How To Bust Ghost Assets

How To Bust Ghost Assets

How To Bust Ghost Assets

​​In the spirit of spooky season, we’re diving into one of the most haunting issues your business may face. The dreaded ghost asset. These ghosts will float around your fixed asset register and spook your finances.

Ghost assets will make you lose money and they pose a dark threat to your tax and insurance returns. You have to exorcise these assets before they drain too much from your business.

Ghost Assets


What Are Ghost Assets?

Ghost assets are assets that exist in your asset register but are not physically accounted for. As such, they’re literally ghosts on your system.

So, if you’ve decommissioned a laptop and scrapped it, for example, if this change isn’t then reflected on your asset register, then that asset becomes a ghost asset.

Any asset, therefore, can become a ghost asset as they are digital echoes of once physical, in use assets. This is where they get their spooky name from.

Why are they such an issue, though, and why should you exorcise your fixed asset register from these ghouls?


Why Are They Such A Problem?

Ghost assets pose a number of issues, both financial and physical. For example, there is the immediate issue of needing to use an asset, checking if it exists on the register, and finding it has turned up missing.

So, first and foremost ghost assets cause productivity issues and can create slack times where your colleagues are searching for assets rather than using said assets. 

Maybe, therefore, ghost assets won’t jump out and scare you or your colleagues or whisper haunting words in an empty hallway, but they will definitely cause a sigh and an eye roll.

What will scare you and your colleagues is the amount of money these assets will lose you. The lack of transparency and accountability translates into your tax and insurance operations. 

If there are assets on your fixed asset register that you’re not using and that you have decommissioned, these assets will still be logged in your returns. Therefore, you’ll either risk fines for incorrectly logging a value or you’ll pay too much insurance because you’re insuring more assets than you actually own. Scary, right?


How To Bust Ghost Assets

So, how do you get rid of these accounting spectres? Should you call in the experts? No. 

When you use fixed asset management software, you become the ghost-buster due to simple accountability-driven features and functionality. The best fixed asset tracking software is super simple to use meaning you won’t need years of ghost-busting training (or a proton pack), either.

This ease of use also means that you and your colleagues don’t have to cross the streams to contribute to your ghost-busting efforts. Instead, you can all pick up and use the system and lessen the accounting load for everyone.

Why can’t you just use spreadsheets? Spreadsheets are like tombs in that they’re old, unkempt and haunted by ghost assets. Any change an asset goes through makes your spreadsheet out of date, which is impossible to keep track of. Every time an asset is decommissioned, therefore, there’s a possibility that that asset will cross over to the spirit realm and remain on your fixed asset register.

This is where fixed asset tracking software gives you more functionality, as any changes are quick, easy and manageable. On top of this, you can run reports on your asset changes and export snapshot spreadsheets, giving you the best of both worlds without the spookiness.


itemit’s Fixed Asset Management Software

itemit’s fixed asset management software gives you all of this and more. Built to help you keep track of your assets, you get more accountability and control over your tools and equipment with itemit.

You can track any asset on the system in multiple, easy-to-manage ways. This means that you can exorcise your ghost assets with consistent, speedy audits and run reports.

Fixed asset management shouldn’t be complicated, unwieldy, or time-consuming. Instead of staring into the void of unwieldy spreadsheets, return to the land of the living with effective software.

Our support team is always keen to make sure you’re getting as much return on investment as possible. This means that if you do need someone to call, you’re best reaching us at +44 (0)1223 421611. You can also contact us at team@itemit.com with any questions. We’ll help you bust your ghost assets.

Fixed Asset Management Software

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What Does IT Asset Management Do For Your Business?

What Does IT Asset Management Do For Your Business?

What Does IT Asset Management Do For Your Business?

IT asset management gives your business significantly more visibility over your IT resources and assets. This means that you can make multiple efficiency and productivity improvements.

Transparency over what assets your business owns, where they are, and who is using them gives you more power over your assets and, therefore, saves you time and money.

equipment asset management software and ITAM


Fewer Lost Assets & Duplicate Purchases

When you use IT asset management operations, you gain a better view of your assets. This means that your decisions are better-informed as you have helpful data in front of you that you can use.

If your IT assets are logged in an IT asset management software, for example, you have access to a readily available and very human-readable IT asset register.

This IT asset register gives you the ability to search for which assets your business already owns. Then, you can pinpoint where these assets are to retrieve them and prevent lost money on duplicate purchases.


More Accountability Over IT Assets

The ability to use IT asset register software and asset tracking principles gives you the ability to improve your business’ accountability when it comes to assets.

Having a clear view of what your assets are and the ability to add data to them separates them from being simple rows and columns on a list. Instead, your asset profiles bring your assets to life, showing your team that each asset is unique and critical to your business.

Then, you can log critical information such as who is responsible for which of your assets. This, in turn, increases asset accountability and gives you a neat and tidy audit trail for whenever you need it.

Using assignee features also means that you can run audits with your colleagues by viewing who has what and manage and export reports with this data. So, for example, if somebody hands in their notice, finding out which assets you need to retrieve is a quick and simple process.


Helpful IT Asset Management Features

IT asset management software comes with a wide range of helpful features and functionality, too. For example, you’ll be able to use asset tags to speed up your auditing and asset tracking operations.

You can link these physical tags, such as QR codes or barcodes to your assets, then use these codes to contribute to your tracking operations. This is as, every time you scan an asset’s tag, a few things happen:

  • The last seen location updates
  • The time of the scan updates
  • The user who scanned the tag is logged
  • The asset’s profile opens, ready for edits

This means that if one of your colleagues needs to report an issue on a laptop, for example, the process is simply: scan and click “report”. Then, your maintenance team gets a transparent view of which asset has an issue, where the asset is, who reported the issue and what the issue is.


Using Your IT Asset Register

Your IT asset register is a critical tool for your business to leverage. This is as your business will likely be run using IT assets, such as laptops, computers and software.

Therefore, owning an IT asset register ultimately gives you visibility over asset costs, status, and usage. This means that you can pinpoint inefficiencies and monitor how well your assets are getting used.

Tracking the assets that help your business is essential as otherwise, you have no visibility over potential performance improvements or risks. This expands further, too.

With itemit, you can expand IT asset management operations into fixed asset management capabilities. As you need to track and manage as many of your business’ assets as possible, the system remains flexible and customisable no matter what you need to track.

To find out more about itemit, you can contact the team at team@itemit.com or fill in the form below to start your very own 14-day free trial.

IT Asset Management

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Why Your Business Needs Asset Tracking Software

Why Your Business Needs Asset Tracking Software

Why Your Business Needs Asset Tracking Software

Asset tracking lies at the core of business management. Whether you run a small company or a large one, only an entrepreneur knows the great number of responsibilities that come with entrepreneurship. You are involved in every part of your business, ranging from corporate decision-making, brand marketing to fixing the nuts and bolts required to run the company. 

When it comes to the most essential part of running a business, it’s undoubtedly the finances. More specifically, it’s asset management that can make a huge difference. 

Proper asset tracking can help a business make more money with the assets it has on hand. But if not managed appropriately, your very own assets can make your business much less productive and lose money.

How Does A Fixed Asset Register Help Save You Money?


How Can Asset Tracking Software Help?

To put it simply, asset tracking software is designed to help your business flourish. It helps you get the maximum out of an asset so you gain the greatest profit with the lowest costs involved. 

Asset tracking involves keeping track of a business’ physical assets, or simply, items owned by your business. It also comprises real-time information on the actual location and status of a particular asset. itemit uses either QR code tags, which are our low-cost solution, or RFID tags that are attached to each asset. When scanned, these labels enable the asset tracking software to record the real-time location and status of all your assets . 

But the labels are not the focus here. The asset tracking function is primarily performed by the asset tracking software. It tracks the location, usage, and status of all assets with a tracking label on it. Tangible information and physical status related to an asset are recorded to give you valuable quantitative insight on asset utilisation. 

The software streamlines your business’s asset management and makes all the information available on an optimized user interface that can be used by the entire staff. So say goodbye to lengthy spreadsheets.


Benefits of Using Asset Tracking Software

When it comes to the benefits of using asset tracking software, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they are limitless! While we list some of the most significant advantages below, you can only realise the true potential of asset management software for your business once you try it for yourself.


1. Effective Monitoring

The streamlined and effortless monitoring of all business assets seems to be the most evident advantage of using itemit’s asset tracking system. However, there is much more to it. 

  • You will no longer have to deal with extensive spreadsheets that limit collaboration and effective asset management for you and your team. The software automates record-keeping of assets moving within the company, between departments, and employees. 
  • With each asset having its unique tag, it is much easier to locate, see maintenance records and view the real-time status of each asset. This means even similar assets like two identical computer monitors can be separately and effectively tracked. 

All of this leads to enhanced resource management for your business. It empowers you to have a better view of your asset portfolio, reduce wastage and meet demands on time.


2. Make Asset Maintenance a Breeze

An unoptimised asset maintenance practice will inevitably lower productivity for any business. Lags in asset maintenance schedules not only lower workplace productivity but also increase the cost of maintenance. Not to mention the increased risk of permanent asset damage, making your company lose money two-fold. 

With itemit’s asset tracking software handling things for you, asset maintenance becomes a streamlined process. With each asset having its own regularly updated record, delays in asset maintenance are reduced to the bare minimum. Moreover, the software also allows you to track inventory and asset stock so you are always a step ahead. 

Not only that, there are countless creative ways you can use asset labels for workplace maintenance activities. For instance, you could label planters to keep track of who watered the plants last and when.


3. Lower the Risk Factor

With larger teams, assigning asset maintenance responsibilities can be tough. This means, there are risks associated with asset management. Some employees may not perform much-needed maintenance tasks because they feel it’s not their responsibility. 

The risks involved in asset management are reduced with proper asset status tracking and reminders. Whenever there’s a chance of asset damage or malfunction, the software will alert the concerned person to carry out the required maintenance. 

What’s more, asset tracking reduces the risk of theft or misplacement. The software sends a notification whenever an employee checks out an asset or if an item is missing.


4. Makes Regulatory Compliance Easy

If your business operates in a highly regulated industry, you’ll know the importance of adopting the most cost-effective measures to stay compliant with industry standards. Advanced resource management through asset tracking software enables you to record and report asset data effectively, helping you gain regulatory compliance.


5. Reduces Human Error

There’s the risk of no or inadequate asset maintenance due to human error. But there’s also a human error risk within record-keeping associated with asset maintenance and management. 

Unoptimized asset tracking methods involve double data entries, missing entries, inaccurate information, typos, and many other human errors – mostly caused by utilising spreadsheets! You can avoid these with an asset tracking software that makes no mistakes and records all information with the utmost accuracy and reliability.


Conclusion

All in all, itemit’s asset tracking can help your business save tonnes of money. The list of benefits discussed above is not exhaustive, not nearly. There are countless other advantages that all have one thing in common, increased productivity. 

As a business owner, you’d know the most important way to make a profit is to deliver greater results at the lowest cost possible. This is exactly what itemit helps you accomplish. 

To learn more about how itemit’s asset tracking software saves your business time and money, start your 14-day free trial today. For further assistance, please contact our team at team@itemit.com.

Asset Tracking Software

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Freshservice Alternative: itemit’s IT Asset Management Software

Freshservice Alternative: itemit’s IT Asset Management Software

Freshservice Alternative: itemit’s IT Asset Management Software

itemit’s IT asset management software gives you a different set of features from Freshservice. Therefore, while you’re researching what’s best for your business, it’s good to consider the differences.

For example, itemit’s IT asset management software isn’t a service desk and is very tailored towards assets, tracking, and user management. So, if you’re wondering which is best for you, it’s best to get to know your needs so that you can choose the right system.

Using IT Hardware Inventory Management To Save Time


What To Look For When You’re Looking At IT Asset Management

So, if you’re looking for an IT asset management system, what should you be looking for? The answer is, quite simply, it depends. This will inform whether you’re primarily looking for a service desk or an asset tracking system.

If you want to optimise productivity and efficiency, you can use either type of system. However, if you’re specifically looking for a better ticket management system, a service desk will be much better.

Conversely, if you’re looking at asset tracking specifically, an IT asset management system will be better. Fundamentally, the functionality of the two systems will overlap but each will have more of a focus on its niche.

Asset tracking will have a focus on asset data, asset usage and asset information more than tickets related to your assets.


IT Asset Tracking Features

Primarily, one of the most helpful IT asset tracking features is the ability to assign assets to your colleagues. This way, should a colleague hand in their notice, finding which assets they’re in charge of is a simple case of running a report.

Knowing who is using what is essential, which is why there are a tonne of accountability based and focussed features in IT asset management software such as itemit.

For example, you’ll be able to use asset tags to speed up your operations greatly. When you use asset tags, retrieving asset information is a simple case of scanning a QR code or barcode. Then, you can view who is responsible for the asset you’ve found.

Every time you scan the tags, too, the asset’s last seen location will update and the user who scanned the tag is logged, giving you a neat audit trail of where assets have been and who has been interacting with them.


itemit’s IT Asset Management Software

itemit’s IT asset management software does allow you to report issues against your IT assets but it’s by no means a service desk. The benefits will overlap with Freshservice, but they’ll be achieved in a different way.

For example, with both systems, you can improve productivity, generate a return on investment and increase accountability over your IT assets. It’s simply the case that you will ease out these returns in different ways and in different areas.

itemit allows you to really get into the asset tracking flow using an intelligent app, meaning you can make updates to asset data at any moment, onsite.

Freshservice allows you to optimise your servicing and productivity with an effective profile view. There’s no reason why you can’t couple the systems, too, and optimise in different areas.

To find out more about itemit’s IT asset management software, you can contact the team at team@itemit.com. You can also fill in the form below to start your very own 14-day free trial.

Freshservice Alternative

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How To Choose The Right Asset Tracking Software For Your Business

How To Choose The Right Asset Tracking Software For Your Business

How To Choose The Right Asset Tracking Software For Your Business

Asset tracking software is critical for your business. Without asset tracking software, you run the risk of losing assets, purchasing duplicates and permanent asset damage.

With asset tracking software, however, you get:

  • More visibility over your asset register
  • More control over your assets
  • Fewer lost assets
  • Fewer duplicate purchases
  • And more!

But how do you choose the best asset tracking software for your business?

What Is An Asset Register And Why Is One Essential For Your Business?


Return On Investment

First and foremost, you’ll want to know the value you’re getting out of your asset tracking software. If your software isn’t saving you time and money then there’s no point in using it.

Asset tracking software is complicated, however, as there are a lot of places it provides you with a return. It’s difficult to put your returns in monetary terms as there are different types of improvement.

For example, asset tracking will save you money by preventing asset losses and duplicate purchases. The amount this saves you depends on the cost of the assets you’re tracking.

Asset tracking also saves you a lot of time, therefore giving you more resources, which means you may make sales or close deals you wouldn’t otherwise, contributing to your return on investment.

So, to choose the right one for your business, you need to consider which will prevent the most losses and save you the most time.


Asset Tracking Features

One way you can assess time-saving benefits is by looking at an asset tracking system’s features. For example, if an asset tracking system has a complex user interface, this will complicate your asset tracking operations.

The best asset tracking software uses asset tags to speed up your operations. These tags are physical tags that you stick onto your assets and link up with digital asset profiles.

Then, you can add critical asset data to these profiles, such as asset costs, maintenance data and history, and information such as manufacturer, make & model.

Asset tags automate location tracking operations as every time you scan an asset’s tag, the last seen location updates automatically. The asset’s profile will also open up, ready for updates.


Additional, IT Asset Management or Fixed Asset Tracking Features

Most asset tracking software features will overlap and the return on investment will depend on how easy these overlapping features are to use.

However, you may have some specific needs and niches that you want to add to your asset management operations. For example, it’s not enough if you can only log limited info against fixed assets to call a system fixed asset management software.

Therefore, it’s critical to know your business and what problems and challenges your business is trying to address with asset management software.

For example, if you’re looking for an IT asset management system, there are sets of features that are essential to your tracking operations. This is the same with fixed asset management software: depreciation, for example, is a must here.

You must keep these needs in mind when you’re searching for the right asset tracking software as otherwise, you may not get the largest return on investment that you otherwise could.


itemit’s Asset Tracking Software

itemit’s asset tracking software is unique. With itemit, you can use a range of tracking technologies to manage your assets, from RFID to barcodes. This gives you the most visibility and accountability possible.

With itemit, you get a 14-day free trial, too, so your business has time to monitor your needs and see if itemit addresses them and will improve them.

You’re guaranteed a return on investment, which is why itemit is used worldwide by a range of different businesses. To find out more about how itemit’s asset tracking software can help your business, you can start your free trial by filling in the form below. You can also contact the team at team@itemit.com.

Asset Tracking Software

Choose a better way to track your assets

Start your free 14-day trial now

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

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Creative Uses For Asset Labels

Creative Uses For Asset Labels

Creative Uses For Asset Labels

Asset labels give you more visibility over your assets’ locations and speed up a range of asset management operations. For example, when you’re using asset tags and asset tracking software, reporting issues is a simple case of scanning an asset’s tag and hitting a “report issue” button.

The need for asset labels, therefore, is clear. They can automate location tracking, as every scan will update your assets’ last seen GPS location and create a robust audit trail through this.

But, what are some of the more creative uses for asset labels?

Why Are Asset Tags Useful?


Weird And Wonderful Assets

Asset labels will most often be used for fixed asset management, IT asset management and tools & equipment tracking. Within this, there may already be a range of interesting assets.

As you can track and manage anything when you use asset tracking software, you may have already logged some interesting, unique and bespoke bits of equipment.

Why stop there, though? You can tag and track any asset, so why not use some smaller, custom QR codes on the assets in your office that bring the character?

You can tag up plant pots, for example, and log who watered the plants last. The possibilities are endless with asset tracking software as you can track any asset in a number of ways.


Custom Labels

Another creative use for asset labels regards the labels themselves. Not only can you track weird and wonderful assets, but you can track with weird and wonderful asset tags.

So long as your barcodes or QR codes are readable you can customise them with any material or any patterns. Why not add your company’s branding below the code itself?

Or, better yet, why not add some printed patterns, interesting colours, and some of your branding, too. The best asset tracking software lets you track and manage your assets with any unique asset labels. The colours themselves are up to you.


Public Profiles

The best uses of asset labels may also be outside of your asset tracking software. It may not be viable to get everyone logged in with an installed version of your asset tracking app, but some interactions may still be required.

For example, a public profiles feature is great for facilities and issues management. With public profiles, any user can scan your asset labels and report issues against your assets.

So, if you’ve tagged up one of your office’s rooms, anyone will be able to report an issue saying that the light is flickering. You’ll find that you fix a lot more issues when it’s much, much easier for people to report them!


itemit’s Asset Tracking Software

itemit’s asset tracking software lets you customise your asset management and tracking operations as much as possible and this extends to your tagging capabilities.

With itemit, you can monitor where your assets are, who has them and how they’re behaving with ease. The level of control doesn’t stop there, however, as itemit lets you use any and all tags.

You can also mix and match tagging technologies. For example, you can use QR code asset tags, barcodes, and RFID asset tracking processes all in tandem!

itemit gives you the ability to be creative with your asset tracking operations and to lessen the burden asset management would otherwise create.

To find out more about how itemit can help your business you can fill in the form below to start your 14-day free trial. You can also contact the team at team@itemit.com with any tag or asset tracking enquiries.

Asset Labels

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