IT asset tracking is the process of continuously monitoring the location, status, and configuration of IT assets throughout their operational life. Effective IT asset tracking ensures that organizations always know what equipment they have, where it is, and how it is being used, providing the visibility needed to support data center operations.
What IT Asset Tracking Monitors
Depending on the tools and processes in place, IT asset tracking can capture a wide range of information about each asset, including:
- Physical location including site, floor, room, rack, and U position
- Asset lifecycle status
- Warranty and support contract status
- History of moves, adds, and changes
- Network connectivity and port assignments
- Power utilization
IT Asset Tracking with DCIM Software
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software provides comprehensive IT asset tracking available for technology assets across data centers, labs, remote edge sites, and IDF closets. Every asset is tracked in a centralized repository with full location detail, port-level connectivity, and real-time power and environmental data. Change management workflows ensure that the asset record is updated every time equipment moves or is modified so tracking data stays accurate without relying on manual updates.
Key capabilities include:
- Comprehensive attribute tracking. Maintain detailed records for every asset, including make, model, dimensions, weight, serial number, and asset tag; rack location, cabinet name, and U position; data and power port information and physical connectivity; purchase price, purchase date, installation date, and warranty information; server function, owner, and customer assignment; and real-time power consumption and environmental sensor readings. Unlimited custom fields let you capture any additional data unique to your organization.
- Tracking across all environments. Track assets across all technical spaces in a single system with consistent visibility regardless of where equipment is deployed.
- Barcode and QR code scanning. Apply physical asset tags to devices and scan them using built-in audit tools to verify rack contents quickly and accurately. Bulk scan incoming shipments at the dock to create inventory records before equipment leaves the loading dock.
- Audit workflows. Built-in audit tools with barcode and QR code scanning and voice response guide technicians through rack-by-rack verification, with exception reports that surface exactly what needs to be corrected.
- 100+ out-of-the-box dashboards. Purpose-built dashboard charts give instant visibility into assets outside their warranty window, assets that have exceeded age standards, parts inventory levels, and more without building reports from scratch.
- Integration with adjacent systems. DCIM software integrates with CMDBs like ServiceNow, BMC, and Ivanti, ticketing systems like Jira, server infrastructure management tools like Dell OME and HPE OneView, and purchasing systems like SAP — automatically syncing asset tracking data across the organization and eliminating duplicate data entry.
Benefits of Accurate IT Asset Tracking
- Faster troubleshooting. When you can instantly locate any asset and see its connections, diagnosing and resolving issues takes far less time.
- Optimized utilization. Visibility into how assets are being used helps teams identify underutilized equipment and redeploy it where it is needed.
- Audit readiness. Accurate, real-time tracking data makes audits faster and reduces the risk of discrepancies.
- Stronger security. Knowing exactly what assets are in the environment and where is a prerequisite for effective physical security and access control.
Want to see how Sunbird's world-leading DCIM software makes it easy to track your IT assets? Get your free test drive now!