisting chemicals, grime, and extreme temperatures for up to 10 years.
BradyPrinter M611| Bluetooth Label Maker
This compact, wireless label printer offers fast 2″ labeling, stores over 1,000 files, and lets up to five users print on demand from anywhere using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
BradyPrinter S3700| Multicolor Label Printer
The Brady Printer S3700 is a high-performance, multicolor label printer that combines vibrant printing, precision cutting, and fast changeovers—ideal for efficient, on-demand labeling for safety, operations, and lean workflows.
Brady® Workstation
Create product and wire identification labels in an instant using the apps in this suite. Your go-to solution for labels with text and graphics, custom formatting and serialized labels.
RFID For Utilities
Locate Infrastructure & Automate Inspection Logging with RFID.
RFID brings speed, precision, and real-time visibility to asset management across utility operations—without requiring line of sight. Tag critical infrastructure like transformers, pole-mounted equipment, substation components, and field tools to simplify inspections, reduce manual errors, and minimize loss. Whether you’re managing truck stock, remote sites, or equipment cribs, RFID automates inventory checks and reinforces accountability across your entire service area.
AB&R delivers complete RFID solutions tailored to the unique challenges of utility environments. Our team conducts on-site testing to evaluate tag performance in real-world conditions, including interference from metal and weather exposure. We provide mounting guidance for a wide range of utility assets, and offer rugged RFID truck kits that enable mobile crews to track and manage gear in the field. From strategy and setup to reader configuration and system integration, AB&R ensures your RFID deployment is scalable, reliable, and built for long-term success.
BRADY® Products That Keep You in Control
Rugged Tools Designed for Utility Field Labeling.
HH86 Handheld
RFID Reader – UHF
The HH86 Handheld RFID Reader delivers rugged, reliable scanning for utility fieldwork. Its ergonomic design and long battery life support efficient asset tracking and inspections in tough environments.
Durable UHF RFID Labels
UHF RFID labels enable efficient, hands-free asset tracking with multiple tag reads from a distance. Built tough for utility operations, they offer durable construction, permanent adhesive, and up to a 6.5 ft read range for reliable indoor and outdoor use.
Rigid On-Metal UHF
RFID Tags
Designed for reliable on-metal tracking, this tag offers strong read performance, weather resistance, and flexible integration across industries.
Industrial RFID Tags
Durable, high-performance RFID tag designed for all-purpose asset tracking, with a slim, customizable design and strong read range in tough environments.
Accuviti ITM
Identify, track, and manage assets with Accuviti ITM—an intuitive, mobile-first solution for fast label creation, real-time tracking, and accurate inventory counting, all in one powerful platform.
Phased Rollout Strategy
Start Small, Scale Up with Site-by-Site Labeling and Tagging.
Whether you’re labeling a single substation or multiple service yards, a phased rollout strategy supports gradual adoption and aligns with utility budget and planning cycles. This approach reduces operational disruption, allows for live environment testing, and ensures each step is optimized before expanding. American Barcode & RFID (AB&R)’s phased deployment model begins with foundational labeling and inventory control, then scales into advanced asset tracking and system integration. Utilities gain the flexibility to scale at their own pace—ensuring lasting improvements in efficiency, compliance, and network-wide asset visibility.
Phase 1: Barcode Field Labeling & Tool Control
Apply durable barcodes to tools and equipment for quick ID, better tracking, and less loss across field operations.
Phase 2: Mobile Printing and Inventory Sync
Equip crews to print labels and update inventory data on-site—improving accuracy and reducing delays in the field.
Phase 3: RFID Asset Tagging (High Value/Remote)
Deploy RFID tags on critical or remote assets to enable fast, no-line-of-sight verification and accelerate inspections.
Phase 4: GIS/CMMS Integration and Automation
Connect asset data with GIS, CMMS, or other systems to enable automated updates, inspection logs, and full lifecycle visibility.
Technology That Tracks. Expertise That Delivers.
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