As a school administrator or IT professional, it can be quite challenging to manage the ever-increasing amount of technology used in the classroom. From laptops and tablets to projectors and interactive whiteboards, it’s not an easy task to track all devices, software licenses, maintenance schedules, and the likewise. That’s where IT asset management comes to the rescue. In this write-up, we discuss why IT asset management is important for schools, along with citing the best practices.
Why IT Asset Management is Important for Schools?
IT asset management is the process of tracking and managing an organization's technology assets, including hardware, software, and accessories. Schools handling extensive fleets of devices, and deploying them to the staff and students, need a proper management system in place to stay in control of IT assets and related asset data. The importance of IT asset management for schools can be best defined by the following:
Firstly, it allows schools to keep track of their technology assets and ensure they are being used effectively. By tracking assets, schools can identify which devices are being deployed and to whom, along with the devices that are being underutilized or are no longer needed, and make informed decisions about how to allocate resources.
Secondly, IT asset management helps schools ensure compliance with software licensing agreements. Software licensing can be complex, and schools may unknowingly violate agreements without proper tracking and management of IT.
Finally, it enables schools to maintain their devices and reduce downtime. By keeping track of maintenance schedules and warranties, schools can ensure that their devices are always in top working condition, reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
This way, schools can track and manage IT assets, keep their information updated, and avoid loss of assets.
Best Practices for Implementing IT Asset Management in Schools
Implementing the best practices of IT asset management further streamlines the usually challenging task. Here are a few things to try:
Develop a comprehensive inventory: Start by creating a complete inventory of all technology assets, including hardware, software, and accessories. This inventory should include the make, model, and serial number of each device, as well as its location and user.
Assign ownership: Assign ownership of each asset to a specific person or department. This ensures that responsibility for the asset is clearly defined, and someone is accountable for its proper use and maintenance.
Track software licenses: Keep track of all software licenses to ensure compliance and avoid costly fines for unlicensed software. This also minimizes the risk of data and security breaches.
Create a maintenance schedule: Develop a schedule for regular maintenance and updates of all devices. This includes regular cleaning, virus scans, and software updates.
Utilize IT asset management software: There are many IT asset management software solutions available that can make the process easier. These tools automate the tracking and management of assets and provide valuable reporting and analytics.
Tools for IT Asset Management in Schools
As shocking as it may sound, many school districts still use spreadsheets and other manual methods for tracking their fleet and overall IT asset management, which are time-consuming, prone to errors, and even costly. However, IT asset management for schools can be simplified by levering integrated systems like AssetRemix by AdminRemix. It is a one-stop ITAM solution with advanced features and flexible pricing that enables schools to manage and track their technology assets, irrespective of the size of their IT estate. Our team is dedicated to building the best asset management software for schools.
Conclusion
IT asset management is crucial for schools to effectively manage their technology assets. By implementing best practices and utilizing IT asset management software, schools can ensure that their devices are being used effectively, comply with software licensing agreements, and are properly maintained to reduce downtime. If you want to know more about the capabilities of AssetRemix, feel free to connect with our experts for a free consultation or a free demo. Our trial version allows you to manage up to 50 devices.