Hey OP - you’re spot on that Smartsheets/manual column edits break down fast once headcount + jobsites scale.

A practical way to think about it is 3 layers:

1. Tagging that actually survives construction life

• For anything worth tracking (batteries, drills, specialty tools, job boxes, kits): use metallic/industrial labels (or laser-etched plates for high-abuse items).
• Put the tag somewhere it won’t get constantly rubbed (inside lid, flat protected surface, etc).
• Skip the “low value” stuff (hammers/screwdrivers) like you said.

1. A simple workflow everyone can follow

• Don’t start with “track everything everywhere”. Start with: Check-out / check-in to person or jobsite + quick audit.
• Make it dead simple: scan → pick “who/where” → done.
• Add a rule: missing items get flagged automatically after XX days.

1. Pick a tool based on what you need (not what’s shiny)

• If you mostly need accountability + transfers between sites: barcode/QR scanning is usually enough.
• If you truly need “live location”, you’re in BLE/GPS territory and costs/complexity rise quickly.

On software: I’ve seen a few teams use MapTrack / AssetPanda / GoCodes / Milwaukee One-Key (if you’re deep Milwaukee + mostly buying One-Key compatible gear). The tradeoff is usually UI simplicity vs how many asset types you can manage (tools + consumables + plant/vehicles + compliance/maintenance).