Top 13 IT inventory management software for 2024
IT managers face the continuous challenge of ensuring optimal performance and compliance within their technology stacks, making robust IT inventory management software an essential tool. As distributed teams continue to grow, the challenge of efficiently managing IT assets becomes increasingly complex.
IT inventory management software is essential for distributed companies, as it offers a central place to track, manage, and optimize their many hardware and software assets. Inventory management systems are necessary for any IT manager striving to maintain oversight and control, ensuring their teams can focus on innovating business processes rather than inventory woes.
We've compiled a list of the best inventory management software options to guide IT teams toward the most effective IT asset management solutions available in the market. Our selection considers factors such as functionality, ease of use, integration capabilities, and online customer reviews.
What is IT inventory management software?
IT inventory management software is a digital solution designed for tracking, managing, and monitoring all hardware and software assets within an organization.
This type of software can provide dynamic asset visibility, seamless updates, and real-time data, essential for distributed teams managing resources across multiple regions. Additionally, it automates and simplifies keeping a detailed record of IT assets, including their status, location, and health.
Traditionally, organizations resort to spreadsheets to manage their assets. Although easy to set up, they quickly become outdated and are difficult to maintain, especially as businesses grow and acquire more devices.
Inventory management software for IT ensures that asset management is current and accurate without the manual hassle and inevitable obsolescence associated with spreadsheets. And it has more advantages than a spreadsheet.
These solutions help track inventory in real time and automate management features, which are crucial for distributed teams operating across different geographies.
Inventory management software supports enhanced security measures, more inventory features, streamlined compliance tracking, and more effective resource allocation, making it indispensable – and more comfortable – for modern IT operations.
Best inventory management software options for IT teams
Here's our shortlist of the best inventory management sytems based on our research:
GroWrk
GroWrk is a leading provider of IT equipment solutions, specializing in streamlining the entire device management lifecycle. This inventory management system handles procurement, deployment, retrieval, and storage, making it ideal for distributed teams. It can enhance resource management, ensure compliance, and optimize technology spending. GroWrk allows companies to maintain operational excellence without the complexity of managing a vast IT infrastructure.
Key features
-
Global IT infrastructure: Supports distributed workforces worldwide, enabling efficient management and deployment of IT resources.
-
User-friendly dashboard: GroWrk's Dashboard is praised by users as it delivers complete visibility of IT assets and simplifies inventory tracking and lifecycle management on a global scale in just a few clicks.
-
Advanced security features: Incorporates MDM software enrollment, identity management, and remote control capabilities to enhance security and compliance.
-
Extensive integrations: Integrates with a wide array of asset management, ERP, payroll, HRIS, productivity and security systems and software.
-
Comprehensive IT support: 24-hour AI support, which evolves with each interaction to provide increasingly accurate and relevant IT assistance.
-
AI-powered enhancements: GroWbot 2.0, an IT support chatbot, can guide users through the platform, manage orders, and track shipments with real-time updates. If GroWbot can't answer a query, it creates a support ticket.
Pros
-
Unmatched global coverage: With operations in over 150 countries, GroWrk handles IT logistics and support on a multinational scale.
-
Enhanced user experience: The AI-driven GroWbot offers intuitive, real-time support, improving user satisfaction and operational efficiency.
-
Tailored integration solutions: Custom integrations and an open API ensure seamless onboarding and enhance the platform’s adaptability to existing systems.
Pricing
Schedule a demo call to learn more about GroWrk's platform functions and receive a personalized solution that suits your remote team's requirements.
Lansweeper
Lansweeper is a comprehensive IT inventory management solution that thoroughly enables organizations to understand and control their IT devices and networks.
This asset management platform minimizes risks and optimizes assets by monitoring hardware assets, software, and users across an infrastructure. Its capabilities offer actionable insights, enhancing management and security practices.
Key features
-
Asset discovery and monitoring: Automatically and continuously discover IT assets like servers, laptops, desktops, virtual and cloud machines, network devices, and IoT assets.
-
Detailed IT asset data: Collects granular data about hardware specifications, user data, and installed software in a central repository.
-
Security and compliance: Identifies risks, vulnerabilities, and non-compliance issues to improve overall security posture.
-
Cost optimization: Reveals unnecessary expenses and helps manage IT budgets effectively through detailed asset tracking and cost analysis.
Pros
-
Increased visibility: Offers unparalleled visibility into IT assets, including shadow IT and idle devices, helping eliminate blind spots within the network.
-
Enhanced productivity: Automates recordkeeping and reporting, allowing IT teams to focus on more strategic tasks.
-
Integrated help desk: Combines asset management with a help desk system, providing a holistic approach to IT service management.
Cons
-
Resource intensity: This can be slow or resource-intensive when scanning large networks or managing extensive data.
-
Limited remote support: The tool needs to improve with remote connection support, particularly for Apple/Mac devices, which may limit its usefulness for organizations with a diverse device ecosystem.
-
User interface complexity: Some users need help navigating the interface, especially when dealing with numerous functions and tabs.
Pricing
Lansweeper offers a free version for up to 100 assets with community support. For larger needs, there are Starter, Pro, and Enterprise versions starting at $219 per month.
Snipe-IT
Snipe-IT is an open-source IT inventory management system designed to streamline organizational asset tracking and management.
It offers a robust platform for tracking licenses, accessories, consumables, and more, making it suitable for businesses looking for a flexible and customizable, asset management software solution.
Key features
-
Robust asset database: Keeps detailed records of all IT assets, ensuring accurate tracking and management.
-
Reporting capabilities: Generates comprehensive reports to help manage assets more effectively and make informed decisions.
-
Third-party application integrations: Seamlessly integrates with various applications to enhance functionality and streamline workflows.
-
User-friendly interface: Offers an easy-to-navigate interface that simplifies asset management tasks.
-
Customization: Highly customizable to meet the specific needs of any organization, allowing for tailored asset tracking and reporting.
Pros
-
Cost-effective: As an open-source tool, it provides significant cost savings while offering extensive IT asset management capabilities.
-
Barcode scanning and label generation: Streamlines asset tagging and tracking with integrated barcode scanning and label creation.
-
Minimal training required: Straightforward design and functionality make it easy for administrators to manage without extensive training.
Cons
-
Limited notifications: Lacks automatic notifications for dual asset holders and license expiration, which could be crucial for maintaining compliance.
-
Basic interface and functionality: Some users find the interface dated and the functionalities basic, needing more advanced features in more comprehensive solutions.
-
Standalone nature: The hosted plans offer limited built-in integrations, requiring additional effort to connect with other systems.
Pricing
Snipe-IT is freely available for self-hosting. Hosted options include Basic Hosting at $399.99 annually, Small Business Hosting at $999.99 annually, and Dedicated Hosting for small setups at $2,499.99 annually. For medium and large dedicated hosting needs, pricing starts at $5,000 annually, with discounts offered alongside Enterprise Support.
Asset Panda
Asset Panda is a comprehensive, cloud-based asset relationship management platform designed for tracking a wide range of assets.
It delivers robust features tailored to creating interdependencies between assets, from IT equipment to contracts and beyond, with a high degree of customization to fit various business needs.
Key features
-
Extensive customization: Adapts to unique workflows, naming conventions, and use cases, offering flexibility to businesses of all sizes.
-
Comprehensive asset tracking: Manages check-ins/check-outs, asset locations, and maintenance histories, providing full lifecycle tracking.
-
Reporting and dashboards: Features detailed reporting and interactive dashboards for optimal asset lifecycle and usage optimization.
-
Mobile app accessibility: Updates and monitors IT asset data from anywhere via Android and iOS apps with barcode scanning capability.
Pros
-
User-friendly interface: Known for its intuitive and reliable system, accessible online and through mobile devices.
-
Customizable CSV import: Allows tailored data import with field mapping to align with the organization's data structure.
-
Alerts and notifications: Keeps track of repairs and maintenance, ensuring assets are managed proactively.
Cons
-
Session timeouts: Users report that the mobile app session times out quickly, which can be disruptive during multitasking.
-
Lack of network discovery: No functionality for automatic discovery of networked assets or remote access to machines.
Pricing
Asset Panda offers pricing upon request, with a 14-day free trial for new users to explore the platform's capabilities. While it is an open-source tool, additional features such as audits, integrations, and depreciation tracking may incur extra costs.
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus is a fully integrated IT help desk and inventory management solution that allows IT teams to automate their IT service management processes. It's recognized for its robust features that streamline asset lifecycle management and ticket tracking, enhancing efficiency across IT services.
Key features
-
Incident and change management: Efficiently manage incidents and changes with a visual workflow builder and condition-based actions.
-
ITIL-ready help desk software: Advanced ITSM functionality that helps in delivering world-class service.
-
Asset management: Comprehensive tracking and management of IT hardware and software assets.
-
Real-time dashboards: Customizable reports and dashboards provide insights for data-driven decision-making.
-
Extensive integrations: It seamlessly integrates with ManageEngine apps and popular platforms like Office 365 and Jira and through REST APIs for enhanced functionality.
Pros
-
User-friendly interface: A straightforward and customizable interface ensures ease of use for administrators.
-
Lifecycle management: Visual workflow builder for condition-based alerts helps manage asset states effectively.
-
Deployment flexibility: Offers on-premise and cloud-based deployment options to suit various business needs.
-
Free version: A free edition accommodates up to five technicians.
Cons
-
Asset management in enterprise plan: Some asset management features are reserved for the higher-tier enterprise plan.
-
Learning curve: New users may face a steep learning curve due to the solution's breadth of features.
Pricing
ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus offers a flexible pricing model starting at $10/user/month when billed annually, making it affordable for businesses of all sizes. The company also provides a 30-day free trial for new users to explore the platform's capabilities.
InvGate Assets
InvGate Assets offers robust IT inventory management systems and software that supports organizations in optimizing asset utilization and enhancing security.
Known for its security compliance monitoring, InvGate Assets detects unauthorized software usage and helps maintain the integrity of entire inventory of network devices.
Key features
-
Automated inventory and network discovery: Tracks hardware and software, providing accurate and updated information to maximize ROI.
-
Software deployment and metering: Gives insights into software usage, aiding license management and cost reduction.
-
License management and financial tracking: Manages licenses effectively and tracks the financial aspect of IT assets.
-
Remote desktop capabilities: Facilitates remote troubleshooting and software distribution.
Pros
-
Security compliance monitoring: Helps identify and mitigate risks by ensuring assets comply with security policies.
-
Lifecycle management: Monitors the entire lifecycle of assets, from procurement to disposal.
-
Rapid setup: Typically can be implemented in under four hours with an intuitive interface for ease of use.
Cons
-
Outdated interface: Some users find the interface and charts could benefit from a more modern look.
-
On-site server requirement: Requires on-premise implementation, consuming internal resources.
-
Limited cloud options: No current cloud-based version is available, which could limit accessibility and scalability.
Pricing
InvGate Assets provides tailored pricing upon request and offers a 30-day free trial.
BMC Track-IT
BMC Track-It is an IT help desk and inventory management software that emphasizes simplicity and comprehensive features. It's equipped to support asset management, focusing on software audits, license management, financial decision-making, and software discovery. It integrates with a help desk module for an all-inclusive asset management solution.
Key features
-
Software audits and license management: Streamlines conducting software audits and managing licenses effectively.
-
Asset lifecycle management: Monitors and manages the entire lifecycle of IT assets within an organization.
-
Help desk integration: Combines asset management with help desk capabilities for a unified approach to IT service.
-
Network detection and LDAP integration: Facilitates the discovery and management of networked assets and integrates with LDAP directories.
-
Mobile app and customizable views: Provides a mobile application for remote management and customizable views to tailor the user experience.
Pros
-
Integrated modules: Offers a range of modules, including Help Desk, Asset Management, Endpoint Management, and more, in a single solution.
-
User collaboration: Allows multiple users to update tickets, improving teamwork and communication.
-
Reports and analytics: Features robust reporting tools for in-depth data analysis and export capabilities.
Cons
-
User interface: Some users find the interface outdated and cluttered, affecting usability.
-
Windows-centric: Focuses on compatibility with older versions of Windows, which might not be suitable for varied IT environments.
-
Learning curve: May not be as intuitive as other solutions, presenting a learning challenge for new users.
Pricing
BMC Track-It offers pricing details upon request.
Solarwinds
SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor provides comprehensive monitoring for IT infrastructure, offering visibility into hardware and software assets across various environments. Its capabilities extend to automatic network asset discovery, asset tracking, and software license management, making it an essential tool for IT teams seeking end-to-end infrastructure oversight.
Key features
-
End-to-end visibility: Monitors all hardware and software assets across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments.
-
Automatic asset discovery: Discovers network assets and collects critical data, including serial numbers and warranty status.
-
Configuration tracking: Detects and logs configuration changes, aiding in identifying performance-impacting issues.
-
Comprehensive integrations: Supports over 1,200 applications and systems, from AWS to Microsoft 365.
Pros
-
In-depth application and vendor support: Direct support for a wide range of applications and vendors out of the box.
-
Proactive monitoring tools: Provides configurable inventory reports and alerts for proactive asset management.
-
Flexible deployment: Offers agent and agentless monitoring options for varied IT environments.
Cons
-
Cost intensive: Implementation costs may be prohibitive for smaller organizations.
-
Complex features: Some advanced features may require additional setup and expertise to utilize effectively.
Pricing
SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor pricing starts at $1,813/year, with a 30-day free trial available to evaluate its inventory management software features.
ServiceNow IT Asset Management
ServiceNow IT Asset Management delivers an all-encompassing inventory management software, automating the asset lifecycle from procurement to disposal. It is designed for organizations that require a robust workflow to manage the complexities of asset management and provides a centralized system for tracking and optimizing asset utilization.
Key features
-
Automated asset lifecycle workflows: Manages the entire asset lifecycle, including provisioning and disposal, through automation of inventory management.
-
Comprehensive integration: Natively integrates with various services and offers API connectivity for broader application linking.
-
Onboarding and offboarding: Streamlines the employee asset management process, ensuring efficient allocation and recovery of resources.
Pros
-
Robust automation: Simplifies complex asset management and inventory management tasks with highly customizable workflows.
-
Detailed tracking: Offers detailed insights into asset usage and status, supporting better decision-making and compliance.
-
Strong customer support: Provides reliable customer service, ensuring smooth operation and quick resolution of issues.
Cons
-
Complex setup: The platform's extensive features can present a steep learning curve and a complex setup process.
-
Performance issues: Some users have reported occasional lags and performance hiccups that can impact user experience.
Pricing
ServiceNow IT Asset Management pricing details are provided upon request. Prospective users can access a free demo to explore the platform's features before committing financially.
Pulseway
Pulseway is an all-in-one IT management platform designed for comprehensive remote monitoring and management of IT infrastructure. It stands out for its native remote control features and smart automation capabilities, making it highly suitable for businesses with remote workforces and a need for proactive IT problem resolution.
Key features
-
Network discovery engine: Automatically identifies all connected devices and endpoints.
-
Patch management: Ensures devices remain secure with timely updates.
-
Custom alerts and automation: Customizable alerts and visual workflow editor for setting up smart triggers and actions.
-
Built-in mobile remote control: Provides secure, on-the-go access to monitored systems for swift problem resolution.
Pros
-
Intuitive remote control: IT teams can access computers remotely and communicate with users in real time.
-
Extensive automation library: Features a wide selection of scripts to automate routine IT tasks.
-
Seamless integrations: Supports native integrations with platforms like Zendesk, Webroot, PagerDuty, Autotask, Slack, and IT Glue.
Cons
-
Limited third-party integrations: Despite supporting many integrations, the number is less than other solutions.
-
Basic reporting: Its report features may not be as comprehensive as those offered by competitors.
Pricing
Pulseway's pricing begins at $27/month, with tier-based pricing available for larger enterprises. The company also offers a 14-day free trial for those who want to experience the platform before committing.
Jira Service Management
Jira Service Management is Atlassian's IT service management solution. It allows Dev and Ops teams to collaborate efficiently, respond to business changes, and deliver fast, excellent service experiences. It encompasses comprehensive service management practices, all built on the Jira platform. Although its main focus is IT service management, the platform can also be used for IT asset management.
Key features
-
Flexible IT service management: Manages service requests, incidents, problems, and changes in a single place.
-
Asset and configuration management: Stores various types of assets, configuration items, and other objects, with customizable object types to meet specific company needs.
-
Automated asset discovery and import: Utilizes automatic discovery tools to identify assets and provides options to import them into the database.
-
Integrations: Includes over 1,000 pre-built apps such as Google Sheets, Miro, Figma, and Asana, available through the Atlassian Marketplace.
Pros
-
Highly customizable: Provides full control over what data is stored and how assets are tracked, ensuring solutions meet specific organizational needs.
-
Comprehensive use cases: Supports a wide range of applications from tracking asset status to managing software licenses and contract renewals.
-
Ease of use: Intuitive forms and easy setup for logging issues and notifying users of updates.
Cons
-
Learning curve: fully leveraging the platform may involve a learning curve, especially if users are not familiar with Atlassian tools.
Pricing
Jira Service Management has a free version for up to 3 users. Standard and Premium versions are available starting at $17.65 per month. An Enterprise plan is also available with custom pricing when you enter 201 or more users. The Data Center option for those who need a self-managed environment starts at $18,000 per year.
Spiceworks Inventory
Spiceworks Inventory is a free IT inventory management software that automatically discovers and tracks information about devices on a network, including computers, software, printers, mobile devices and more. It provides a centralized cloud-based dashboard to manage IT assets in one place.
Key features
-
Asset tracking: Businesses can track assets and devices using a network inventory and an IP scanner tool for discovery and monitoring.
-
System alerts: Provides updates and notifications, including real-time email alerts for unreachable resources and expiry date alerts.
-
Reporting: Offers two reporting options, including built-in reports and advanced reporting integration with Microsoft Power BI.
-
Integrations: Integrates with Intel Endpoint Management Assistant and other Spiceworks products, such as Spiceworks Help Desk and Spiceworks Remote Support.
Pros
-
Easy setup: It scans your local network and reports back detected computers, their hostnames, IP addresses, Windows versions, and installed applications in only a few minutes.
-
Cloud-based access: Information can be accessed and deployed anywhere, integrated with the Cloud Help Desk.
-
Free to use: No cost for teams of any size, with no limits on assets, devices, agents, or users.
Cons
-
Resource intensive: Scanning can be resource-intensive, slowing down other applications on the same server.
-
Device duplication: Devices may reappear after deletion, complicating inventory management.
-
Interface usability: The interface could be more user-friendly and intuitive.
Pricing
Spiceworks Inventory is a free inventory management software offering Individual, Team, Enterprise, and Custom plans through an ad-supported model. These plans include access to all features and no user limit.
Ivanti Neurons
Ivanti Neurons is designed to consolidate and manage IT asset data throughout their entire lifecycle. This IT inventory management software tool provides organizations with comprehensive visibility and strategic management capabilities for both IT and non-IT assets.
Key features
-
Asset lifecycle management: Provides consistent tracking and management from procurement through disposal, including user requests, stock management, purchasing, invoicing, receipt, deployment, and disposal.
-
Product catalog: Allows visibility into purchased and assigned assets, current stock levels, and active orders to increase provisioning speed and reduce service desk calls.
-
Vendor management: Includes storage and aggregation of vendor performance data into scorecards for strategic vendor management.
-
Reporting and automation: Creates detailed data dashboards and uses automation to detect and resolve issues proactively.
Pros
-
Flexible deployment: Options for cloud-based and on-premises deployment provide accessibility and management from any location.
-
Barcode scanning: Integration of barcode scanning speeds up data handling and asset tracking.
-
Automation bots: Proactive issue detection and resolution through automation bots reduce help desk tickets and enhance employee satisfaction.
Cons
-
Complex setup: Setup, configurations, and customization processes can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
-
Customer support: Additional costs for customer support and the complexity of the service management module are noted drawbacks.
Pricing
Ivanti Neurons offers pricing details upon request for its four plans: Professional, Enterprise, Premium, and Enterprise Premium.
Must-have features of IT inventory management software
If your team is in search of an IT inventory management solution or considering an upgrade to your current software, here are some key factors to keep in mind.
In order to make asset tracking easier, look for inventory software that will support the entire device lifecycle.
From tracking purchase orders to managing support tickets, here are the most common features for inventory management and which impact inventory management software cost.
1. Asset tracking and monitoring
An essential feature of any IT inventory management software is tracking all assets and monitoring their status in real time. This ensures that IT managers are always aware of where each asset is and its operating condition, which is crucial for maintaining the continuity and security of the inventory system across multiple warehouses and IT systems.
2. Analytics and reports
The software should offer robust analytics and reporting capabilities that provide insights into asset utilization, performance metrics, inventory levels, and lifecycle stages. These reports help IT managers make informed decisions about asset refreshes, upgrades, and allocations, optimizing the overall IT strategy.
3. Software asset management
Managing software licenses, compliance, and usage is simplified with software asset management features. These management tools ensure that all software is licensed correctly, up-to-date, and compliant with various regulations, reducing legal risks and maximizing software investments.
4. Software metering
Software metering functions track and analyze software usage across the organization. This data is crucial for optimizing software costs and ensuring that investments align with actual usage patterns, thereby avoiding waste on unused licenses.
5. Automation and integrations
To increase efficiency, IT inventory management software should automate repetitive tasks like data entry and status updates. Moreover, inventory systems with integration capabilities with other systems, such as service desks and HR platforms, streamline operations and maintain consistency across the business’s IT environment.
Wrapping up
Choosing the right IT inventory management software is crucial for IT teams aiming to streamline operations, manage inventory, and enhance efficiency.
The best inventory software solutions offer a mix of automation, comprehensive tracking, and intuitive reporting, that can transform inventory management from an operational task to a strategic advantage.
Whether prioritizing ease of use, depth of functionality, business performance, or integration capabilities, the right tool will manage current assets and adapt to future challenges.
The choice of software should reflect your immediate needs and support your long-term strategic goals, ensuring your IT infrastructure is robust, compliant, and efficient.
