Handheld tape node dispenser and method

A handheld tape dispenser comprising:

• a frame comprising a set of mechanical components, the frame and set of mechanical components configured to perform operations comprising:
• storing a roll of tape within the frame of the handheld tape dispenser, wherein the roll of tape comprises a plurality of segments of tape, each segment corresponding to a tape node, and wherein each segment comprises one or more electronic components, each tape node in the roll of tape storing a unique identifier on a memory of the respective tape node, the unique identifier preassigned thereto prior to deployment;
• driving the set of mechanical components of the handheld tape dispenser to draw tape from the roll of tape along a tape feed path, wherein the driving results in a segment of tape being removed from the roll of tape by the handheld tape dispenser for deployment;
• and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform steps comprising:
• determining the unique identifier of a tape node corresponding to the removed segment of tape;
• associating the unique identifier of the tape node with an asset corresponding to the tape node;
• and
• transmitting the unique identifier, an identifier for the corresponding asset, and the association of the unique identifier of the tape node and the corresponding asset to a wireless tracking system.