Software licence management can be quite a hard task. We are all aware of how important it is to track software licences. However, doing so can take a lot of time. The ideal way to combat these difficulties is by using IT asset tracking to its full advantage. When you do, as many businesses do, it’s likely that managing licences will be much easier. Here’s why:

It is entirely possible for you and your team to track your licences in one place. All that you have to do is to upload the details of each licence to your chosen IT asset tracking technology. Once you have uploaded the name of a licence, for example, you could also add the following details:

• Who you purchased the licence from
• When you purchased the licence
• The date of expiry
• A note about any recent updates
• Any difficulties you have had with the software 
• How much the licence costs
• And anything else that could be worth noting

When you have all of the details and more to hand, it makes tracking everything so much easier. Did you know that you can also set permissions so you can limit who can see the above information? This can help to improve security levels. Should you need to add someone to the access list, you can and within moments.

If you have a large team or you deal with a company’s licences among other things, you may not know who has what. One of the most useful benefits of using IT asset tracking technology is you can see who has what. 

You could, for example, assign different licences to specific people. Alternatively, you may wish to simply note down who has what and where they are. With this information to hand, you can potentially have much more control over everything. 

You may also be able to see who has recently updated or even purchased licences. To do this, however, you will need to allow the team members in question to have access to the tracking software. When they have access, they can update the software as and when required.

We have already looked at a range of benefits associated with using IT asset tracking for software licence management. However, we have not looked at the most important benefit. This benefit relates to the ability to set licence renewal reminders. 

Knowing when a licence expires can be difficult, especially if you have dozens. Some people rely on spreadsheets and search through them to ensure nothing has expired. Other people rely on the information that they have written down in a notebook. However, these methods can be full of innocent mistakes and very limited in terms of security and reliability.

Setting a reminder to alert you that a licence will soon need to be renewed is ideal. It gives you the time to look for alternative software, if necessary or to simply renew the licence. Once new software has been purchased or old software has been renewed, a further reminder can be set. 

Did you know that you can even edit the reminders, should you wish to? You can even make sure that other team members receive the reminders. As a result, all of your software licences are likely to be up to date. 

With this technology at your fingertips, you and your team can start: 

• Saving money as you may not have to pay to replace expired software licences
• Making sure the latest software is used on every computer, laptop, etc
• Ensuring everyone has the right permissions 
• Allowing you and your team to gain access to the information you entered about each licence

Setting renewal reminders can help your business to run more smoothly. This is simply due to the fact that you’ll have access to the software you use when you need it.

Using IT asset tracking technology ensures that security is bumped up so much so that it’s nothing short of impressive. This is thanks to the ability to restrict who has access to the information. When the necessary people have access to the information, security is vastly increased. 

There is always a risk that the wrong people could gain access to the information that you have entered into each licence’s digital profile. This can never be a good thing, which means it’s hugely important you and your team do what you can to keep all information safe. Using asset tracking technology can help you to do this easily. 

Wish to speak with an expert about IT asset tracking for software licences? Talk to us now at: team@itemit.com.

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Managing computer inventory is not always as easy as it seems. These days, if you want to manage your inventory correctly you need to use reliable PC inventory software. This software replaces old and often insecure and error-ridden methods such as notebooks and spreadsheets.

Let’s then take a look at the best way for you to manage your computer inventory in 2023.

Ideally, you have already found some PC inventory software that you think will work well. Software such as this should make it easy for you to add your assets. You can add as many assets as you wish. However, it’s advisable to add all of your PC-related equipment if possible. 

Did you know that you can group some or all of your PC assets, should you wish to? This can help with locating where assets are usually stored, for example. As soon as you have added your PC assets to the software, it’s time to add more information.

Some people like to add each asset to their inventory before they add information about each one. Others like to add the details as they go. Regardless of which method you choose, you could add some or all of the following information about each asset:

• The name, model, and manufacturer
• Year of purchase
• Insurance and warranty information
• Date of software licence renewal 
• A photograph of the asset
• The maintenance schedule 
• Notes about the asset 
• The estimated value of the asset
• A link to the online instruction manual
• And anything else you wish to add

When you add the above information to each asset’s digital profile you make things easier for your future self. For example, if you wanted to check the insurance information it’s easier to log into the inventory software and locate the details rather than trying to find them elsewhere.

Now it’s time for you to start tracking your computer inventory. Ideally, your chosen PC inventory software will let you track the location of your inventory. This can be perfect if you use laptops, for example, in a variety of locations. As we have already seen, gaining access to a lot of information about each asset can be handy. This is why it makes sense to track assets even if they’re always in the same place.

One additional advantage of tracking your assets is the security it brings. Assets that sit in your office day after day are no doubt quite valuable. If you use PC inventory software that lets you track them, should they get stolen, locating them can be quite simple. 

Attaching an RFID tag or a barcode to each of your IT assets and scanning the code so a digital profile’s created help. It ensures that a specific barcode relates to a specific asset. Therefore, should the asset go missing, it’s more likely to be found if a tag or barcode is attached.

Does your team use tablets, for example, that are often used by other employees? If they do, using a check-in and check-out function can help with tracking. You can see who is using which tablet and when they checked it out. 

This function not only ensures that you can see who’s using what, it also helps to keep the tablets in good condition. Let’s imagine that you have checked out a tablet. Your name has been added to the system and management knows you are using that tablet. A result of this means that you’re more likely to look after the tablet and return it at the end of the day. Fewer tablets will go missing and more tablets will be in a better state of repair.

Some PC inventory software allows you to export reports. This is not something that is offered by every piece of inventory software. So, if exporting reports is important to you, it makes sense to use software that has this feature. 

Most inventory software that lets you export reports gathers a lot of data. This data is created each time someone uses the software. For example, data’s created whenever a tablet is checked out and back in again. With this information, you could see if you have enough tablets to go around. 

The data that’s created could help to provide you with a clear insight into how your PC inventory is managed. It can also help you to get a good insight as to how your business is running. With this information to hand, you could steer your business in the right direction. 

Need to talk to an expert about PC inventory software? Contact us now at: team@itemit.com

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You may have heard of asset tracking software and you may already be aware that it can help business operations. However, what you might not be aware of is just how software such as this can help. When you know how tracking software can help your business you’re more likely to use it to its full advantage. 

Let’s take a look at just some of the ways that asset tracking software can help.

When you use the right type of software, it’s possible to streamline your operations. You can see which assets need to be sent to other locations and which are being used. It’s also possible to see whether you need to order more parts or whether you have enough in stock.

Did you know that you can also track some or all of your assets? Asset tracking can help you to understand where your tools, parts, etc. are and if they are in the correct location. You can also determine whether more parts need to be sent to one location from another. A result of all of the above is that operations are streamlined. 

It does not matter what sector your business is in or how long you have been trading. It does not matter how small your business is or where you’re located. You can streamline your operations easily when you can track your assets. If you have tracking software that lets you see where your assets are and even who’s using them, your operations can be streamlined.

If you find yourself making manual entries, such as your location into log books you’re probably aware of how much time it takes. When you use asset tracking software, however, you no longer need to do this. You can simply let the software do the hard work for you. It’s this and other similar actions that can help to increase productivity.

Maintenance expenses are not always good for the bottom line. When assets are sent away for repairs it can also disturb day-to-day operations. Productivity can be reduced and the bottom line can suffer. 

Using asset tracking software can turn all of this around. It can ensure that every asset, tool, part, machinery or piece of equipment is checked and repaired (if necessary) regularly. It is possible to set maintenance schedules for every asset, ensuring they’re in much better condition. 

Some tracking software also allows for easy issue reporting. What this means is that when an issue arises, a member of your team can quickly inform maintenance. As a result, the issue can be resolved quickly. This, in turn, ensures that maintenance expenses are lowered. This can be wholly beneficial for the bottom line and for productivity.

When tracking software is used to its full advantage, it allows assets to be recovered. When each of your assets has a QR code or an RFID tag attached to them, it allows for accurate asset tracking. Using software that’s reliable, and easy to use, it’s possible to locate all of your assets within moments. 

When you log into the software via your computer, phone, or tablet, you can start tracking your assets. You can see where a group of them are or even where an individual asset is. This ensures that asset tracking is very easy, allowing you to recover lost assets.

Ghost assets are those that no longer work or have been lost. Let’s imagine that one of your printers breaks down and it refuses to work. You may decide to put that printer to one side in the hope that it will be repaired. In the meantime, you have to share a printer with someone else. 

When this occurs, it’s assumed that the printer is still being used as the issue hasn’t been reported. As a result, productivity decreases. However, with the right tracking software, reporting the issue to maintenance is quick and easy. It ensures that the printer does not become a ghost asset and is accounted for. 

Lost tools, for example, are considered to be ghost assets. Unfortunately, if you’re still paying insurance for the lost tools, your bottom line will be affected. Here is where tracking software can help. We have already seen that lost assets can be located with ease, which means those lost (ghost) assets can be retrieved. Eliminate ghost assets by using software that allows you to repair broken printers and retrieve lost tools. 

It’s clear that the right tracking software can improve operations. When operations are improved, many aspects of any business can be improved.

Would you like to speak with someone about asset tracking software? Contact one of our experts now at: team@itemit.com.

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Managing assets is only ever easy if you have a few and they always work as intended. However, if like most businesses, you have more than a few assets, managing them isn’t easy at all. Throw in a few asset-related issues such as downtime and everything can be harder. 

Some people use an asset register to help them manage their assets, others rely on an inventory. However, they are not the same and knowing the difference is really important. Briefly, your asset register contains the assets that you use most days. Your inventory is where your stock and consumables are listed.

As we have already seen, an asset inventory contains details about your consumables and stock. Your asset inventory is not something that’s permanent. In other words, it is ever-changing. 

Let’s imagine that you run an online store. Your inventory will be full to the brim of the assets that you have for sale. Assets such as these can change in moments. For example, at 10am you may have 500 plumbing sets, but at 10:01am, you may only have 450. Your inventory list will be ever-changing. Your customers will buy some of your products which means you’ll have to order more. Your depleted number of plumbing sets can be brimming over once more. 

Did you know that your asset inventory can somewhat overlap with those items you have listed on your asset register app? This is simply because if you work in more than one location you can track your inventory. When your inventory is lowered through sales, it can be monitored through the asset register app. You could also receive reminders to order more assets.

Asset registers exist to help you to control your assets. Every asset that you use day-to-day can be added to your chosen asset register app. You could potentially track the location of your assets, see who is using them, and even if there is an issue with an asset. 

Your assets are your computers, your vehicles, your laptops, your desks, your tablets, your furniture, and everything in between. You do not add the products or services that you sell to your asset register. As we have already seen, your asset inventory can somewhat overlap with those items you have listed on your asset register app. However, this is as far as it goes. 

Regardless of what kind of business you run or even how big it is, you need an asset register. These days, many businesses make use of an asset register app as it allows for even better asset management. 

When you have full control over your computers, your vehicles, your laptops, your desks, your tablets, your furniture, and everything in between, your working day becomes easier. Being able to use an asset register to its full advantage is essential for all businesses. It’s just not something that all businesses are aware of. 

Every business that trades with consumers or other businesses will have an inventory. Ideally, they will also have some type of register that lists everything they use day-to-day. The register could be a list in a book, it could be a spreadsheet, or it could be a reliable asset register app.

When you use an asset register to its full advantage you know where your assets are. 

• You can eliminate ghost assets.
• Each asset will have a maintenance schedule
• You can monitor how everything depreciates
• Asset loss can no longer be an issue 
• You can export reports that contain a lot of useful data
• Laptops, tablets, and other assets can be checked out and in again
• You can track the location of everything via the use of a QR code or an RFID tag

And you can do so much more when you have a register that works well for you.

The largest difference between an asset register and an inventory is the amount of data each of them contains. The latter does not need to contain very much data. Rather, all you need to know is what you have in stock, and how many you have. When it comes to an asset register app, the amount of data can be quite impressive. 

Your inventory will show you what assets you have, where they have arrived from and even how many you have. An inventory can be quite a simple thing to have and read, whereas a register can be quite complex. Knowing the differences between the two can help you to make the most of your assets. For example, now you know that using a register app can make your life easier, it makes sense to use one.

Wish to speak with an expert about using an asset register app? Contact us now at: team@itemit.com.

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Taking control of your IT assets is important as doing so can be of immense help to your business. In fact, your IT assets can be your business’s most expensive items. However, when there is no visibility or little control, your business could realistically be suffering.

When you use an IT asset management tool to help you manage your assets, your business can benefit. Smart management tools can do this and it’s so important that you use them. Let’s take a look at exactly why.

The ideal way to increase all of your assets’ visibility is by ensuring you know where they are at all times. You can effectively achieve this by attaching a barcode to them that you can scan quickly. The result of the quick scan means you can detect the location of each of your assets. As a result, you can help to reduce the incidences of lost or even stolen hardware and software. In addition to this, using an IT asset management tool in this way means you can quickly retrieve the asset in question. 

You may no longer need to traipse around a large warehouse searching for an asset. You won’t have to call each site manager in the hope that they have the vehicle you’re looking for. You can see where your assets are quickly and easily all thanks to a reliable IT asset management tool.

When you rely on IT hardware and software, you’ll understand the importance of keeping everything in good working order. It is possible to extend the life of your IT hardware and software, you just need to know how. 

When you look for an IT asset management tool, you should consider looking for one that allows you to set reminders. For example, you could set reminders for PAT testing, or for yearly, quarterly, etc, maintenance. Reminders such as these can help to extend the life of your hardware and software. They help you to keep everything in much better condition. They also help you to ensure that you renew your software licences at the right time. 

No matter which position you work in, you’ll be aware that your business needs to have few outgoings. Some costs, however, such as electricity are hard to reduce. When you use an IT management tool effectively, you can realistically lower your costs. 

It’s possible to reduce costs by 

• Ensuring your assets are maintained at regular intervals 
• Informing your maintenance team when issues arise so they can be solved
• Removing ghost assets as every asset will be accounted for and in good working order 
• Eliminating inaccuracies by ensuring insurance, warranties, and licences are only paid for when they need to be paid for 

When you use an IT asset management tool that offers all of the above and more, you can lower your costs. As you’re no doubt aware, lowering costs is a priority. When you can realistically lower them allows your bottom line to increase.

When employees spend time looking for assets they are effectively wasting time. When employees are using damaged assets without knowing, they are wasting their time. Using an IT asset management tool can potentially end all of this and boost productivity. 

Your employees will no longer have to search far and wide for the laptop, for example, that they wish to use. They can simply log into the app or online portal and locate it within moments. 

There will be fewer damaged assets which means less time will be wasted trying to get them to work. There will also be fewer incidents whereby employees find out that the machine they’ve spent 5 minutes programming does not work.

Employees can get on with the tasks that they have been set. This is all thanks to an IT management tool that works well. When productivity is boosted, the bottom line can be boosted. Deadlines can be met, customers can be kept happy and your business can start to grow once more. This is something that every business owner or manager strives for and it’s something that you can achieve. 

The importance of IT asset management for all businesses is clear. When your assets are successfully managed the impact on your business is a positive one. No matter what type of business you run, how large your business is, how long you’ve been trading or even where you’re located, you too can benefit from using IT asset management. 

Ditch those unreliable and error-filled spreadsheets. Stop using lists to remind you when asset maintenance is due. Use something more reliable, secure, and error-free. 

Talk to someone who knows how to use an IT asset management tool for businesses. You can reach us now at team@itemit.com

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