In today’s digital age, IT assets are essential tools for businesses to operate effectively. In 2021 the IT Asset Management (ITAM) market was valued at $1.3B and is projects to reach $3.5B by 2031, according to market research from Allied Market Research. However, when IT assets are returned by users, they may not always be in the same condition as when they were first issued. That’s why it’s crucial to check and track the damage of IT assets when they are returned by users, to ensure issues are resolved before reassignment and so that the cost of the damage can be cross charged to the user’s department.
The cost of reassigning a damaged asset could be quite high. The new user is not able to perform their function properly on the faulty equipment so there is a cost associated with lost productivity, plus you may have to pay higher prices for an urgent replacement device. Any effort physically cleaning and then reconfiguring/reimaging the device could be wasted if the device is damaged beyond repair.
Cross charging is a practice in which the cost of a service or asset is allocated to the department or user responsible for its use. In the context of IT assets, cross charging allows organizations to hold users accountable for the care and maintenance of the technology they use. When IT assets are returned in poor condition, cross charging can help to recover the costs associated with repairing or replacing them.
Tracking the damage of IT assets also helps organizations to identify patterns of misuse or neglect. For example, if a particular department consistently returns IT assets in poor condition, it may indicate that they are not providing adequate training or supervision to their employees. Alternatively, it may suggest that the department has an inefficient workflow that places undue strain on the technology they use.
Moreover, tracking the damage of IT assets can help organizations to make informed decisions about future investments in technology. By analyzing patterns of damage, organizations can identify the types of IT assets that are most prone to damage and prioritize investments in sturdier or more durable equipment. This can ultimately help to reduce costs associated with repairs and replacements, as well as improve overall productivity by ensuring that employees have access to reliable technology.
Finally, tracking the damage of IT assets can help to foster a culture of accountability and responsibility within an organization. When users know that they will be held responsible for the condition of the technology they use, they are more likely to take care of it and report any issues promptly. This can ultimately help to extend the lifespan of IT assets and reduce costs associated with repairs and replacements.
In conclusion, tracking the damage of IT assets when they are returned by users is a critical practice for organizations that rely on technology to operate. By cross charging users for the cost of damage, organizations can recover costs associated with repairs and replacements, identify patterns of misuse or neglect, make informed decisions about future investments and foster a culture of accountability and responsibility. Ultimately, this can help organizations to improve their operations, reduce costs and increase productivity.
If you are looking to start tracking device check-ins and damage checks, talk to Cireson Customer Success team. Here’s an example some something we produced for a customer to streamline this process, built right within Cireson Asset Management in the Cireson Portal.
We’d love to hear your questions and comments in the Cireson Community. Interested in chatting more about ITAM? Watch out for invites to our monthly Community Open Floor, hosted the 2nd Friday of the month. Invites sent the Monday prior. Interested in speaking directly to a team member about the Cireson Feedback Survey add-in? Reach out at team@cireson.com.
