Product

IT Asset and Management Software: Overview Guide

What is an IT asset and management software? In this article, we delve into a comprehensive overview and explain how to choose the right tool!

Level

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

IT Asset and Management Software: Overview Guide

IT Asset Management Software (ITAM) is extremely useful when your business has a large number of IT assets. It tracks and organizes IT assets effectively and gives you management options in one single software.

In this article, we'll go over how IT asset management software impacts large and small-scale organizational performance.

Remote IT Asset Management: What is It?

ITAM refers to tools and programs that allow you to manage and monitor IT assets in your organization, hardware, and software.

Over the decades, companies scaled their IT inventory and data, which pushed the need for better remote monitoring and management tools.

Now, companies can use software like this at a low cost, with better functionality and perfect accuracy in asset tracking and monitoring.

What is Asset Data in IT Management?

Asset data refers to the comprehensive information collected about an organization's IT assets.

This comprises both hardware and software. It includes details such as the asset's location, usage status, purchase date, warranty information, maintenance history, and depreciation value.

It is important for effective management to make informed decisions. It provides the insights needed about asset utilization, maintenance, and replacement.

Detailed Breakdown of IT Asset Management Software

ITAM software is a specialized system designed to manage all IT resources within an organization. It stands apart from traditional management tools.

Traditional methods handled physical goods like equipment and inventory. It required people to count manually and jot down records. This was labor-intensive and often led to mistakes.

In contrast, an IT management software helps track assets in an instant. It tells you where the IT items are, who uses them, and when they need a tune-up.

IT Asset Management Software vs. Traditional Management

Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between the IT asset management software and traditional asset management:

  1. Automation: When it comes to monitoring needed updates, ITAM software tracks this automatically. This lets you have an up-to-date inventory of both hardware and software assets.
  2. Accuracy: Human error was a perennial issue. With ITAM solutions, these mistakes dwindle down. Companies can count on getting exact data.
  3. Real-time updates: The asset management platform gives the latest information on assets. Traditional solutions fell short of offering this real-time insight.
  4. Maintenance scheduling: Time to wave goodbye to manual scheduling. The software plans regular maintenance and updates. It works around the clock to keep IT resources primed for peak performance.
  5. Remote control: Some programs allow you to take control remotely, over your Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints, all from within your web browser.
system information menu

8 Features of Effective IT Asset Management Software

Asset management solutions, such as Level and Asset Panda, come with key features that help manage the entire lifecycle of all the assets within an entire organization.

1. Tracking and Inventory

Asset tracking software simplifies the task of keeping up-to-date information about the inventory of both hardware and software assets.

This makes sure that the data is accurate and accessible to contribute to better resource allocation.

2. Software License Management

Efficient license management is a core component of any asset management platform. It helps keep license compliance, track software usage, and manage software licenses.

This is used to prevent both overspending and underutilization.

3. Hardware Asset Management Solution

Management software also addresses the needs of hardware asset management.

It covers key aspects of tangible devices and equipment tracking, from mobile devices to network devices. Hardware assets management also provides a clear picture of the hardware's location and status across an entire organization.

4. Service Management and Support

Service management works with the asset management system. This integration includes a service desk that offers technical support.

It manages service requests and maintains recent records of valuable assets.

5. Risk and Contract Management

Risk management is a must in asset management solutions. They routinely check to make sure you stay compliant. This action helps reduce risks associated with software and hardware.

Contract management is equally important. It tracks vendor data, which means that vendors must meet terms and commitments.

6. Device and Digital Asset Management

These tools offer several functions. They monitor device management across various endpoints and properly manage digital assets, including software and content.

They even operate across multiple platforms, like cloud environments.

7. Network Discovery and Technology Data Management

ITAM software is part of asset management. It often includes network discovery capabilities. It tracks new assets, keeps updating, and logs changes within the IT infrastructure.

8. Data Reporting and Analytics

Asset management tools produce detailed reports and analytics. This data helps businesses. It aids in understanding asset utilization.

It promotes cost savings. Also, it helps in making informed decisions about future asset needs.

Level security score page

Top IT Asset Management Software

Selecting the right software is important for organizations aiming to efficiently manage their IT assets. Here’s a closer look at Level, Asset Panda, ServiceNow, and Microsoft System Center, the top contenders in asset management solutions.

1. Level

Level

Level is robust and easy-to-use IT asset management software. It is designed to enable organizations to manage their IT operations effectively.

It offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes.

This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to monitor and manage IT assets across various environments.

Key Features of Level

These are the key features Level offers:

  • Level provides a full suite of tools for IT management, including remote monitoring, endpoint management, and network security. These tools help keep all critical aspects of an organization’s IT system well-managed and secure.
  • The platform automates many routine IT tasks, such as software updates, patch management, and compliance checks. This automation saves time and helps keep the IT environment running smoothly.
  • The software offers in-depth analytics and reports that give IT teams valuable insights into asset performance, usage, and security. These features help organizations make informed decisions about their IT operations.
  • Security is a key focus for Level. The platform includes features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular updates to protect sensitive data and reduce risks.
  • Level is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is a versatile solution for managing devices across different systems.
  • It is designed to be easy to use, with a straightforward interface that requires minimal training. This makes it easy for your IT teams to get started quickly.
  • Level allows users to cancel their subscriptions at any time without difficulty.

Who Should Use Level?

Level is a great choice for IT teams and service providers who need a reliable and easy-to-use IT asset management solution.

Its comprehensive features, automation, and security make it suitable for managing IT infrastructure across different platforms.

2. Asset Panda

Asset Panda
Source: AssetPanda.com

Asset Panda is a strong and user-friendly asset management platform known for its excellent support and powerful asset-tracking capabilities. It is an excellent choice for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises, thanks to its scalability and ease of use.

Key Features of Asset Panda

Asset Panda’s most notable features are:

  • Asset Panda simplifies the process of adding and managing assets with its integrated barcode scanning feature. This allows organizations to track physical assets quickly and accurately using barcode labels.
  • It offers a high degree of customization. You can use it to create detailed reports depending on your specific needs. These reports can include data on asset usage, maintenance schedules, compliance, and more.
  • As a cloud-based solution, Asset Panda is accessible from anywhere. This makes it ideal for organizations with distributed teams or multiple locations. 

Who Should Use Asset Panda?

Asset Panda is well-suited for organizations that need a user-friendly and flexible asset management solution.

Additionally, larger organizations with complex asset requirements will also find value in its scalability. This comes from its effective asset management and tracking capabilities.

3. ServiceNow

ServiceNow
Source: ServiceNow.com

ServiceNow is a scalable asset management platform designed to meet the needs of large enterprises. It is known for its ability to integrate with other IT management tools.

Key Features of ServiceNow

These are the main features of ServiceNow:

  • ServiceNow provides a complete solution for managing the entire IT asset lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal. It offers tools for tracking hardware and software assets. This helps manage contracts and keep your compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • One of ServiceNow's standout features is its integration with IT Service Management (ITSM). This allows organizations to align their asset management with service management processes to improve IT efficiency. It can link asset records to service tickets to ensure asset management.

Who Should Use ServiceNow?

ServiceNow is best suited for large enterprises with complex asset management needs. Its integration with ITSM and other IT management tools makes it an ideal choice for organizations looking to unify their IT operations.

4. Microsoft System Center

Microsoft System Center
Source: SystemCenter

Microsoft System Center provides comprehensive capabilities for organizations that rely on Microsoft technologies. It is particularly well-suited for managing software licenses and keeping in compliance with Microsoft’s licensing requirements.

Key Features of Microsoft System Center

Microsoft System Center’s key features include:

  • It can provide detailed visibility on software assets. This includes tracking the installation, usage, and compliance status of the software license across the organization.
  • The platform is designed to help organizations prepare for and pass compliance audits. It offers tools for monitoring software licensing and generating reports. These show your compliance with licensing agreements and regulatory standards.
  • As a Microsoft product, System Center integrates well with other Microsoft technologies, such as Microsoft SQL Server and Windows Server. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations with a Microsoft-centric IT environment.

Who Should Use Microsoft System Center?

Microsoft System Center is best for organizations that are invested in the Microsoft system.

It is a strong option for organizations that need robust software asset management capabilities, particularly when it comes to managing and auditing your software license

Benefits of Implementing IT Asset Management Software

ITAM software not only optimizes cost but also manages risk and ensures compliance. Here’s a breakdown of its benefits:

1. Cost Savings

It aids in cost-cutting. It prevents buying unnecessary items and oversees existing ones. This includes every network device and mobile device within the organization's assets. It studies your asset inventory and tracks equipment use. 

As a result, you can plan budgets more efficiently.

2. Risk Management

New risks emerge daily. An efficient IT asset management tool counters these risks by monitoring all assets. Such a proactive management system keeps data about valuable assets updated.

This makes risk management an important part of your business operations.

3. License Compliance

Managing software licenses becomes easy with asset management ITAM software. It handles your licenses and monitors your compliance status.

This tool keeps your business on the right side of the law, which prevents penalties. As a result, managing software assets within any organization, be it small or large, becomes hassle-free.

4. Automated Data Tracking

Automated tracking software eliminates manual record-keeping efforts. It efficiently logs every piece of data.

This utility maintains accurate records of assets and requirements across the organization. In turn, this improves the asset management process.

device management tool

5. Compliance and Audit Trail

It simplifies audits. It maintains detailed software inventory reports. These records offer a clear snapshot of your compliance status during an audit.

This is what makes software a crucial part of IT management.

6. Inventory Control

The software tracks assets such as hardware and software inventory. It monitors all other types of assets, whether mobile devices in employees' hands or stationary cloud assets.

This feature prevents resource shortages or excess to keep a balanced inventory.

How To Select The Right IT Asset Management Solution

man and woman looking at a laptop

Choosing the best ITAM software requires careful thought. Here's a step-by-step guide to simplify the process for your business.

Step 1: Factor in Your Business Size

If your operational scale is small, look for software that is simple yet efficient. For large businesses, you need a more sophisticated system capable of handling extensive data.

Step 2: Know Your Asset Data

Consider what you plan to manage. Are they physical items like computers and phones? Choose software with robust physical asset tracking features. However, if you primarily work with cloud environments, your software should specialize in digital assets.

Step 3: Identify Your Needs

Jot down what tasks you want the software to perform. These might include maintaining records, tracking item locations, or overseeing repairs and maintenance.

Step 4: Determine Your Budget

Think about how much you can spend. Some software offers more features but comes with a higher price tag. Alternately, budget-friendly options might have fewer features.

Step 5: Determine the Scalability of the Program

Does the software management tool have the capacity to grow with your business? Prioritize those that can accommodate an increasing number of asset types of assets as your company expands.

Step 6: Research Software Options

Refer to reviews and learn what other businesses have to say. They share first-hand experiences, both good and bad, which can be invaluable in your decision-making process.

Step 7: Trial Software

Many companies provide a trial version of their software. A hands-on experience can help you decide if the software aligns with your business requirements.

Step 8: Integration

Investigate the user-friendliness of the ITAM software integration. Understand if you need a training program, how long integration will take, etc.

Best Practices For an IT Asset Management Process

Implementing best practices in IT asset management makes your organization get the most out of its management software. Here are some key best practices to consider:

Regular Audits and Reviews

colleagues looking at charts and stats on papers

Conducting regular audits and reviews of your asset inventory is a must for maintaining accurate data.

Schedule regular audits to verify the existence and status of all IT assets. This helps identify any discrepancies in your data and makes sure that all assets are accounted for.

You also have to regularly review your licenses to keep its compliance with licensing agreements. This can help avoid costly penalties. 

Keep your asset management platform up to date by regularly updating asset information. This includes adding new assets, updating the status of existing assets, and retiring assets that are no longer in use.

Automating Asset Management Processes

Automation is a key component of digital transformation and modern asset management. By automating routine tasks, organizations can reduce costs and improve efficiency:

You can use the automated tools to discover and track new assets as they are added to the network. This reduces the reliance on manual processes and keeps your asset inventory always up to date.

It also automates the scheduling of routine maintenance tasks, such as software updates and hardware checks.

Make sure to use automation to monitor compliance with software licensing agreements and regulatory requirements. Automated alerts can notify you of any compliance issues so you can address them quickly.

Training and Knowledge Sharing

It is important to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of IT asset management and how to use the software effectively. You would have had to offer training sessions for all software users, including IT staff, finance teams, and any other departments involved in managing IT assets.

You can also use the asset management tool to collaborate with different teams. For example, IT and finance teams can work together to track asset depreciation and plan for future investments.

Develop a knowledge base that includes documentation, tutorials, and best practices for using the management software. This can be a valuable resource for new employees and can help keep consistent practices across the organization.

Sustainability and IT Asset Management Software

Add sustainability to your IT asset management practices. This can help reduce environmental impact and unnecessary costs and align you with corporate social responsibility goals.

You can try to focus on extending the asset lifecycle of your IT data through regular maintenance and upgrades. This will reduce costs and also minimize the environmental impact of purchasing new hardware.

Simplify Your IT Management with Level

Level automation of devices

Level is transforming the way Managed Service Providers handle their remote monitoring and management tasks. With an emphasis on simplicity, proficiency, and security, Level saves your team countless hours through its streamlined, powerful features.

Take advantage of modernized remote access, enhanced automation, and a suite of tools that will elevate your service capabilities. Whether you're looking to improve efficiency, reduce risk, strengthen security, or expand your service offerings, Level provides the technology to make it happen.

Book a demo or try Level free for 14 days right now!

FAQs about IT Asset Management Software

What is IT asset management software?

ITAM software is a unified platform that helps businesses to track hardware and software assets. It provides an accurate inventory and manages licenses.

Why do organizations need asset management software?

ITAM software enables organizations to track their assets efficiently, regardless of whether they are small businesses or corporate operations. It plays a key role in compliance in software licensing. It also helps reduce risks associated with IT infrastructure.

What should I look for when choosing an asset management solution?

Consider several factors when choosing the ideal software to manage assets. Firstly, look for an intuitive interface that is easy to use. 

Make sure the software is compatible with your existing IT environment. It's important that the software meets your specific asset tracking and management needs. 

Lastly, select software that is versatile enough to serve both small businesses and large enterprises.

Level: Simplify IT Management

At Level, we understand the modern challenges faced by IT professionals. That's why we've crafted a robust, browser-based Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) platform that's as flexible as it is secure. Whether your team operates on Windows, Mac, or Linux, Level equips you with the tools to manage, monitor, and control your company's devices seamlessly from anywhere.

Ready to revolutionize how your IT team works? Experience the power of managing a thousand devices as effortlessly as one. Start with Level today—sign up for a free trial or book a demo to see Level in action.