Free Software for Computer Equipment Inventory – What You Should Know?

Every small and large workplace has computer equipment. Nowadays, it is hard to run any business without it. Many entrepreneurs struggle with the problem of how much equipment they actually have, who is responsible for it, and what condition it is currently in.

In this regard, a program for registering computer hardware and software proves to be helpful. Its most important task is to control the issuing and returning of equipment, as well as to record events and analyze its usage. In the following text, we will answer the question of how to effectively manage all IT equipment in a company—such as desktop computers, laptops, printers—and what to pay attention to when installing free software for computer equipment inventory. We invite you to read our article.

Computer Equipment Inventory Software – What Is It?

People responsible for managing IT assets in a company should use a solution such as inventory software. An IT system provides the ability to effectively and, most importantly, quickly identify fixed assets and equipment. Moreover, the software allows gaining comprehensive knowledge about configurations and licenses, improving control over owned property. Thanks to task automation, the company increases control over the justification of purchases, enables quick issuing of equipment to the user, and handles service processes in a comprehensive manner.

The process of labeling IT fixed assets is not very complicated. It is worth adding that for the computer inventory software to work correctly, the IT equipment should be pre-labeled—for example, by using a printed tamper-evident label that can be further secured with a so-called cover. A white polyethylene foil label breaks into small pieces when peeled off, preventing its removal. It is resistant to water, cleaning agents, and provides good adhesion to many types of surfaces. The use of RFID technology in the IT asset labeling process further streamlines inventory by enabling label reading even from a long distance.

It is also worth noting that supervision of software inventory programs falls within the responsibilities of those managing office and administrative assets. The computer equipment registration system provides one coherent electronic database, as well as full documentation of persons responsible for and using the equipment and software. Such solutions increase the user’s (employee’s) accountability for the issued equipment and streamline management of the entire IT infrastructure in the company.

Free Computer Inventory Software – What to Keep in Mind?

Computer inventory software provides reliable information about the usage history, current condition, and location of the equipment. When deciding to install a free solution, one should consider whether the software is a good, reliable tool that will help avoid issues such as data loss. We will discuss potential risks in our next note, but this time we want to focus on what should be paid special attention to. Recording computer equipment in an IT system facilitates asset management. Before installing any free solution, it is important to check if it provides access to current and historical data, such as user assignments. Secondly, whether it allows attaching files, such as warranty cards or proof of purchase. It is also crucial that the program enables importing inventory data from other sources. Finally, check whether the IT asset inventory is conducted automatically.