Top 10 Tips for Successful IT Asset Management Programs

1. Get senior management support. ITAM crosses organizational boundaries, so it requires management at a high level to get all the stakeholders on board.

ITAM programs typically represent a significant financial investment and commitment by the parties, so senior management support is crucial to success.

2. Dedicate qualified and trained professional resources to the ITAM program. ITAM programs require the attention of trained and qualified professionals in order to be successful. The business processes that maintain data accuracy must be implemented then continue to evolve as the organization changes and grows.

Without the trained eye of a professional with technical and business process knowledge, you could be jeopardizing the time and money you’ve invested in the ITAM program.

3. Prioritize ITAM needs definition. Companies have a tendency to rush into the inventory and software implementation aspects before taking the time to sufficiently identify and define the goals of the ITAM program.

The ITAM program’s measures of success should be clearly defined and agreed upon with senior management and relevant stakeholders prior to embarking on any implementation tasks.

Related Articles4. Start small. Many large projects fail because the organization expects too much and bites off more that they can chew.

Recognize that ITAM requires adherence to a new discipline. One that is not achieved very easily. Implement ITAM in realistic phases in which each phase gains credibility and builds toward the ultimate goal.

Scoping the project too large risks failure and loss of credibility that can be difficult to overcome later.

5. Examine the asset lifecycles. Once all the needs and constraints have been defined, examine the lifecycle of the assets in question. Processes must be developed to capture the appropriate data at each stage of the lifecycle of each individual asset.

Since ITAM is 90% process, and only 10% tools, invest sufficient time and energy to define the data elements which must be captured and the flow of data throughout the asset’s life.

6. Select appropriate software tools. Software tools should be carefully selected to meet all of the defined needs as well as accommodate your organization’s flow of data. The software should adapt to fit your organization rather than your organization adapting to an inappropriate tool.

7. Implement ITAM process auditing and evaluation procedures. Imposing ITAM processes takes discipline and constant monitoring to ensure that all participating individuals, departments and stakeholders are correctly following and adhering to the agreed upon procedures.

Without process auditing or evaluation mechanisms, ITAM projects can get derailed without achieving their value proposition. This makes it difficult for you to identify and fix problems.

8. Build in mechanisms for correcting ITAM data inaccuracies. Data integrity is vital to any successful ITAM program, so you need mechanisms for analyzing and efficiently correcting inaccuracies when they occur.

Inaccuracies can be caused by deviations from ITAM procedures or by unforeseen events or circumstances that disrupt the ITAM process. Hand-held scanners and emerging RFID tags are examples of tools that can quickly identify database inaccuracies so they can be reconciled and corrected.

9. Periodically review the ITAM program. Like any system that is vital to your organization’s operation, ITAM programs should be periodically reviewed to ensure achievement of the defined goals, objectives and benefits.

A quarterly review of the ITAM program is recommended so that successes can be measured and problems can be identified and corrected. Further, this review time can be used to find new uses for the data to benefit additional areas of the organization.

10. Advertise your success. Demonstrate the value of the ITAM program by sharing data with appropriate personnel at various levels within the organization. Then promote your successes within your organization to get ongoing support from senior management as well as other departments.

Professor Guru is CEO and founder of Avoidcost.com, an asset management consultancy. Professor Guru has 15 years of IT experience designing and implementing results-oriented technology solutions for all accross Globe for multi billion companies.

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Managing corporate assets has been an essential function of every enterprise, and now IT is being pressed to do the same with its technology assets. To learn how this change came to be, what assets should be measured, and what’s driving the need for IT inventories.

Enterprise Strategies: What kind of assets need to be measured? How has this changed in the last 10 years? How do you expect it to change in the next 10?

The diversity of technology asset classes and their total count has grown exponentially over the past few years. As technology-driven innovation continues to penetrate new industries and business functions this diversity, the count is going to grow even more dramatically. IT assets will need to be measured for a variety of business, risk, and operational management reasons in the future.

Looking backward 10 or 20 years, IT assets primarily resided in a data center — large and easily countable mainframes or minicomputers, storage devices, and networking equipment sitting in highly protected environments.

The client/server evolution of the early 1990s, and then the dramatic impact of the Internet in the late 1990s onward, has changed this scenario. From a few big boxes, the world of IT assets has grown to include millions of desktops and laptops, hundreds of millions of PDAs and other handhelds, to a growing number of IP-based telephony and similar equipment. The data center has evolved from a few mainframes to thousands of mid-range servers and blades, some of which can often be in a wiring closet at a branch office rather than in a dust-free data center.

As we look 10 years hence, the landscape changes will be even more dramatic. They’ll be driven by three major trends: increased technology-driven innovation of business processes, greater adoption and sophistication of mobile devices, and dramatic penetration of virtualization.

Business assets that will be “on the network” and need to be continuously monitored; this will include a broad range of equipment from MRI machines and CAT scanners in hospitals to intelligent pumps at gas stations and checkout counters in supermarkets (and in fact, some of these are already here).

Mobile devices will continue to become the preferred computing platform for a range of professionals, who will expect secure access to many of their key applications, and thus IT will need to ensure that they’re appropriately configured and tracked.

Finally, virtualization of computing and storage environments will become pervasive in data centers and on desktops, creating a much more dynamic infrastructure that will need to be constantly measured and managed.

The diversity and complexity of these devices, and their critical need within the business, place significant pressure on IT organizations to measure them and ensure that business and operational risks are mitigated.

Please consult for the latest invention on IT Asset management Process – Contact at Sales@avoidcost.com or info@itassetmanegemtnprocess.com

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The Economist says there is a trend of 8 Years in Stock market where you will face that the peak and bottom both. When this are in peak no one cares as they need to care. If you have seen bottem in recent past you will appreciate that to sustain in the competitive market every one have to rethink to do better to save them in commutative environment.

The key of sustainability – question in every one’s mind – How to Save – How to avoid costs ??

At the same time we worked in a process to ensure provide minimum 15 X return from the investment within 6 Months. This process ensures that you save in your capital investments in the company and easily comply with audit compliance guidelines as well.

Please contact us at sales@avoidcost.com and info@itassetmanagementsytem.com for further enquiry about how to implement. This process is pending for patent in US PTO Office.

 Regards

Team Avoidcost.com

• Are the current IT Management Practices Effective Enough.
• Is there a need to reallocate Existing IT Resources?
• Is there a need to create additional IT resources
• Can Additional Resources be opted from stake holders  or partnering organization
• To address these questions, enterprise needs to have dynamically planning, allocating, building and leveraging IT Resources.

Solution -Benefits

• Enhances Inventory Planning Accuracy ( manual Efforts mean data inconsistency)
• Tight Inventory Control
• Real Time Data Access.
• Optimal Utilization of Assets.
• Deep Asset Distribution Visibility
• Cost Avoidance – Better Visibility avoids capital investments.
• Real Time Audit Responses for Answers to Legal and Compliance queries on real time.
• Visible Responsibility for Distributed Assets, ensures optimal usages.

IF your organization is one of them who are facing challenges in managing IT assets automatically? Consult us to address the same at info@gnoida.com or sales@avoidcost.com

www.ITAssetManagementProcess.com

www.ITAssetManagementSystem.com

www.Avoidcost.com

• Are the current IT Management Practices Effective Enough.
• Is there a need to reallocate Existing IT Resources?
• Is there a need to create additional IT resources
• Can Additional Resources be opted from stake holders  or partnering organization
• To address these questions, enterprise needs to have dynamically planning, allocating, building and leveraging IT Resources.

IF your organization is one of them who are facing challenges in managing IT assets automatically? Consult us to address the same at info@gnoida.com or sales@avoidcost.com

www.ITAssetManagementProcess.com

www.ITAssetManagementSystem.com

www.Avoidcost.com

• Are the current IT Management Practices Effective Enough.
• Is there a need to reallocate Existing IT Resources?
• Is there a need to create additional IT resources
• Can Additional Resources be opted from stake holders  or partnering organization
• To address these questions, enterprise needs to have dynamically planning, allocating, building and leveraging IT Resources.

IF your organization is one of them who are facing challenges in managing IT assets automatically? Consult us to address the same at info@gnoida.com.

www.ITAssetManagementProcess.com

www.ITAssetManagementSystem.com

www.Avoidcost.com

Are you looking for 15X Return in 180 Days?

We would like to introduce one of the innovative method or invention titled “DYNAMIC INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND VISIBLE REPOSITORY OF DEPLOYED IT ASSETS”. Currently, the specifications are available in English Language.

Please contact us to proceed to the “Specification” to get the details on the invention or method. We plan to license the said method or invention to interested parties. Alternatively, interested parties could forward their business proposition or offer in hope that the deal could mutually benefit and agreeable by both parties before a formal contract or agreement is concluded.

For interested parties, kindly forward your enquiries, business proposition or offer to either sales@avoidcost.com

Should you require further details as to how the method or invention works in the said environment, please contact us for the “About the Invention” . Any constructive feedbacks from readers, organizations, business persons and principle companies are most welcomed.

Status Update as of 12^th Dec 09 – We are in discussion with:

1. …. 1  large Company
2. …. 2 Small Companies
3. ….0 Principle Companies
4. … 2 Organizations
5. …0 Business Persons

Regards,
For AvoidCost.com

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The world is having a serious financial crisis. Many people has lost their jobs because of it. To survive, you need to save your money. Basically you can save money by reducing your comfort. Comfort means money. But there are also other tricks to save money. Here are 100 ways to save money:

1. Computer Screen savers does not reduce energy consumption. Automatic switching to sleep mode or hibernate is better.

2. Consider buying a laptop. They use less energy than desktop computers.

3. Consider buying LCD monitor. They use less energy than CRT monitor.

4. Stop renting the cable modem. You can buy a cable modem for cheaper cost in the future.

5. Plug your computer and other electronic into a good UPS. So can save money by not buying a new circuit board that is fried.

6. Use open source software like Linux Operating System and Open Office.

7. Upgrade an existing PC rather than buying a new one. Usually it is cheaper to upgrade. But if your computer is very old, you need to buy a new one.

Appliances

8. Maintain your heating system appliances because they are the ones that consume too much electricity.

9. Turn off the lights if it is not used.

10. Use low energy light bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs.

11. Clean your AC air filters. A dirty air filter reduces airflow, causing it to work harder and use more energy.

12. Use of solar power for for heating water.

13. Find natural gas appliances with blue flames. This indicates that the gas is burning efficiently.

14. Install a programmable thermostat to have your house in comfortably warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer.

15. Turn off your electronic appliances like TV, and computer when not in use.

16. Look dishwasher for the ENERGY STAR label that uses less water and less energy.

17. Regularly manual

18. defrost freezers. Frost buildup decreases the energy efficiency of the unit.

19. Cover your kettle or pan to boil water. It will be done faster and can save energy.

20. Request an energy audit from your utility company. It’s free, and they’ll give you plenty of tips to reduce your power bill.

21. Lower your thermostat 1 degree and you will save 2 percent on your monthly energy bill. You can put on a sweater to deal with the cold.

Transportation

22. Go to work by using bus, or maybe riding a bike.

23. Check your engine and tire pressure. Having unequal pressure can greatly affect the car’s fuel economy.

24. Look for frequent shopper deals on gas. Some grocery stores can offer gas discount with a frequent shopper card.

25. Avoid rush hour traffic as much as possible. Stopping in traffic can burn up lots of gas.

26. Drive at constant speed to save gas.

27. Keep your car light. Remove any unnecessary heavy items from your car. Heavy items makes the car work harder.

28. Take turns with your nearby friend to work.

29. Fix your car with skilled mechanic. If it is not correctly repaired, you might pay more for broken spare parts in the future.

30. Consider buying a fuel

31. efficient car.

32. Compare prices at different gas stations, and find the lowest.

33. Choose manual transmission car than automatic.

34. Use the correct grade of the oil which tells about the viscosity. If you use the wrong grade, you may increase the friction in your engine, and uses more gas.

35. Replace your air filter every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner’s manual.

Credit card

36. Be sure to pay on time.

37. Don’t spend more than you can afford.

38. Pay off your balance in full each month if possible.

39. Stop using credit cards. You can overspend, if you’re getting money from credit account.

40. Avoid using cash advances on credit card. Only it as the last option. They have a higher interest rate than regular card charges.

41. Transfer your credit card debt to a card that charges a lower interest rate. Read your application carefully for this.

42. Negotiate a lower rate with your credit card company. If you have a good credit history, they might lower your interest rate.

43. If you have a balance on more than one credit card. Pay the most you can afford on the highest interest rate card, and make the minimum payment on the others. Once the card with the highest interest rate is paid, you can start paying the next highest interest rate.

Shopping

44. Before shopping create your shopping list and stick with it.

45. Don’t buy branded goods, and buy cheaper product with the same quality.

46. Buy in bulk whenever possible. It is cheaper.

47. Buy generic products whenever possible. There are plenty of private label product nowadays. The store will make their own product using their own brand. This is cheaper because they do not spend money for advertising.

48. Always compare product’s price and specification when you need to buy expensive things.

49. Shop online. Online company usually cheaper, because they can save money on their store rent.

50. Use coupons for shopping.

51. Find a garage sale. You can find gold there.

Health

52. If you are sick buy generic drugs. Generic drugs are basically the same as the branded ones in terms of ingredients and quality.

53. Don’t smoke or reduce cigarette.

54. Don’t drink alcohol or reduce your alcohol consumption.

55. Don’t go to the gym. You can exercise by running or riding a bicycle.

56. Stay healthy. Eat well and rest well. Don’t drink or smoke.

57. Reduce your weight. Overweight is source to many illness.

58. Participate in your employer’s health insurance plan. They have lower rate, because employers direct a large number of people to the insurer.

Entertainment

59. Use only TV cable that you really need. Choose a smaller package.

60. Don’t buy popcorn and drinks on theater. They are very expensive.

61. Rent a movie instead of going to the theater.

62. Do cheap entertainment like hiking, picnicking, fishing, or camping.

63. Buy movie tickets in bulk. The cost per ticker is lower.

64. When traveling, buy a guidebook instead of hiring a travel guide.

Food and drink

65. Cook home as often as you can. By not eating at the restaurant, you can save a lot.

66. Bring your lunch from home.

67. Eliminate Expensive Coffee Drinks. In some places, you pay a lot for the atmosphere not the coffee.

68. Use discount dining cards.

69. Take advantage of promotions, like buy one get one free offer.

70. Consider making your own bread. You can find the recipes in the internet.

71. Buy products on sale. Repackage and store it in the freezer for future use.

72. Consider buying meat with bones. Being willing to skin and de-bone it yourself can save you dollars.

73. If you have time, consider cooking from scratch. Frozen meals is convenient but more expensive.

Travel

74. Book your hotel at least one month in advance.

75. Don’t use hotel phones for long-distance calls before inquiring about the charges.

76. Find fares and room rates on Internet which is usually cheaper.

77. Go travel by avoiding the crowds. If a destination sees its highest tourist traffic in winter, then go on summer, spring or fall if posible.

78. Use small inn instead of a big hotel.

79. Go wait until the last minute for an airline ticket. They usually on sale because plenty of times a plance is flying around 80% full.

Finance

80. When you apply on mortgage, go for the shortest-term mortgage you can afford. Shortest-term will save you more money.

81. Consider refinancing your mortgage if you can get a rate that is lower than your existing mortgage rate. If the interest is low, it’s time to refinance your loan.

82. Don’t buy lottery. The odds of winning is very low.

83. Save you money in piggy bag dailly. Be discipline on it.

84. Apply scholarships for your college.

85. Improve your credit score so you can get better deal on loans.

86. Don’t do stock trading. Buy and hold is better because you don’t have to pay commission. You just need to buy good and cheap company and hold it.

87. If you don’t rely on your broker’s recommendations and don’t trade often, choose a discount broker, where transactions cost is lower.

Internet

88. Use free online greeting card if you want to send someone a card.

89. Find used products at eBay.

90. Buy used books instead of new books at amazon.

91. Get free software from download.com.

92. Save on your communication bill by chatting via computer or with free software from Skype.com. It’s free to call another Skype user.

93. Don’t subscribe on printed magazine. Read online news sites is cheaper.

94. Instead of buying whole album, buy music that you really like from service like Itunes.

General

95. Don’t buy things that do do not need.

96. Borrow books from the library instead of buying.

97. Pay yourself first. Deposit 10% of every salary in a savings account.

98. Be an early bird for seminars.

99. Do a garage sale to get rid of un-needed items.

100. Bundle your services, like bundling cable or satellite TV, telephone service, and high-speed Internet service. This is often cheaper than you buy it separately.

Companies also save space, maintenance costs and electricity by consolidating on a uniform fleet of multifunction devices, which are shared by five to 10 employees.

My experience has been that over the past 5 years, enterprises have steadily taken more and more notice of the true cost savings to be found within their imaging and printing infrastructure.

There are multiple factors to avoid cost , one key criteria for the same is enhancing performance of any device, utility,  object or process to deliver more than earlier. The difference calculated from before applying cost avoidance and after applying cost avoidance may produce the avoided cost in measurable figure.

Another Simple way – As per my view, in more than 90 % Scenarios we are not utilizing any device, utility or process to deliver more than 85 %. If we increase utilization and performance of any device, utility or process greater than 90 % we are directly going to avoid 5 % cost avoidance.

I have few key ideas to save cost. Which I will bring in your notice in next upcoming articles.

Example of 5 % cost saving – Suppose any organization is investing 100 Million in Capital investment or operation investments, the organization easily avoid cost of 5 Million in year through cost avoidance.