There are so many digital asset management systems out there today - how can you decide which one is best for you? Of course, every company has different requirements and wishes for its inventory software, but there are still a few things that everyone should keep in mind.
In this article we've listed a few things that every good digital inventory management system should have!
1. Intuitive Usage
This might seem like an obvious thing, but a good user interface is an absolute must-have. Digital inventory managers with complicated interfaces often requires intense customer training, and thus have a higher threshold to use. A good software should be easy to use for anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge. This brings us to our second point:
2. Easy overview of all available assets
This might seem obvious as well, but that's what makes a good user interface design: You don't have to think about it. An easy and simple overview of all available assets is crucial. Nothing is worse than completely unmanageable lists that don't provide any valuable insights. A good and structured overview includes good filter options, so that you can access information as quickly as possible.
Want to know how RFID labels can improve your inventory? Click here for more information!
3. Ability to record assets quickly
Most people get a digital asset manager to save time. Following that logic, recording assets should be a quick and simple process. There are a few different scanners you can use to do this. These scanners are very practical, but also a bit pricey. The best inventory management softwares have a modern solution to this: A smartphone app! These should always include options for different smartphones, an offline mode and an easy way to input information.
4. Import of existing lists
Many companies have many different lists in many different departments - the finance department is more interested when the guarantee lapses, the IT department wants to know how many monitors they have or how long their software licenses are still running. These lists are usually all in different places and making a change across the board eats up a lot of time. It's just so much easier to have all of this information in one central location. This is made much easier by being able to import and export lists via interfaces. The best digital asset management systems have interfaces that allow you to import and export information from other software, like Datev or SAP or even Excel sheets and shows you all that data in one central place.
Want to find out what a good inventory software for the IT department looks like? Click here!
5. Flexible individual configuration options
Another important quality all good digital asset management systems should have is flexibility. This should always include the option for customers to configure settings within the software. Some inventory management software have very rigid user interfaces, where any changes have to be made by the company who made the software. This brings hidden additional costs, as most companies charge for changes they make separately from the monthly or annual licence fees. Good digital asset managers give you the option to configure your own user interfaces. The best software allows you to do this while using the software and configure your own interface, so everyone can use their software the way they want.
6. Getting the labels directly from the provider
Last but not least: The labels that you'll need for you digital asset management software. Of course you could always get your own label printer, but sometimes they only get used for the initial inventory process and then they collect dust. Most companies only occasionally get new items they have to add to their inventory so they don't really need to print labels on a running basis.
That's why it's important to have the option to buy labels from your software provider. There are many different kinds of labels that are for good for different kinds of items - and if you're getting them directly from your service provider, most likely they'll be able to help you choose the ones best suited to your needs.
Want you know which labels are best for your company? Then click here!
All in all every company has to choose what features are most important to them and then select a software they feel will meet their demands best. Some value a cloud based solution the most, others want their service providers to take over the entire initial inventory process. But no matter who you end up landing on, one thing is very clear: Any software will make your inventory process quicker, more efficient and cost effective.
What are the most important processes of digital asset management? Click here to learn more!
Are you tired of the of the thousands of Excel lists? Want to know how a digital inventory manager can make your business more successful? Then download our free guide now! Completely non-binding, completely free of charge.
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