Distributed teams and remote work are quickly becoming the de-facto work arrangements for many companies, opening up a huge gap for their IT departments.
They can no longer rely on internal solutions to manage their computer inventory because there are too many devices spread out over huge geographic areas.
Effective computer inventory management ensures that your team has the necessary resources, reduces downtime, and optimizes asset utilization, allowing businesses to run smoothly.
To address this challenge, implementing scalable solutions for computer inventory management becomes paramount. This approach not only accommodates the dispersed nature of remote work but also provides the flexibility needed for scaling your operations across diverse locations.
To help you navigate through the overwhelming choices in the market, we have curated a list of the sixteen best computer inventory management software options for 2024. Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, these solutions offer tailored features and functionalities to meet your needs.
Let's dive into the article so you can make an informed choice that will elevate your business to new heights.
A computer inventory management system is a software tool used to keep track of computer assets throughout their lifecycle within an organization’s systems environment.
They usually offer discovery and tracking capabilities that allow IT managers to get a comprehensive view of their Windows, macOS, or Linux devices. The information that a computer inventory management system can record goes from serial numbers to login information, including files, directories, storage devices, installed software, task history, and software updates.
IT administrators can later use this data to plan hardware and software purchases, manage hardware and software inventory, and diagnose network issues efficiently.
It’s all about automation. Computer inventory software significantly simplifies the complex tasks of tracking, monitoring, and analyzing computers and applications.
The standout feature of these tools is a central place where IT managers can access real-time data about their company's IT assets. IT admins can stay ahead of procurement, maintenance, or potential vulnerabilities by collecting information about computer location, status, and configuration in a single dashboard.
In addition to hardware inventory software and tracking, computer inventory software can monitor applications, including third-party software, ensuring that they are updated and patched as required. It generates comprehensive reports, clearly communicating the findings of device analysis and software tracking.
From seamless integration to real-time monitoring and reporting, the following solutions simplify the complex task of managing computer inventory, enabling you to focus on what matters most: growing your business.
GroWrk is an end-to-end computer inventory management solution that streamlines IT equipment procurement, deployment, and management for globally distributed companies. GroWrk’s platform follows the entire network asset lifecycle from purchase to disposal.
The GroWrk Dashboard offers visibility over existing assets for global teams through a centralized location. No matter where teams are located, everything is accounted for and easy to pinpoint. This way, teams can automate their IT needs and scale quickly.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
If you're interested in GroWrk, talk to us about our pricing and receive a solution tailored to your remote team's needs.
Asset Panda is a cloud-based software that helps organizations track and maintain their assets. Asset Panda provides up-to-date records that users can access from anywhere on the web and the mobile app. They offer an interactive dashboard that helps companies get visibility over their hardware and software inventory and make informed decisions regarding underused technology.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Asset Panda’s pricing is available upon request.
Freshservice is a cloud-based service desk and IT service management (ITSM) solution created to help organizations automate IT processes. Although it focuses on service desk automation, Freshservice offers IT operations, IT assets, and project portfolio management functionalities.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Pricing plans start at $19/agent/month.
ManageEngine Asset Explorer is an automated asset discovery and inventory management software that helps organizations manage hardware and software assets throughout their lifecycle. AssetExplorer offers robust asset management capabilities like automatic asset discovery, a configuration management database, software asset management, software license compliance, and purchase order tracking.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Asset Explorer has three versions: a free edition, a 30-day trial, and a professional version. A subscription model is also available starting at $95, which can be used for up to 5 computers and 5 users.
Spiceworks Inventory is a product created by the global technology service Spiceworks. It’s a free network inventory advisor and management tool that helps manage IT and offers basic and advanced network inventory management and hardware tracking.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Spiceworks Inventory is available to use free of charge.
Lansweeper is a comprehensive software inventory management and software auditing tool that operates without the need for agents. It offers robust reporting features and automated software deployment. In addition, Lansweeper includes an integrated help desk and IT service desk, allowing users to conveniently receive, analyze, and resolve help tickets, all within a unified user interface.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Both a free version and paid versions are offered, with the free option allowing for a maximum of 100 assets. Upgrading to the Starter plan costs $2,408 per year.
Atera offers an all-in-one solution for IT professionals and MSPs, providing remote monitoring and management, remote access, helpdesk, billing, and reporting on network devices from a single platform. Atera allows users to monitor devices from a single dashboard and automate tasks like patch management across different platforms.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
Pricing for IT departments begins at $149 per technician per month, while the pricing for MSPs starts at $99 per technician per month.
EZOfficeInventory is a versatile cloud-based software that can be accessed through a web or mobile app. It streamlines operational workflows by enabling organizations to easily track and manage assets across multiple locations, conduct seamless audits, and generate reports.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
EZOffice Inventory has a free trial, and plans start at $95/month.
10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer is a network and hardware inventory management tool that automatically scans for devices on your network and helps you keep track of them. It also collects information on installed hardware and software and any changes.
Key features and benefits
Pros
Cons
Pricing
10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer has a free trial, while the standard version costs $79.95.
Ivanti Neurons is a comprehensive computer inventory management system aimed at medium-to-large organizations, offering real-time visibility and management of software, hardware, client, server, virtual, and cloud assets. Despite its powerful features, it may be complex for SMBs and novice users.
Key features and benefits
Mobile capabilities: remote asset management, barcode scanning
Lifecycle tracking: procurement to retirement
Contract and vendor management tools
IT asset data consolidation
Security and user experience optimization
Pros
Mobile and desktop workspaces: Provides flexibility and convenience for users to manage assets on mobile devices and desktop computers, enhancing accessibility and productivity.
Extensive tech support options: Offers multiple support methods, including phone, email, and chat, ensuring users have access to help when needed.
Cons
Hardware-heavy setup: The setup process requires significant hardware resources, which can be a barrier for some organizations and may involve higher initial costs.
No cloud-hosted option: Lacks a cloud-hosted version, limiting accessibility and scalability as users must rely on on-premises infrastructure.
Pricing
Available on request, varies by implementation scale and requirements.
UpKeep is a software solution designed to serve as a one command center for maintenance and reliability. It is mobile-first software that allows workplaces to automate hardware inventory management, asset management, property maintenance, facility maintenance, and inventory management.
Key features and benefits
Create, manage, and update work requests for repairs and maintenance
Schedule preventive maintenance work in calendar view
Create and use digital maintenance checklists for routine inspections and more
Track operational downtime remotely
Time and cost tracking
Barcode generation and scanning
Pros
Mobile-first design: Optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to manage maintenance tasks on the go, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.
Comprehensive asset and maintenance management: Offers robust features for asset management, property maintenance, facility maintenance, and inventory management, all in one platform.
Multi-platform availability: Accessible on Web, Desktop, and Mobile devices, providing users with versatile access options.
Cons
Less intuitive analytic reports: Users may find the analytics and reporting features less intuitive, requiring additional effort to generate useful insights.
Occasional stability issues: Some users experience slow loading times and occasional page load failures, affecting overall reliability.
Pricing
Starts at $20 per month and custom pricing pricing plans.
SysAid is an asset management software offering impressive network detection features and a detailed changelog. It focuses on integrated solutions, making it a strong contender for companies looking for comprehensive hardware inventory management.
Key features and benefits
Inventory tracking
Monitoring
Configuration Management Database (CMDB)
Asset tracking and license management
Network inventory and service requests
Custom reports
Pros
Great asset visualization: Provides clear and detailed visualization of assets, enhancing understanding and management of IT resources.
Impressive network detection: Offers robust network detection features, making identifying and managing network assets easier.
Hardware inventory: Includes comprehensive hardware inventory software capabilities, allowing organizations to keep track of their hardware assets efficiently.
Cons
Overly tabbed and sectioned user interface: The UI can be complex and cluttered, making navigation and usage more challenging for users.
No depreciation tracking: Lacks functionality for tracking asset depreciation, which can limit financial and asset lifecycle management.
Pricing
Custom quotes are available; a free trial is also offered.
Hofy is a computer inventory management platform that streamlines hardware deployment and retrieval for businesses. It integrates well with key device management platforms like Apple Business Manager, making it suitable for companies with distributed teams. Hofy provides dedicated support representatives and conducts regular check-ins.
Key features
Pricing
Contact Hofy for pricing details.
Pros
Cons
WorkWize is a computer inventory management service designed to boost team productivity through various tools, task management features, and collaboration capabilities. Although it provides useful functionalities, it has received mixed feedback, especially concerning customer support and platform performance.
Key features
Pricing
Contact WorkWize for pricing details.
Pros
Cons
Firstbase is a computer inventory management platform focused on simplifying hardware deployment and retrieval for remote-first companies. It automates the lifecycle management of IT assets and partners with global vendors for storage and management. Despite its benefits, it has some drawbacks that might impact its suitability for some organizations.
Key features
Pricing
Contact Firstbase for pricing details.
Pros
Cons
Allwhere is a computer inventory management platform designed to enhance transparency, streamline logistics, and provide user autonomy. It assists remote and distributed teams by managing hardware in stock, in transit, and procured by employees. Although Allwhere has numerous strengths, it also faces growing challenges.
Key features
Pricing
Contact Allwhere for pricing details.
Pros
Cons
When selecting computer and hardware inventory management software for your distributed team, you must look for a tool to help reduce the workload on your IT administrators. When teams are remote, computer management adds an added layer of complexity just because devices are spread across different locations.
Make sure to look for solutions that align with your workflows, so make a list of features that you might need, like scalability, reporting capabilities, integration with other systems, user-friendliness, and security measures. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the factors your company needs to consider in decision-making.
Scalability and flexibility: Choose scalable software to handle growing teams and increase inventory without compromising performance.
Compatibility with existing infrastructure: Ensure the software is compatible with your current systems and infrastructure. It should seamlessly integrate with your existing hardware, operating system, network, databases, and other relevant tools to avoid disruptions and enable smooth data flow.
Reporting and analytics capabilities: Look for computer inventory software that offers comprehensive reporting functionalities, including real-time data visualization, customizable reports, and predictive analytics. These features will empower you to make data-driven decisions and optimize inventory management strategies.
Integration with other systems: Consider how well the software integrates with your existing systems and tools. It should be able to connect with other crucial applications such as help desk software, ticketing systems, procurement tools, and accounting software.
User-friendliness and ease of implementation: The computer inventory software interface should be intuitive, allowing your team members to navigate the system effortlessly. Additionally, consider the implementation process and ensure it aligns with your team's capabilities and available resources.
Security and data protection measures: Verify that the computer inventory software offers robust security features such as data encryption, user access controls, and regular backups. It should comply with industry standards and regulations to safeguard your sensitive information and protect against potential cyber threats.
By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a computer inventory system, asset management system, or software solution that meets your distributed team's unique requirements, ensuring that you make an informed decision and set your team up for success.
When choosing an inventory management software for your team, evaluate how well it aligns with your team’s needs and working style. An option may offer many novelty features, but it might not be a good match in the long run if they don’t serve your team’s current way of working.
To avoid repeating the selection process, consider aspects like workflow integration, customization options, and the training level required by its implementation. Let’s examine each.
Before making a final decision, take advantage of trial periods and demos offered by software providers. This hands-on experience allows your team to explore the software's functionalities, user interface, and compatibility with your specific needs. By testing the software in a real-world scenario, you can assess its effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for your distributed team's requirements.
Computer inventory management software provides many advantages for distributed teams, but there are also specific challenges that organizations need to overcome. Some of the significant challenges that distributed teams might encounter when using computer inventory management software are:
Maintenance: Managing hardware assets for distributed teams is complex, with devices spread across various locations. Updating the software database requires dedicated effort and coordination to ensure data accuracy.
Asset Tracking: Managing assets and maintaining accurate records can be difficult for remote teams. As the amount of data and connected devices increases, it becomes more critical to have visibility over company assets through effective tracking and location status.
Storage: Without physical offices, remote teams may struggle to store devices. This often leads to IT managers or network administrators having stock in their homes, even if it is unsafe.
Retrievals: Another challenge for distributed teams is being able to retrieve company devices after an employee leaves the company. Usually, the process can become tedious as managers have to deal with shipping, customs, and even communication issues with exiting workers.
One of the main benefits of implementing computer inventory management software is that businesses can streamline tedious processes and enhance efficiency in their operations. Ultimately, they can better optimize their IT resources and save costs, allowing teams to focus on more strategic activities rather than spending excessive time on manual hardware inventory management tasks. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits:
Streamlining Inventory Tracking and Organization: Computer inventory management software provides a centralized platform to track and organize inventory data. Consolidating information about devices, software, and other assets eliminates the need for manual tracking methods and spreadsheets.
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency in Inventory Management: Manual hardware inventory management processes are prone to errors and inconsistencies. Computer inventory management software automates data entry, reducing the risk of human errors and ensuring accurate and up-to-date inventory records.
Cost Savings and Resource Optimization: The tools we reviewed above can provide real-time visibility into asset utilization, allowing organizations to identify underutilized resources, avoid unnecessary purchases, track asset depreciation, and make informed decisions about asset allocation. Organizations can minimize costs and maximize the return on their investments by optimizing asset inventory levels and reducing excess or obsolete assets.
An asset management solution like GroWrk is the future of the computer inventory management space because it offers distributed teams a comprehensive view of their IT estate, regardless of location.
GroWrk’s inventory and asset management tool and software is a powerful tool that can help you manage your IT assets, streamline inventory tracking and organization, improve accuracy and efficiency in inventory management, and reduce costs.
Book a demo call to see how GroWrk can help your company meet its growth goals.