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Network Inventory Paper-Based vs Electronic

November 19, 2021

Introduction

In today's fast-paced business world, network inventory management is essential to keep track of various IT systems. Businesses commonly use either paper-based or electronic systems for inventory management. While paper-based equipment is a traditional approach to inventory management, electronic inventory systems can provide fewer human errors, better accuracy, and performance monitoring.

Paper-Based Inventory System

Paper-based inventory systems are based on handwritten notes and spreadsheets. They are affordable and straightforward to use. Companies that choose paper-based inventory systems often use predetermined forms to record equipment details, which can include asset ID, purchase date, warranty information, and location.

Although paper-based inventory systems come with a low-cost maintenance factor, they tend to be time-consuming and require manual entry, which increases the potential for errors.

Electronic Inventory Systems

Electronic inventory systems are becoming the preferred option for many businesses over the traditional paper-based approach. With electronic inventory Management, stocks are tagged with a unique identification number and scanned into the system using specialized equipment.

Electronic inventory systems provide accurate and faster data entry, enabling businesses to track IT assets' life cycle, including when they were purchased, upgraded, or decommissioned. They also offer performance metrics, which allow companies to track their equipment's uptime and downtime, and the network's overall health.

Comparison

Electronic systems have ousted the traditional paper-based inventory, with 87% of businesses currently using electronic inventory management systems. Electronic Inventory provides more efficient and practical options, including the ability to track assets with specific details such as MAC address, usernames, and access, which can save time and minimize errors. Electronic Inventory also ensures cybersecurity, enabling businesses to monitor, detect, and respond to security threats promptly.

While paper-based inventory systems can save on costs, businesses often end up losing money due to inaccuracies, inefficiencies, and potential loss of data, which are all more common with paper-based inventory systems.

Conclusion

When it comes to network inventory, having a system to track and maintain IT assets is essential. While paper-based inventory systems can be easy to set up and use, they are prone to human errors and inefficient data handling. Electronic systems offer better accuracy and security, which makes them a more popular option for many businesses.

It is important to choose the right inventory management system that meets your current and future needs. With innovations in technology and the rise of electronic systems, the benefits of these systems are clear. You should ask yourself if your business still needs a paper-based inventory system.

References

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