How to Keep Track of Computer Inventory

How to Keep Track of Computer Inventory

How to Keep Track of Computer Inventory

Keeping track of all of your computer inventory isn’t as easy as you’d think. Even if you run a very small business you’ll have a lot of computer-related equipment. This is why it makes sense for you to keep track of it. However, not everyone knows what a computer inventory is or how to keep track of it. 

Read this article to learn more about computer inventory management and how it can benefit your business.

What Is A Computer Inventory?

A computer inventory consists of anything that relates to a computer such as software and hardware. In other words, software that a business has purchased, along with laptops, tablets, and computers. Computer inventories can also consists of modems, printers, cables, and everything else that you associate with computers. 

When you know what computer inventory you have, you can make the most of computer inventory management.

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How To Keep Track Of Your Computer Inventory

There are some very easy ways for you to keep track of everything you have that relates to computers. While some people assume that having a list of their inventory or even a spreadsheet will do, there is a real risk of errors occurring. This is why it makes sense for every business out there to manage their computer inventory. 

Let’s take a close look at how you can make computer inventory management work for you.

Upload Details Of Your Inventory To Your Chosen Software

One of the first things that you need to do is to upload details of everything you have to the software you’ve chosen. Some software packages allow you to stick an RFID tag to each of your assets so you can scan the code. As soon as the code has been scanned a digital profile will automatically be created. It’s this profile that helps you to excel when it comes to computer inventory management.

As soon as you have created a single digital profile you can add information about the asset in question. You can, for example, add information such as the asset’s make and model, when it was purchased, how much the asset cost, and even its subscription, insurance, and warranty details. 

Want to take things a little further? Upload the instruction booklet as well as a photograph of the asset. You could also add a maintenance schedule, should you wish to. A schedule such as this could ensure that your assets are in good condition. You’ll be reminded when it’s time to send each asset for its yearly or six-monthly maintenance, for example. You could even use the software to request that a printer undergoes repair when it breaks down, yet again.

Assign Assets To Team Members

A really good way for you to track your assets is by assigning them to team members. When you know who has what, you have a better idea of how often the tablets, for example, are used. You don’t even have to assign your assets to get an accurate report of how often assets are used. 

You could use a check-in and check-out function if the software you’ve chosen allows this. If it does, this feature could prove to be very useful. It allows you to see who has what and when. In addition to this, the check-in and check-out feature helps to improve security. It does this by automatically making users feel more responsible for the assets when they use them. 

Think about how you would feel if your manager knew you were using a specific laptop or you were in charge of some software. You would automatically take more care of the laptop or software. You’d make sure that the laptop was in a good state of repair. You’d also take more care of it so that it was less likely to go missing. As far as the software is concerned, perhaps you’d make sure that the licence was up to date and you’d downloaded all of the updates. 

Assigning assets or using the check-in and check-out feature helps you to track your computer inventory with ease.

Create And Export Reports

Some computer inventory management software will allow you to create and export reports. Every time an asset is used, data will automatically be created. It’s this data that can prove to be very useful to you and your business. You can see, for example, whether you have enough tablets for your sales team. Alternatively, you could see how often you need to purchase printer paper or how many times assets need to be repaired. 

Computer inventory management can help you to track your inventory with ease. All you need to do now is to find some software that works well for you.

Would you like to speak with a computer inventory management expert about keeping track of your assets? Talk to us today at: team@itemit.com. We can help you.

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The Benefits of Real-Time Asset Tracking for Your Business

The Benefits of Real-Time Asset Tracking for Your Business

The Benefits of Real-Time Asset Tracking for Your Business

Without a doubt, there are many different asset tracking solutions around. In fact, there are likely to be more solutions than you realise. However, what’s not always clear is the benefits of real-time asset tracking and how they relate to your business.

If you’re considering investing money and time in asset tracking solutions it makes sense to know if they are beneficial. The good news is that this article takes a look at just some of the benefits of real-time asset tracking for your business.

It Improves Efficiency

Thanks to the way that most asset tracking solutions work, it is possible to improve efficiency. This is because assets can be maintained as and when maintenance is required. As a result, more tools, equipment, computers, etc. will be available for use at all times. In addition to this, assets are less likely to be misplaced. Again, this can improve efficiency as there will be less downtime.

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Audits Can Be Simplified

When inventory data is accurate it can help with auditing. This is because it is possible to see what assets a business has and even where they are. This is one of the best benefits of asset tracking solutions. 

Manual inventories do not allow for information that is as accurate as this. In fact, they can contain many human errors. Digital tracking helps to eliminate these errors and makes the auditing process much more accurate and simple. 

When audits are simplified, it makes life easier. You could potentially spend a lot less time worrying about your audits and whether the information is accurate. Real-time asset tracking software will always produce accurate data, ensuring that your audits are always right.

Maintenance Issues Are Reduced

When the right asset tracking solutions are used, they can potentially reduce maintenance issues. Ordinarily, it can be hard to keep track of each asset and understand if the assets are in a good state of repair. However, when real-time asset tracking is used, it can make a large difference. 

Depending on which tracking solution you choose, you may be able to set maintenance reminders. These reminders can “ping” whenever an asset is due for maintenance. It is then up to you or your maintenance team to retrieve the asset that needs to be inspected.  However, none of this would be possible without the ability to set up a maintenance schedule. You could, for example, set up a monthly, quarterly, twice-yearly, or even a yearly schedule. 

As soon as the schedule has been set up the tracking software will do the work for you. Because the software works in real-time you can rely on it to inform you when an asset is required to go for maintenance. You could even use the software to send messages to the maintenance team should a computer break down, for example. This makes using the software very convenient. 

It’s this feature that can help your business to save money. When your assets are regularly inspected and repaired they are likely to be in better condition. As a result, your business may not need to spend as much money replacing assets. This ensures that you can save money or choose to divert funds elsewhere. The former option could help to improve your bottom line, the latter could allow departments to get the equipment they need.

It Improves Accountability Throughout

One of the most important benefits of using asset tracking solutions that work in real-time is they improve accountability. It is possible for you to see who is accountable for any issues, and what the solution is. You can also see who has which assets, where they are located, and if they are where they are supposed to be. A lot of questions can be answered when real-time asset tracking is used. You can also have peace of mind knowing that your audits and your important documents are accurate.

Useful Data Is Created

Each time an asset is used or someone logs into the software data is created. This data can be used to help a business see which direction it is moving in and whether it is the right direction. 

For example, you may be able to see whether your customers hire as many vans as you would like them to. If more cars are hired than vans, you could potentially alter your marketing strategy to appeal to those who need vans. This is information that you may not have had access to otherwise. 

Did you know that some asset tracking software allows you to create and export reports? You could have all of that data turned into reports so that you can gain quick access to it as and when required.

Wish to speak with an expert about asset tracking solutions? Contact us now. You can reach us at: team@itemit.com. We can help you to make the most of real-time asset tracking.

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The Importance Of Keeping An Accurate Asset Register

The Importance Of Keeping An Accurate Asset Register

The Importance Of Keeping An Accurate Asset Register

Having an accurate asset register is of huge importance. When your register is accurate it allows you to understand how your business is performing. 

It also allows you to see which areas of your business are performing well and which areas are a little behind. As a result, you can potentially improve those areas that are less than perfect. However, you’ll only be able to do this if you use an asset register app or software that you can rely on. 

Before we even look at asset-related software, etc. we need to take a closer look at how important it is to keep an accurate asset register. Read on for more information about this subject.

What An Asset Register Is

An asset register is a physical or digital document that contains the details of a business’s assets. Having a list of assets allows a business no matter its size the ability to have more control over them. A register such as this also allows managers to see what assets they have. 

Some businesses opt to use a spreadsheet as a register, others use an asset register app or an online portal. Digital registers seem to be the more secure and more accurate option as they leave less room for error.

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What Type Of Asset Register Allows For More Accuracy?

As we have already seen, there are a few different kinds of asset registers. However, it’s not always clear which type allows for more accuracy. A spreadsheet can be perfectly reasonable to use if your business has few assets. However, there is usually a risk of errors, as we have already seen. 

An asset register app can also be ideal. An app may only give you the information you require if you have access to the internet. If your phone has no signal, you may have difficulty getting the details you need. 

An online portal seems to be a good option. It’s likely that if you’re sitting at a computer in your office, for example, that you will have access to the internet. Therefore, you can gain access to your register. As a result, you can easily retrieve the latest information about all of your tools and equipment. When you combine the use of an online portal with an asset register app, your register can be even more accurate. As long as the online portal and the app talk to each other you are onto a winner. 

In terms of software and its accuracy, it depends on what you are looking for. There are many different companies out there that offer asset register software. You simply have to sift through them all to find one that suits you. A good way to do this is to think about what you want from your register. When you know what you want, you can search for a company that offers you exactly what you need and more.

How To Keep Your Register Accurate

Keeping your register accurate is important. The more accurate it is, the more you’ll understand about your business’s performance. The best way for you to keep your asset register app or online portal accurate is by:

  • Adding all of your assets to your register
  • Add as much detail about everything as you can
  • Allowing users to update the register when it’s required 
  • Setting up a maintenance schedule
  • Allowing users to ask for assets to be repaired as and when it’s required
  • Letting your team members check equipment, etc. in and out 
  • Ensuring you add a barcode to your assets so they can be tracked 
  • Organising everything into collections so they’re easy to find 
  • Using an asset register app that allows you to create and export reports 
  • Making use of any quick add functions 
  • Being prepared to track everything, even fixed assets
  • Making use of both online portals and apps where available
  • Using image recognition software 
  • Allowing for issue reporting and management 

While this may seem like a lot of work, you can usually find software and/or apps that offer some or all of the above. In fact, the more features you’re offered, the better. They can make sure that your register is accurate and you can track your assets with ease. 

When your register is accurate you can use it to help you to improve your business. You can potentially see where you have sufficient equipment and where you need more. You can see which areas are doing well and where you need to concentrate your efforts. As a result, there’s a real potential for you to increase your bottom line.

If you would like to speak to an expert about keeping your asset register app accurate, talk to us. You can reach us now at: team@itemit.com. We’re here to help.

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Improving Equipment Efficiency Through Better Management

Improving Equipment Efficiency Through Better Management

Improving Equipment Efficiency Through Better Management

Regardless of what type of equipment you use, it’s likely to be vital to your business. However, having equipment efficiency can be difficult. The good news is that with better management, efficiency levels can improve. Read on for some great equipment tracking tips that can help you to get the most out of your vital and often valuable equipment.

What Equipment Efficiency Is

Equipment efficiency begins with equipment tracking. This is a method that many businesses use to help them to keep a clear record of the equipment they own. It is also a very useful way to ensure they know who has each piece of equipment and what condition it is in. Additionally, equipment can be automatically tracked. This is as long as a tag or a barcode has been affixed. 

The type of equipment that can be tracked includes:

  • Computers
  • Printers 
  • Modems
  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Photocopiers
  • Safety equipment
  • And anything else that needs to be tracked 

Using a dashboard, users can quickly and easily view the status of their equipment. They can also view who it has been assigned to, and what the maintenance status of the equipment is. This can be very useful as it means that equipment efficiency can be improved immensely.

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How To Further Improve Equipment Efficiency

There are a number of ways that you can improve equipment efficiency even more. Below, we take a look at a few of the most effective ways for you to do this so your business benefits.

Create An Equipment Inventory

One of the very first things that you need to do is to create an equipment inventory. Also known as an “asset inventory”, a list of all of your machinery, etc. can be in one place. Forget those spreadsheets that may be full of errors. Put those paper lists to one side. You need a digital inventory that takes equipment tracking and efficiency to the next level. 

When you use some equipment tracking software, you and your team can have more control over everything. However, the very first step in this process is to affix a barcode to your tools and scan the code. Once you have, a digital profile will automatically be created, allowing you to store as much information about your equipment as you please. 

You can add anything you please to your inventory. In fact, the more equipment that you add, the better. Ideally, you will add every machine, computer, vehicle, tool, and tablet that your business owns. While this may seem like a difficult task, it’s worth the time and effort. 

One of the best ways to begin is by starting in one room or office and moving on to the next. This ensures that you’re less likely to miss anything. Alternatively, you could start by adding your most valuable and/or important tools, etc. first. The choice is ultimately yours.  However, adding everything to your inventory ensures you have improved equipment efficiency.

Begin Tracking Your Equipment

Improving equipment efficiency through better management is only possible when you track your equipment. We have already seen that you can create an inventory to help you to improve efficiency. The step you need to take is to begin tracking everything

As soon as a barcode has been affixed and a digital profile has been created, you can track the location of your laptops, for example. You can potentially see where each and every piece of equipment is at all times. This is one of the most effective and most important aspects of equipment tracking. It adds additional layers of security to your laptops and the tracking process can be wholly convenient. For example, you can see whether Delivery Van A has arrived at its destination. As long as Delivery Van A has a barcode affixed, it can be tracked. In fact, all of your equipment can be tracked.

Schedule Maintenance

Another vital part of improving equipment efficiency involves maintenance. If you would like your equipment to be more efficient it needs to be in good working order. As a result, you and your maintenance team need to ensure that you stick to the maintenance schedule.

Sticking to the maintenance schedule is entirely possible if you use equipment tracking software. You can set a unique schedule for all of your computers, printers, etc. From monthly to quarterly, to every six months, or every year, etc. you can set a schedule that’s appropriate. Once a maintenance schedule has been set, you will receive an alert when maintenance is due. 

Additionally, you can ask the maintenance team to repair a piece of equipment should something go wrong. As a result, your equipment can be in much better condition all of the time. It’s this that can help with equipment efficiency through better management.

Want to learn more about equipment tracking and efficiency through better management? Call us today at: team@itemit.com.

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Ask An Expert – What Should I Include On An IT Asset Register?

Ask An Expert – What Should I Include On An IT Asset Register?

Ask An Expert – What Should I Include On An IT Asset Register?

If you’re planning to use an IT asset register, congratulations, you are about to take full control of your IT assets. While this may not seem like a huge deal right now, you’ll soon see just how valuable an IT asset register is to your business. 

This type of asset register can help you to have a lot more control over some of the most valuable assets that you own. But what should you include in a register such as this? This is exactly what we cover in this article.

What Exactly Is An IT Asset Register?

An asset register that specifically pertains to your IT assets consists of a list of your business’s IT equipment. In other words, all of your computers, laptops, printers, and anything else you consider to be “IT”. The list can then be used to help you track your IT assets and help you to understand whether licences are up to date. 

An IT asset register can come in the form of a spreadsheet, a list in a book, or some software. The latter tends to be the better option to choose. This is because software is a lot less likely to make a mistake. In addition to this, the software can continuously update and help to create a lot of useful data.

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What To Include In An IT Asset Register

Knowing what to include in an asset register can be difficult. However, when you narrow it down to just your IT equipment for now, you make life a little easier. You can add the following to your register, should you wish to:

  • Desktop computers
  • Printers
  • Modems 
  • Wires, leads, and cables
  • Laptops and laptop cases
  • Spare laptop batteries and cables
  • Tablets and charges
  • Tablet cases
  • Tablet screen protectors
  • Spare tablet chargers
  • Photocopiers
  • Monitors
  • Software licences
  • Memory sticks
  • And any other IT equipment 

There is a real potential for you to add a lot of equipment to your asset register. As a result, you may find it easier to group a lot of the equipment into collections. For example, anything that relates to your desktop computers could be placed in one collection. Your software licences, for example, could be placed in another. This ensures that when you want to find a particular computer monitor, for example, you can locate it easily.

Making Use Of Asset Tags

The best way for you to track your IT assets and any other assets is for you to use asset tags. Tags such as these will enable you to monitor each asset’s location. In addition to this, they can also help you to quickly edit information about each asset. If, for example, you wish to find out when a printer was purchased you can access that particular printer’s profile. You can do this by scanning the tag. When the tag is scanned it will open up the printer’s profile. As long as the date of purchase has been added to the printer’s profile, you can access the information.

Adding Information To Each Asset’s Profile

We have just briefly touched on accessing information regarding a particular asset. What we have not yet discussed is how that information has been added to a profile. Let’s take a look at this now. 

When you affix a tag to an asset, scanning the tag will create a digital profile. You can then assign the digital profile to the asset in question. It is then possible for you to add information about each IT asset. You can add information such as the asset’s:

  • Model, brand, and serial number
  • Date of purchase
  • Price at purchase
  • Estimated lifespan
  • Warranty and insurance details
  • Instruction booklet or manual
  • Software licence information
  • Date of licence renewal/expiry
  • Maintenance schedule and status
  • Usual location(s)
  • List of past and current users
  • Latest photograph for easy identification 
  • Collections that it is located in 
  • Notes that have been left for future users
  • And so much more

You can add as much information as you wish to your IT asset register. In fact, the more information you add, the better. The more information there is about each asset, the easier it is for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. If you want to read an asset’s insurance details you can simply log into the software and take a look. You won’t have to search through a lot of paper files hoping that you have not accidentally disposed of the information. Rather, you can access it when you need to and save a lot of time and worry.

Would you like to speak with an expert about an IT asset register? Contact us now at team@itemit.com. We can help you to understand how to have more control over your most valuable assets.

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Fixed Asset Register: The Benefits Of Automating Small Business Processes

Fixed Asset Register: The Benefits Of Automating Small Business Processes

Fixed Asset Register: The Benefits Of Automating Small Business Processes

If you run a small business it’s likely that you will do what you can to automate a lot of processes. When you’re able to make some tasks easier for yourself you can get on with more important tasks. 

Automation is becoming increasingly popular as more and more businesses of all sizes realise just how beneficial it is. Perhaps this is something that you too could use so your small business benefits from all that automation has to offer.

What Is Automation?

Automation basically involves using technology to undertake a range of tasks. These are tasks that a human would traditionally undertake. Small tasks may not seem very important on their own. However,  when they’re combined with other minor tasks they can make a huge difference for a small business. 

No matter how large or small a business is, it’s likely to have numerous assets. To keep better control of assets, many businesses have a fixed asset register. Some businesses still use a spreadsheet, however, others use software. Software can automate many small processes that can ultimately help a business to run more productively.  

These small processes can include:

  • Team members checking assets in and out 
  • Tracking assets 
  • Issue reporting and management 
  • Bulk action updates
  • Exporting reports that have been created 
  • And so much more

When processes such as these are automated they can benefit small businesses in a variety of ways. Below, we will take a look at just some of the benefits associated with this.

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The Benefits of Automating Small Business Processes

Some of the benefits of automating small business processes include:

Saving Time

When you rely on more automation you save time without realising it. This is because you will no longer need to tick those boxes or undertake many very small tasks. For example, you will no longer need to make sure you know which team members have which tablets. All of this will be automated thanks to the fixed asset register software you now use. 

Many other aspects of your small business can be automated so that you can save even more time. The more tasks you automate the more time you can save.

Improving Productivity

When you no longer have to spend as much time filling in paperwork, productivity can be improved. You can get on and complete much more important tasks while those smaller tasks are taken care of. As a result, you can spend more time concentrating on those all-important tasks as can your team.

Reducing Human Errors

Many small businesses still rely on a spreadsheet to tell them what assets they have and what condition they are in. However, when you use fixed asset register software that’s reliable you can say “Goodbye” to human errors.

While we try not to make mistakes, we humans are fallible. However, automation is not. Automated software will do exactly what it is told to do. There is no room for error. This ultimately means that your business will have more accurate data all day, every day.

Increasing The Bottom Line

When you use reliable fixed asset register software that provides you with more accurate data you can increase the bottom line. It may be clear to see where your small business needs to make improvements. It may also be clear to see where your business is doing well. When you know where you’re doing well you can potentially do even better.

Improving The Lifespan Of Your Assets

Were you aware that you can improve the lifespan of your assets? You can do this by setting maintenance alerts. In addition to this, you can also leave a note for the maintenance team stating what is wrong. The maintenance team can then prepare to repair the damaged laptop, for example. When equipment is repaired as and when it needs to be and when it’s checked over regularly its lifespan improves. More care is taken of each asset which means you can spend less money replacing them. This is all thanks to the automation processes that have been made available to you.

Ensuring All Software Is Up To Date

It’s vital that you only ever use software that is up to date. When you automate small business processes you help to keep software up to date. This is because you can set reminders so that you know exactly when you need to update your software. As a result, security can be improved on all of your desktop computers, laptops, and tablets. 

Setting up a reminder can be very simple and a notification can tell you which computer, for example, needs a software update. Don’t wait to learn that your software is out of date. Do something before an issue arises.

Would you like to learn more about automation and how it benefits your fixed asset register along with your business? Talk to us today. You can reach us now at team@itemit.com. We look forward to talking with you.

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