What’s the Best Approach for IT Inventory Management?

Using Google Sheets isn't the most efficient way to handle inventory, especially as your organization grows. It might work for a small number of assets, but once you hit around 10 physical items, automating the process with a tool like Snipe-IT or GLPI becomes crucial. These tools help keep everything updated without the manual hassle and can track software licenses and associated installations all in one place.

My personal rule is to track anything that has financial implications. This usually includes PCs and laptops, but not peripherals like printers and monitors unless there's specific liability tied to them. Tracking serial numbers and user assignments can help maintain oversight, but having a system that automates updates will ease your workload. Always good to have multiple records for verification.

For a firm with over 60 employees, relying on Google Sheets can quickly become unmanageable. It's advisable to explore IT asset management platforms that can automate much of the inventory tracking for you. This not only aids in daily management but prepares your organization for audits and gives a clearer picture of your IT budget and asset status.

The key to managing IT assets effectively is determining what's worth tracking. A common approach is to set a value threshold, say around $100 or so; anything above that gets added to the inventory. Having a clear discussion with your finance department can also help establish what is considered an asset versus a consumable. An IT asset management tool could really save you time and provide more precise tracking than a simple spreadsheet.

When it comes to IT inventory, it's essential to focus on what really matters. Generally, items that have a significant financial value or that could present a cybersecurity risk should definitely be tracked. Things like high-end laptops, PCs, or anything that connects to your network, like IP cameras, should be on your list. Smaller items such as keyboards or mice are often seen as consumables and might not need individual tracking unless you see a value in managing those, too.