GoCodes Alternative: OrbitEquip vs. GoCodes for Tool Tracking

GoCodes starts with QR and barcode identification, then extends into location signals, hardware options and broader asset operations. Its public materials describe workflows for:

• Asset check-in/out and transfers,
• GPS-on-scan location capture,
• Optional continuous GPS hardware,
• Offline mobile work,
• Custom and rugged tags,
• Maintenance and calibration,
• Kitting, inventory and depreciation,
• Reports, files and custom fields, and
• API and integration options.

That broader scope is why GoCodes belongs on a shortlist for teams evaluating construction equipment management software, not only a basic checkout application.

Scan → assign → set due back when needed → follow overdue items → check in → maintain

OrbitEquip is designed to answer questions such as:

• What tools do we own?
• Where does this tool belong?
• Is it available?
• Who currently has it?
• When was it checked out?
• Has someone reported an issue with it?

OrbitEquip does not currently provide GPS, offline scanning, native mobile apps, custom fields, formal calibration compliance, kits, quantity inventory, depreciation, ERP/accounting integrations or utilization reporting. It supports recurring preventive-maintenance schedules and maintenance reminder emails for eligible scheduled occurrences on active Starter-or-higher subscriptions, but not generalized work-order management.

Neither approach is universally better. They solve different levels of the problem.

GoCodes can capture the scanning device's GPS location when an asset is scanned. This can provide useful context for where a check-in, check-out or update occurred, subject to the device, permissions and workflow.

GPS-on-scan is a scan event. It does not mean an unscanned asset is continuously reporting its position.

GoCodes also documents separate GPS tracker hardware for continuous updates on selected equipment, trailers, generators or other assets. That is a different product and cost decision from scan-based location capture.

OrbitEquip uses assigned locations such as Main Warehouse, Van 4, Austin Jobsite or Service Department. A scan or update records what the workflow says about the tool; the QR label does not transmit its physical position.

OrbitEquip does not currently provide:

• GPS-on-scan,
• Continuous GPS,
• Bluetooth or BLE,
• RFID or NFC, or
• Automatic physical-location detection.

Better suited to hardware-assisted location visibility: GoCodes

GoCodes supports QR and barcodes, custom printed tags, rugged and metal tag options, BLE beacons, RFID/NFC options and separate GPS hardware. That matters when a label must survive harsh conditions, when scanning volume is high or when an asset needs location signals beyond an intentional QR scan.

The exact tag, tracker, quantity and add-on cost depends on the chosen GoCodes arrangement. A buyer should confirm which hardware is included, what replacement tags cost and whether installation or battery maintenance is required.

OrbitEquip works with printable QR labels. You can create the tool record, print or apply a QR label, scan it from a phone browser and keep the custody record in the same workflow.

OrbitEquip does not currently sell supplied QR tags or support rugged metal tags, BLE, RFID/NFC or GPS hardware. The tradeoff is less procurement and hardware complexity for teams that only need a durable-enough QR label and intentional scans.

GoCodes supports custom fields for asset records, allowing teams to capture details beyond a fixed record structure. OrbitEquip currently uses its defined tool fields and does not provide user-created custom fields.

GoCodes supports kitting on Professional or through applicable add-on arrangements. That is useful when a crew receives a grouped set such as a service kit, testing kit or mobilization package and the relationship between the items matters.

OrbitEquip tracks tools as individual records rather than managed kits.

GoCodes extends into inventory and fixed-asset workflows, including depreciation information. OrbitEquip is for serialized or reusable tool custody; it does not provide a consumables inventory, stock-count module or accounting depreciation workflow.

OrbitEquip includes unlimited users across its current plans.

The Free plan supports up to 25 tools, with no credit card required, and includes CSV import and five fixed operational reports. Existing audits and recurring schedules can continue on Free. Active Starter-or-higher subscriptions add filtered CSV export, starting new physical audits, creating new recurring schedules, and Maintenance Reminder Emails according to the current OrbitEquip pricing page.

GoCodes prices updated November 3, 2026 from gocodes.com/pricing.

GoCodes currently publishes annual plan pricing. Standard includes 3 users, Premium 5, Premium Elite 10 and Professional 20; Enterprise lists unlimited users.

The 15-day trial does not require a credit card. Additional users are $440/year per 5 users. Add-ons: API access $1,200/yr, Work offline $385/yr, Kitting $275/yr, Data Migration $175 one-time.