There are a bunch of computer inventory software apps available that inventory, audit, and catalog computers.
I have found however, that when looking for a solid inventory system, there are a few things to note prior to making your investment.
1.
Deployment should be quick and easy.
This might be a "no kidding Einstein" point I am making, but there are too many computer inventory software systems that make deployment extremely complicated.
When I mean easy, I am referring to the story I heard yesterday about a company who deployed 3,500 agents to 15 countries in 8 hours.
This is the "quick and easy" I am referring to.
2.
The ability to schedule recurring system audits.
You should never be looking at old data.
What if your local 7-11 store only took inventory once a month? I imagine I would walk in and find my favorite treat missing.
Likewise, computer inventory software should perform recurring scheduled audits (automated) so that you are always looking at the most up-to-date information.
3.
It should work outside of the LAN or WAN.
I know you have executives that cruise all over the world.
If you can't schedule or request an update of the latest system information than your computer inventory software sucks.
Invest in an app that can do this and you won't find yourself hating your IT job so much.
4.
Reporting detailed information should be easy.
With the release of Windows 7 reportable it will be important to easily catalog machines based on hardware specs.
Let's take RAM for example.
You should be able to run a report that shows you a list of all computers that do not have 2GB of RAM as well as communicate the available RAM slots on that machine.
Give me 10 minutes (less if the filter is already configured) and I will provide this information to you on 10,000 machines, no problem.
Computer Inventory Software Conclusion: Obviously this isn't a complete list, but many times IT admins get too hung up on the technical details and forget about the actual usability and "help me do my job better" factor.
I have found however, that when looking for a solid inventory system, there are a few things to note prior to making your investment.
1.
Deployment should be quick and easy.
This might be a "no kidding Einstein" point I am making, but there are too many computer inventory software systems that make deployment extremely complicated.
When I mean easy, I am referring to the story I heard yesterday about a company who deployed 3,500 agents to 15 countries in 8 hours.
This is the "quick and easy" I am referring to.
2.
The ability to schedule recurring system audits.
You should never be looking at old data.
What if your local 7-11 store only took inventory once a month? I imagine I would walk in and find my favorite treat missing.
Likewise, computer inventory software should perform recurring scheduled audits (automated) so that you are always looking at the most up-to-date information.
3.
It should work outside of the LAN or WAN.
I know you have executives that cruise all over the world.
If you can't schedule or request an update of the latest system information than your computer inventory software sucks.
Invest in an app that can do this and you won't find yourself hating your IT job so much.
4.
Reporting detailed information should be easy.
With the release of Windows 7 reportable it will be important to easily catalog machines based on hardware specs.
Let's take RAM for example.
You should be able to run a report that shows you a list of all computers that do not have 2GB of RAM as well as communicate the available RAM slots on that machine.
Give me 10 minutes (less if the filter is already configured) and I will provide this information to you on 10,000 machines, no problem.
Computer Inventory Software Conclusion: Obviously this isn't a complete list, but many times IT admins get too hung up on the technical details and forget about the actual usability and "help me do my job better" factor.
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