November 1, 2018

6 Asset Tracking Software Tools That Outmode Spreadsheets

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Modern IT isn’t just about building networks and repairing computers; it’s about using technology to support business goals. Without the proper asset tracking software, an IT manager may spend more time logging and tracking devices than improving the overall IT environment.

This day-to-day workflow can look more like a librarian’s than an engineer’s. If checking items in and out and tracking down licenses occupies more of your workday than time spent improving processes, it’s time to move your asset management from a spreadsheet to a dedicated system. 

ALSO READ: VMware vs. VirtualBox: Which is Better for Desktop Virtualization? 

Why people use asset tracking software:

  • Inventory management: Users enter data to track physical tools, software licenses, and contracts. The resulting database simplifies auditing. Asset onboarding dates and check-in or -out features help prevent loss and promote regular updates.
  • Asset lifecycle management: Notify users of mandatory or helpful software updates. Manage asset disposal. Alert stakeholders when it’s time to resign or renew contracts.
  • Central help desk: Create a digital paper trail to track acquisitions, requests, updates, license management, compliance, optimization needs and more.

Why buy software instead of using a spreadsheet?

Everyone loves a good spreadsheet, especially since they’re free. But when it comes to asset management, spreadsheets don’t cut it. A dedicated asset tracking tool provides: 

  • A centralized location for storing data about all assets
  • Automatic segmenting and organization with tagging and sorting options
  • Loss prevention features
  • Device discovery: find wifi-linked items on your network
  • Helpdesk and ticketing integration 

Here are six asset tracking platforms to test:

SolarWinds

SolarWinds asset tracking dashboard

SolarWinds provides an all-encompassing IT platform spanning network, system, and database management and integrating IT security and help desk. They also provide dedicated solutions for support, government, and education use. If your company runs its own servers, the intricate maintenance and monitoring program gives you adjustable thresholds and notifications. SolarWinds not only facilitates asset tracking and management, but also gives remote desktop access so your IT department can fix issues on the fly.

SolarWinds is designed for those with high security and oversight needs. Use granular reporting and analytics to keep an eye on individual users, devices, or entire networks. Because this option is so technically advanced, it may not be a good fit for companies looking for basic device management.

ManageEngine

ManageEngine NetFlow Monitoring dashboard

ManageEngine (a Zoho product) is designed for a large and dispersed workforce using company-owned mobile devices or for managed service providers (MSPs) who oversee several locations. This software gives individual and role-level profile support, where managers can select asset restrictions like disabling camera usage or bluetooth connections. These administrative features promote worker safety and network security. Remote device wiping means lost assets won’t pose a security threat.

Dispersed workplaces and MSPs will appreciate ManageEngine’s remote access capabilities for help desk teams. The software also includes network and server monitoring and an internal vault for passwords and sensitive documents.

SysAid

SysAid IT asset tracking dashboard

SysAid provides end-to-end IT systems management (ITSM), with asset tracking built directly into their platform. In other words, you’re getting much more than a standalone asset tracking tool. Some of the other products attached to your asset management are pretty great. The help desk, for example, gives your team individual device access so they can log and track issues on a particular access point. Asset tracking itself spans from acquisition through retirement and disposal. Notifications and alerts on product licensing limits and expirations help you keep your company compliant and financially safe.

Management capabilities extend to network and mobile-enabled devices, giving you access to offsite devices and their various software licenses. Network scanners let you monitor all devices connected to the network. Many of these processes can be automated, so you can focus on more important tasks.

AssetPanda

Asset Panda tracking dashboard

AssetPanda’s cloud solution gives you access to your entire asset tracking system on mobile devices. This includes all dashboards and even barcode scanning for physical items. This tracking software works for digital assets as well, including photos, voice notes and screenshots. Segment your inventory and notify users of updates or due dates. You can even use the API to import and export existing asset lists.

AssetPanda provides flexible integrations for most of your existing systems, and all pricing packages support unlimited users and multiple locations. In contrast with SolarWinds and SysAid, it’s a great fit for companies looking for standalone asset management.

FreshService

FreshService asset change management tool

FreshService is a cloud-based tool that gives you an integrated help desk and asset tracking software, fully accessible on any device. FreshService works well as a replacement/upgrade for stand alone ITSM tools and combines asset tracking with an automated help desk, help documentation, ticket management, and license and contract management.

FreshService is great for large or medium businesses, including those where IT help desks and ticketing overwhelm the department. Their automation features extend to a service catalog where employees can self-serve by accessing help documentation, resetting passwords, requesting WiFi access, and other routine tasks without the help of a staff member. You can build multiple service catalogs to customize for the needs of different departments.

AssetCloud

AssetCloud asset dashboard

AssetCloud is a new addition to the Wasp Barcode Technologies family. Wasp Barcode is a device and asset tracking system based on customer research and their existing platforms. True to their barcode roots, AssetCloud allows one-touch asset check-in and check-out, including location tracking to help you find lost items and notifications to remind employees of due dates.

This software combines advanced reporting with auditing capabilities. Management teams will like the fund management systems that integrate payment and licensing with asset tracking. Extras like audit-ready reports, notifications and security settings round out the package. AssetCloud also works for Education and government programs, with the ability to customize listings using government compliance codes.

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Asset tracking software can save your IT department time and money by reducing tedious data entry and protecting compliance. If you’re still using spreadsheets, it’s time to upgrade. If you already have a system in place, consider whether or not it meets your needs, and whether any of the products on this list could bring measurable improvements.

Need help comparing these six? Want to learn more? Call one of our Tech Advisors for a free consultation. 

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