What is a Computer Inventory Management Software?
A computer inventory management software is a tool used by Information Technology (IT) administrators and managers to manage the storage, upkeep, tracking, and monitoring of computer hardware and software used by organizations for their operations.
What’s the Difference Between Computer Inventory Management and Other Types of Inventory Management?
Computer inventory management may sound the same as other types of inventory management but there are crucial differences.
Computer Inventory Management | Other Types of Inventory Management System |
IT administrators and IT managers are responsible for computer inventory management. | Depending on the industry and intent of storage, inventory management is the responsibility of inventory managers or warehouse managers. |
Computer inventory management involves the secure storage and maintenance of both computer hardware and software. | Inventory management usually involves stocks of goods intended for retail. Another type is the inventory of assets that companies use in operations. |
Computer hardware and software are monitored to ensure that their current state and exact designation is known and that they are up-to-date, secure, and in good working condition. | Stocks for retail need to be constantly replenished to meet consumer demand while company assets in inventory are monitored and maintained. |
What are the Challenges?
A responsibility crucial in helping keep a business operational year-round, computer inventory management entails challenges that IT administrators face daily. Here are some of those challenges in computer inventory management:
Asset Tracking
Computer inventory management involves knowing about each computer hardware or software’s exact physical or virtual location as well as current status. The larger a business, the more complex operation becomes, and the more computer hardware and software will be required to keep it running. All these computer assets need to be accounted for and tracked by IT administrators, a responsibility that can be easier to pull off using the right software.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping can be simple and straightforward—recording computer names, models, serial numbers, batch numbers, units, which ones are not in use, and designated users—or challenging and complex depending on the size of the organization and nature of operations. Recordkeeping can be particularly difficult if done using paper, a mode of recordkeeping that is hard to maintain if a business intends to grow or has a complex operation that requires speed and efficiency that only digital recordkeeping can provide.
Maintenance
Not only do computer hardware and software status and location need to be known and recorded, IT administrators need to ensure that computers and their components are properly maintained in order for them to continuously perform at the optimum level. The quality of hardware needs to be able to meet the demands of operations while the software needs to be compatible with existing hardware and, ideally, the most current version. Using a platform that can be used to properly record and track information, as well as automate reminders and notifications for tasks, can help IT administrators know when maintenance is due.
How to Manage Computer Inventory?
With all the multiple tasks and responsibilities involved in managing computer inventory, it pays to step back and check what are the most basic things to check and see how it can be done more effectively. Here are some tips on how to manage computer inventory:
Get the Tool That Works Best for you
Whether a business is small, medium, or at the enterprise level, getting the ideal computer inventory management software for the organization is crucial in helping make responsibilities more manageable for IT administrators. If you are looking for a platform that is mobile, has secure recordkeeping, is cloud-based and paperless, automates notifications for maintenance and other tasks, integrates with other software, and can be used by the entire IT team, a mobile platform like Mitti (by SafetyCulture) is the best option to help IT management ensure that computer inventory is managed efficiently.
Build a Responsible Team
Computer inventory management is not only all about choosing the best tools and systems that are going to be ideal for your business but also about selecting and training the right personnel who can be trusted with important IT tasks and responsibilities. Deployed with the right training using effective training tools, IT professionals can help IT administrators take on responsibilities that contribute to effective computer inventory management. An effective IT help desk software would be ideal to manage and prioritize responsibilities.
Use Digital Checklists and Inventory Forms
Gone are the days when paper forms were enough for different types of inventory management. When you need to secure and retrieve information fast and at any time, you need to consider if you are using reliable tools for the job. Digital checklists and forms using an app like Mitti (by SafetyCulture) can give you access to a variety of best practice checklists and forms used in multiple industries for computer acquisition, maintenance, and rollout. And the best part is you can download and use any of them for free!
Use Mitti (by SafetyCulture)
The nature of computer inventory management involves challenges but tackling the challenges need not be difficult for IT administrators who are using the right software. With Mitti (by SafetyCulture) as the computer inventory management software, IT administrators can use their mobile devices or computers to capture and record hardware and software information, check equipment quality and performance, inspect storage facilities, use digital checklists and forms, and submit reports on site. Mitti (by SafetyCulture) can also integrate with existing platforms for a more seamless computer inventory management.
