What is a Software Inventory?
A software inventory is the process of keeping track of all the software and applications used in your company.
Who Should Do a Software Inventory?
The short answer: every company. This is why.
How a Software Inventory Helps Your Company
If doing a software inventory sounds like counting boxes of bolts in a dusty warehouse, there is good news. It's less about counting and more about discovery. The software and applications you have purchased are significant company assets.
Are these assets working for you the way they should?
Is your company using all the licenses you are paying for?
On the other hand, do you have the correct number of licenses? Unlicensed software can lead to fines and legal headaches.
Has each application and piece of software been vetted and approved? Shadow IT can expose the company to signficant risks.
How often has your company purchased software that promised to deliver everything you needed only to have it gather dust? An inventory combined with an organized buying process can deliver substantial time and money savings.
When is the last time monthly recurring and automatic renewals were reviewed? Even small monthly charges nibble away at the bottom line.
What job is each application doing for your company?
What jobs need to be done that could be done more effectively?
How many questions came to mind as you read this short list?
How to Do a Simple Software Inventory
An inventory is like planning your grocery shopping. How many jars of peanut butter do you want to end up with? Explore your cabinets and pantry, make a list, and then make your purchases.
If you haven't done a software inventory recently -- or ever, here is a simple workbook to guide you in Keep Learning.
Keep Learning
How Does Shadow IT Impact Your Company?
Simple Software Inventory Workbook (xlsx)
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