We're evaluating alternatives to our current endpoint management platform. It includes extensive patch management, MDM, and software deployment features that we don't really need, so we're mainly looking for strong IT asset management and inventory combined with reliable remote administration.
For asset management, we need automatic hardware and software inventory for Windows PCs and laptops, including CPU, RAM, storage, serial number, model, installed applications and versions, and the last logged-in user. We also need to assign equipment to specific employees, track lifecycle and status, and manage non-computer assets such as monitors, docking stations, keyboards, and mice. Stock management is important too, since we need to track equipment held in storage before it is deployed.
We already have many devices enrolled in Microsoft Intune, although some are not managed through Intune. Ideally, the asset platform would integrate with Intune and automatically synchronize devices, users, and ownership information. Integration with Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 would also be useful.
On the remote-management side, we need remote desktop or remote access, remote Command Prompt and PowerShell, script or command execution, and basic troubleshooting and administration through an RMM-style agent. We don't necessarily need another full MDM or endpoint-management suite.
In practice, we're looking for a combination of IT asset management, hardware and stock inventory, RMM or remote support, and Intune integration. What solutions have you used in production, and how well do they handle Intune synchronization, asset assignment, stock management, and remote administration? Real-world experience would be more useful than a feature checklist.
4 Answers
Lansweeper is a strong option for the inventory side, especially in a mostly Windows environment. It can discover systems on the network, collect hardware and software details, and support integrations with help-desk and HR workflows. For example, assets can be linked to tickets, offboarding can include equipment-return information, and leasing dates can be surfaced to users or managers.
It probably won’t replace a dedicated RMM or remote-access product, so you’d typically pair it with an approved remote-support tool or use its scripting and software-deployment capabilities where appropriate.
NinjaOne is worth evaluating if having RMM and basic asset management together is a priority. It covers remote access, command and script execution, and general endpoint administration, and it can reduce the need for a separate management agent.
For the broader equipment process, look beyond the device dashboard. Help-desk integration, employee assignment, onboarding and offboarding, lease dates, QR labels, and mobile updates for items like monitors and docks often end up being more valuable day to day than another inventory report.
Before choosing a product, decide which system is the source of truth for each field. The system actually managing a computer should own its device-management fields, while the ITAM system can own assignment, lifecycle, stock, location, and purchasing information. Synced fields should normally be read-only everywhere else.
Also, don’t make network scanning the foundation of the inventory. Scanning is useful for discovery and spotting activity or discrepancies, but it can miss devices in storage, offline equipment, and anything outside the network. Stored monitors, spare laptops, and other equipment should be created and tracked directly in the asset system.
A split setup may fit better than another all-in-one endpoint suite: use Intune or an RMM agent for live device management and remote PowerShell, then use a dedicated ITAM platform for ownership, lifecycle, stock, and non-computer equipment.
AssetSonar, Reftab, and similar tools can cover hardware, software, assignments, storage inventory, and Intune or Entra synchronization. NinjaOne is one example of an RMM that can provide remote sessions and scripting while also feeding device data into an asset system. The main thing to verify in a trial is whether synchronization updates users and device records cleanly without creating duplicates.
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