ADC Method
Like any other mission-critical activity, asset management is driven by information. Computer systems automate many aspects of asset management, usually relying on keyboard input and paper output to collect and disseminate information. Many times, operations cannot avoid the computer keyboard and paper report. However, there are situations where the entry and publication of asset data can be automated. Given the right situation and proper implementation, automation can significantly enhance the effectiveness of asset management.

Automatic data collection (ADC) is the process of automating the entry and dissemination of computer-based information. An assortment of technologies provides this machine-based alternative to keyboard entry: barcodes, contact memory buttons, magnetic stripe cards, optical memory cards, radio frequency communication, and biometric recognition.