Asset Management

[CyberDrac]

With a new build looming we have the opportunity to take a fresh look at, and make a fresh start with Asset Management.

 

We're looking at software solutions to make this easier, but we're also looking at what methods people have used successfully in the past, wish that they had tried earlier, or wished that they had the chance to start afresh with.

 

So, what do people do, what labels/tags work? are bar codes worth it? what has gone wrong for you? how time consuming is it? do you use software to track your assets? do you use asset management in conjunction with other systems?

 

Any input, positive and negative, on the subject would be appreciated.

 

Rob 'CyberDrac' King

[garoc]

Hey Rob

I use Spiceworks....it's free & it's pretty darn good, coupled with a DYMO Letratag printer! Cheap easy solution, and it works for me!

[winng]

Since joining the current school I have discovered various spreadsheets for various assets without any consistency. Then I discovered Spiceworks and it does it all for you, well most of it!

[andyturpie]

+1 for spiceworks and dymo label printer

[Sylv3r]

We just use a simple database with a web front end that was knocked up by a previous technician. We also use Spiceworks for monitoring but not assett registering. As soon as new kit is bought in, it goes straight into our stock book - it's much easier doing it this way then walking the school each year and collecting all the information.

[mac_shinobi]

We just use a simple database with a web front end that was knocked up by a previous technician. We also use Spiceworks for monitoring but not assett registering. As soon as new kit is bought in, it goes straight into our stock book - it's much easier doing it this way then walking the school each year and collecting all the information.

 

PHPMyAdmin + SQL DB ( mysql or the likes ) + PHP would be a good way of doing this, probably take a bit of mucking about to start with but once sorted out should be easy enough to sort out the GUI with some CSS and make it easy enough to edit existing records, add new ones and delete ones or move them from say one table ( existing hardware ) to another table which is for computers or devices that you have in storage etc

[GrumbleDook]

I've seen a variety of methods on this now across schools.

 

It starts with simple spreadsheets or databases (techrepublic have some good templates) which are used to log most information about the device but they when you make changes you have to go back in and manually edit. Sometimes you can also get these from providers of asset tags too.

 

Next you have databases which use scripts to pull out some information (Anyone remember the ADSI tools folk used to build to extract info?) and drop it into a text file or database. This had the benefit of being linked to startup / shutdown scripts so could automate some of the collecting of information.

 

Then you get into automated tools which are linked with machine management. This could range from things like Impero, SCCM and even the MDM tools out there.

 

You also have asset management tools tied in with service desk software (such as SpiceWorks, SiteHelpDesk, OP SmartDesk, etc) ...

 

Basically, anything that will auto-discover the majority of information is going to be a good thing. Then look at tools which also allow you to track things like purchase date (inc purchase order number ... or even track the whole of the purchase from quote to confirmation of delivery), initial cost, expected lifespan (so you know when to aim for refresh) and historical information (e.g. the location of the device might change during its life in your school or if it had been assigned to an individual).

 

And there are a number of things which fill in the gaps between the above too.

 

So, a range of options and some of it will depend on funds available and time to fill in any gaps.

[Bengual]

Spiceworks here as well. Asset management, integrated helpdesk, reporting. What more could you want?

[Sigo19]

+1 for spiceworks, works awesome

[pete]

GLPI + OCS here. Place the OCS agent on your master image(s) and all new machines automagically register themselves in the asset DB.