Every business, whatever industry it may be, rely on a lot of different hardware and software tools to stay efficient and competitive. But do you actually know what tools your company is using, how they’re getting used, and how much they’re costing your business? It’s high time you considered tracking all your hardware and software assets.
What are Hardware and Software Assets?
Let’s take a step back and learn what hardware and software assets are before we dive into the importance of tracking them. Hardware refers to any physical device your business uses such as laptops, computers, printers, mobile phones and servers. On the other hand, software refers to the programs that run on your teams’ devices. This can be anything from operating systems to installed applications that your team uses to accomplish their tasks.
Tracking, as the name suggests, means keeping a detailed record of all hardware and software assets you own, where they’re located, who’s in charge of them and how they’re being maintained. We know that this sounds pretty tedious, but it’s easier than you think. Doing this can actually save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.
Why You Should Track Your Assets
1. Stay on Top of Costs
The number one reason to track assets is cost control. With all the things that you do daily, it is easy to lose track of any old hardware or software subscriptions you no longer use. What usually happens is you still keep paying for software licenses you don’t need or fail to notice a much-needed equipment upgrade.
When you keep tabs of all your assets, you can make sure that you’re only paying for what your team actually needs. It will also be easy to spot when it’s time to replace old hardware before it disrupts your workflow and business.
2. Improve Security and Compliance
Another important reason to track your assets is security. You can’t properly protect devices or software if you do not know which ones are actually part of your network. If left unprotected, unauthorised software, out-of-date programs, or missing security updates can leave your business vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Tracking your assets is also essential for compliance. Australia has many rules about how data should be handled and protected. If you are not aware of what devices or software your team is using, it will be difficult to make sure your business meets these legal requirements.
3. Boost Efficiency and Productivity
It is easier to manage and allocate resources when all your hardware and software assets are accounted for. If someone’s device isn’t functioning properly, you can quickly check the date it was last updated or see if it’s time for a replacement. It will also be very easy to know what licenses your business has in case your team needs new software.
When you have a clear picture of your assets and their condition, your IT team only requires less time troubleshooting and can spend more time on high-priority tasks. This results in increased productivity and efficiency for your business overall.
4. Plan for the Future
Tracking assets isn’t just for your present convenience. This best practice helps you plan for the future and makes sure that you’re setting your team up for access. As your business grows more and more, you have to have a clear picture of your setup so your IT team can easily figure out what needs expanding and upgrading.
When you track your assets properly, you can anticipate future needs, budget for upcoming expenses, and make sure your business is always equipped with the right tools.
How to Start Tracking Your Assets
Tracking your hardware and software assets doesn’t have to be complicated. A lot of tools are available online to help you and your team keep your inventory organised. These tools can track anything you need from purchase dates and warranty information to software licenses and user data.
You may think that your business doesn’t need it, but it can make a huge difference in terms of cutting unnecessary costs to boosting security and future-proofing your business. This detailed and proper asset management makes sure your business runs smoothly and efficiently. If you’d like to know more about setting up an asset tracking system that works for you, Qamba IT is here to help.
