Proper information technology asset management is essential to any business, no matter what size, when more than one piece of technology is used. Information technology asset management controls and keeps track of a business’s assets through the entire life of the piece of machinery -- from budgeting, planning, and using.

Technology asset management software is a tool for keeping track of this. Available software varies greatly, but there are a couple of essential capabilities that the software must have. Keeping track of a company’s assets needs to include a detailed description of the asset and the financial details of the asset.

When choosing a technology asset management software you need to:

1. Be as comprehensive in information as possible with the asset management software.
2. Maximize efficiency with the tool.
3. Make sure data is unified and easily accessible.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find an asset management software that maps floor plans

Having a floor plan right in front of you without having to visualize it will help immensely. Often people know exactly in the office where things are located, and if some information is missing or incorrect, you must be alerted to it immediately.

I recommend: Use INSITE, WinStack or Visual Asset Manager for this feature.

Get software asset management with automated workstation inventory

Using this feature correctly makes filling in the information much faster and easier to accomplish. With most software asset management, entering a new asset into the inventory prompts a series of yes-no questions and automates many fields that are repetitive.

I recommend: Try Techtrack or AssetWIN IT management software.

Require that the IT asset management software have asset detail tracking with reporting

This makes keeping track of changes in assets very easy. Many software packages have automated reporting that provides predefined reports on a timely basis, and some have extra features that allow custom reports and new reports to be created. With these tools, always have accurate and up to date information at your fingertips.

I recommend: Try IT asset management software solutions like ProcureIT or TBA Power II for detailed reporting.

Make sure the program is customizable

Depending on your business needs, you may need to customize your program. Any changes made should be thorough enough to be carried through to all areas of the program.

I recommend: Some highly customizable software options are ServiceFirst, Express Software Manager, PS’Soft Asset Management Suite and Numara Track-It. Each of these feature customizable information fields, reporting and functionality.

Use a web-based IT asset management solution

This is a very nice feature, especially if multiple users need access to the information. Having a web-based asset management system can greatly improve customer service and keep all employees involved in the process. This can also alleviate stress so that IT asset tracking is not the sole responsibility of one employee.

I recommend: Some web-based solutions are AssetSmart, Compco, Fluensee or infraWise.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider software and hardware as one in the same in network asset management -- not separate entities.
• •  Don't expect asset management software to fix all your business's problems.
• •  Train your employees to use computer equipment management software efficiently.