[sims] Does anyone use SIMS equipment register?

[tj2419]

Hi All,

 

I am looking at new ways of recording and carrying out our inventory of computer equipment and this came up. I know there are a lot of posts on inventories but not many mention actually using SIMS Equipment Register and if it is any good. So my question is does anyone use it and what do you think? How do you use it? Just record names? How do queries work? How customisable is it?

 

Also as a side note does anyone use an iphone barcode scanner peripheral? Came up as an idea of scanning and recording the equipment.

 

Thanks for any responses

[vikpaw]

Dont use SIMS equipment register, at the moment have our own Excel spreadsheet, but moving to using OPSmartdesk in September.

I'm guessing you've seen the discussion here: http://www.edugeek.net/forums/how-do-you-do/76684-asset-inventory-management.html

 

We do use barcoded asset tags, though don't use the iPhone scanner. The one i've got just scans the code and looks up a price. I'm assuming there is one that scans to a file. The easiest thing i'd have thought would be a standard scanner like they have in libraries, ideally a wireless one. We're getting one of these for use in our shop.

[synaesthesia]

It's something we're looking to do in the very near future and likely will be using OPSmartDesk to do it. SIMS Equipment Register is quite basic.

[tj2419]

I'll have a look at OPSmartdesk thanks, but i'm ideally looking for a free solution. I recently moved into the role and the last technician used an access database but it's in a complete mess and a nightmare to keep up to date and query. Cheers

[vikpaw]

I'll have a look at OPSmartdesk thanks, but i'm ideally looking for a free solution. I recently moved into the role and the last technician used an access database but it's in a complete mess and a nightmare to keep up to date and query. Cheers

 

OPSmartdesk is an IT Support package, there is a free solution but that excludes the asset management feature. The paid for solution is however very cheap. Take a look at the last 5 or so pages of this thread: http://www.edugeek.net/forums/scripts/9198-fits-compliant-web-based-helpdesk-released.html as well as OP SmartDesk - Web Based Helpdesk | Asset Management | Network Monitoring

 

The benefit is that the helpdesk is linked to the assets and i can't think of anything better to support your claim to update all the old x86 boxes than showing a report that shows that it's those machines that have all the RAM errors, or the hard drive crashes...

 

EDIT: pricing link -- http://www.opsmartdesk.com/sign-up.aspx

Edited June 19, 2011 by vikpaw
added link to prices

[riffleman]

If you're looking for a free helpdesk that includes asset management and software inventory, you can't go far wrong with http://Http://www.spiceworks.com. A very powerful helpdesk solution and the ads aren't that intrusive either.

[vikpaw]

If you're looking for a free helpdesk that includes asset management and software inventory, you can't go far wrong with http://Http://www.spiceworks.com. A very powerful helpdesk solution and the ads aren't that intrusive either.

 

That's true. I tried the demo but never got on with it. It's hosted right? Our 'net connection isn't reliable enough to use that. Maybe the paid for version can be self-hosted..?

[riffleman]

No Spiceworks can be installed locally. The free version uses some ads, but most of the time you won't even notice they're there.

[eddyc]

+1 for spiceworks - you can let it do a network scan and it will come back with all of the serial numbers for you - very easy to use!

[PhilNeal]

I think we are intending to expand ER to cover depreciation something that academies require.