IT asset management best practices

With almost every business in today's world having to adapt and integrate various forms of technology into their operations, it becomes crucial for them to manage the IT workflow. IT asset management is a necessity for organisations.

Several different categories and types of IT assets exist within companies, ranging from laptops and computers to digital assets like software licenses and subscriptions - all need to be managed, and managed well.

To establish an effective ITAM process, and to make the most out of it, businesses need to adhere to best practices in the field. Let's have a look at a few of these.

Consistent and continuous reviews:

IT asset management is an ongoing process. It will always require review and revision to maintain high-efficiency standards and operation of the IT infrastructure.

The IT assets of a company need to be regularly monitored and updated for the best visibility and control. This also ensures that necessary maintenance and management of IT assets is taken note of and handled well in advance.

Use IT asset management software:

IT asset management is a complex task to undertake, especially if it is approached manually. But it doesn't have to be. ITAM software is designed to help companies automate most of the ITAM process and take the burden off their shoulders.

Using ITAM software or an ITAM platform can increase operational efficiency, cost-savings, better compliance, and even save your company precious time. Read more on how ITAM software supports business growth. Being able to manage all of your business' IT assets in one place is not only convenient but also the best practice for the reasons stated previously.

Automation:

Using IT asset management software, it is possible to automate various manual and mundane tasks within the ITAM process. Examples of automated tasks could be reminders for software license renewals, maintenance schedule alerts, analytics, and data report generation.

Using automation cuts time spent on manual tasks and allows organisations to focus on their core operations and services.

Regular internal audits:

Apart from the day-to-day monitoring of your company's IT assets through a real-time dashboard or manual checks, it is also important that you conduct internal audits regularly. These internal audits serve as a secondary means to track and control your organisation's IT assets and expenditures related to the same.

Self-audits act as a safety net, flagging up any warnings or expired licenses in advance (or at least before a real audit), in turn, saving your company from paying hefty fines. It is also a way to reinforce accountability and responsibility to employees for the ownership of IT assets.