Hose Track™ uses a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag encoded with a serial number and encapsulated into each hose assembly. The tag never contacts the interior of the hose and is enclosed with silicone on the outside. It is unaffected by cleaning processes (CIP, SIP, autoclave). Visual hose identification in the form of silicone-encased labels and color stripes for coding purposes-known as the AdvantaLabel™ system-assist personnel with line identification. A portable, handheld reader/writer identifies each assembly by its tag's serial number. Personnel can then log and track ongoing wear-related events such as the number of cleaning cycles performed, along with their cleaning dates, and the number of batches of material that have been processed. This information may be programmed back onto the RFID tag and also downloaded for database analysis. Hose Track eliminates hand-written recordings and the possibility of misread data.