“IT professionals often face difficulty in tracking hardware assets, leading to lost devices, wasted resources, and compliance gaps. These issues complicate maintaining an organized inventory and increase both costs and security risks.
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management (HAM) centralizes asset information, making tracking and management straightforward. By automating processes such as deployment, monitoring, and retiring assets, it reduces manual effort and errors. This system ensures consistent compliance, minimizes loss, and optimizes resource utilization.
This article will guide you through the key features and benefits of ServiceNow HAM, demonstrating how it can transform your hardware asset management. Whether you’re an IT professional aiming to simplify operations or a business executive looking to reduce costs, this guide offers valuable insights.
What is Hardware Asset Management (HAM)?
Hardware Asset Management (HAM) helps businesses track, maintain, and maximize the value of their physical IT equipment. It ensures computers, laptops, servers, and networking devices stay in good condition, properly used, and accounted for.
With HAM, companies keep inventory up to date, schedule maintenance before issues arise, and avoid unnecessary hardware purchases by reusing what they already have. It also boosts security and compliance by tracking who owns what, enforcing IT policies, and ensuring outdated equipment is retired responsibly.
By automating tracking, maintenance, and upgrades, HAM saves time, cuts costs, and helps IT teams make better decisions about their hardware investments.
Types and Components of Hardware Assets
End-user Devices and Peripherals
Managing end-user devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile phones, along with peripherals such as printers and monitors, plays a crucial role in hardware asset management. ServiceNow provides a detailed tracking system that logs each device’s purchase date, warranty status, and current user.
With ServiceNow’s Asset Management module, businesses can automatically assign devices to employees during onboarding, track usage history, and receive alerts when devices are due for maintenance or replacement. This automated process reduces manual effort and ensures that every device is accounted for, helping to prevent loss and improve overall user satisfaction.
Network/Telecom Hardware and Data-center Equipment
Network and telecom hardware, including routers, switches, and servers, along with data-center equipment, form the backbone of IT infrastructure. ServiceNow’s Configuration Management Database (CMDB) allows businesses to maintain a real-time inventory of all network and data-center equipment.
It provides detailed records of each asset’s configuration, location, and connection to other network components. ServiceNow also facilitates scheduled maintenance by generating automated reminders and tracking service logs, which helps in preventing network outages and extending the lifespan of critical hardware.
Managing Hardware Models, Configuration Items, and Vendors
Detailed management of hardware models and configuration items ensures that all asset types are correctly cataloged and monitored. ServiceNow’s CMDB includes fields for model specifications, serial numbers, and purchase details, which helps in maintaining a consistent inventory.
Businesses can utilize the Vendor Management feature to track vendor performance, manage service contracts, and monitor warranty claims. ServiceNow also offers a centralized repository where businesses can store all vendor-related documents, such as service level agreements and contract terms, ensuring easy access and better control over vendor relationships.
How ServiceNow Makes Your Job Easier:
What is ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management?
Hardware Asset Management on ServiceNow transforms the way you handle your hardware inventory, tackling specific daily challenges that many face. Traditional methods often struggle with accuracy and real-time updates, making asset management a tedious and error-prone task.
ServiceNow uses a unified platform, integrating smoothly with other IT management tools. This system allows for real-time asset tracking, automated workflows, and comprehensive reporting. Asset lifecycle management becomes intuitive, covering every stage from acquisition to disposal. Imagine not needing to manually update spreadsheets or spend hours reconciling asset discrepancies. ServiceNow ensures that you have all the information you need at your fingertips, saving time and reducing errors.
Differentiation between Traditional HAM and ServiceNow HAM
Traditional Hardware Asset Management (HAM) often relies on manual processes, spreadsheets, and disconnected tools. These methods result in data inaccuracies, lack of real-time visibility, and a higher risk of asset loss. Manual tracking can lead to delays in updates and inconsistencies, impacting decision-making and operational efficiency.
ServiceNow HAM provides an integrated platform that automates asset tracking and management. With real-time dashboards and centralized data, users gain instant access to asset status, location, and ownership. For instance, ServiceNow’s Asset Management Dashboard shows all assets in one place, allowing you to track asset movement, monitor usage patterns, and manage inventory levels in real-time.
Traditional HAM struggles with maintaining asset lifecycle stages, often missing critical updates. In contrast, ServiceNow HAM automates these stages using workflows. For example, when a new asset is procured, ServiceNow automatically updates the asset registry, schedules maintenance, and sets reminders for renewals. This automation ensures that assets are maintained on schedule and compliance requirements are met without manual intervention.
ServiceNow HAM also integrates seamlessly with other IT systems, such as IT Service Management (ITSM). This integration allows for a holistic view of asset management. For example, if an IT incident involves a specific hardware asset, ServiceNow links the incident to the asset record, providing complete visibility into the asset’s history, maintenance records, and current status.
What are the Benefits of ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management (HAM)?
Improved Loss Prevention
ServiceNow HAM keeps an accurate catalog of all hardware, both in use and in storage, making it easy to track and locate missing assets.
The system assigns ownership, tags assets, and updates locations in real time, helping organizations prevent loss and theft. It also identifies idle assets that may be at higher risk of misuse.
Enhanced Productivity
Manually tracking and managing equipment takes up valuable time that employees could spend on more important work. ServiceNow HAM takes care of asset cataloging, distribution, and issue detection, so your team doesn’t have to.
It also automates approvals, processes requests, and assigns assets seamlessly, reducing IT workload and keeping everything running smoothly.
Optimized usage
ServiceNow HAM makes sure your team gets the most out of every device. It automates maintenance schedules and keeps track of upgrades, so hardware stays in top condition.
The system monitors asset usage in real time, identifies underused devices, and flags them for reassignment instead of letting them sit idle. This prevents unnecessary purchases, cuts waste, and helps you make smarter hardware investments.
Increased security and compliance
Security teams need a clear view of every hardware asset to protect company devices and prevent threats. ServiceNow HAM keeps track of all assets, updates version details, and flags potential risks before they become a problem.
It also identifies unauthorized devices and ensures IT policies are followed, helping businesses stay secure and compliant without extra manual effort.
Stronger Security and Simplified Compliance
Security teams need full visibility into company hardware to keep devices safe and prevent risks. ServiceNow HAM tracks every asset, updates software versions, and flags potential threats before they cause problems.
It also spots unauthorized devices and enforces IT policies automatically, so businesses stay secure and compliant without adding extra work to IT teams.
Cutting Hardware Costs with Smarter Asset Management
Managing hardware efficiently isn’t just about tracking devices—it’s about getting the most value out of every asset while keeping costs under control. ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management (HAM) helps IT teams reduce waste, optimize usage, and avoid unnecessary spending by ensuring the right assets are in the right place at the right time.
How ServiceNow HAM Saves Money:
Reduce Repair Costs – Regular maintenance keeps hardware in good condition, preventing costly breakdowns and emergency replacements.
Plan Budgets with Confidence – Real-time asset insights help IT teams forecast expenses accurately and avoid last-minute budget surprises.
Use What You Already Have – Instead of ordering new equipment, reassign idle hardware to teams that actually need it.
Retire Old Equipment the Right Way – Get rid of outdated devices responsibly, following compliance rules and avoiding unnecessary storage costs.
Let Automation Handle the Busy Work – Stop wasting time on manual asset tracking—ServiceNow HAM handles updates for you so IT teams can focus on bigger priorities.
With ServiceNow HAM, IT leaders can stop guessing and start making smarter financial decisions—cutting costs while keeping operations running smoothly.
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management (HAM) vs. HAM Pro
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management (HAM) focuses on tracking and managing hardware assets throughout their lifecycle. This includes end-user devices, network/telecom hardware, and data-center equipment. Key features include asset discovery, hardware inventory management, and lifecycle tracking from procurement to disposal. HAM aids in maintaining accurate asset records, reducing redundant hardware, and improving asset utilization.
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management Pro (HAM Pro) builds on the core functionalities of HAM, adding capabilities for more advanced asset management. HAM Pro includes automated workflows, vendor management, and comprehensive contract management. The Pro version enables real-time asset tracking and integrates with other IT management tools for a seamless experience. Enhanced reporting and analytics provide deeper insights into asset performance and lifecycle costs.
1. Define Objectives and Scope
Why Choose HAM Pro? For businesses needing robust asset management capabilities, HAM Pro offers greater control, automation, and insights, making it a valuable investment.
ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management Lifecycle
Implementing ServiceNow Hardware Asset Management (HAM) involves a structured approach to ensure smooth integration and optimal performance.
1. Preparation
Assess Your Needs:
Evaluate your organization’s asset management requirements. Identify key assets, stakeholders, and processes involved in asset management. For instance, if your organization manages a large number of laptops, servers, and networking equipment, note these down along with their respective departments and users.
Data Collection:
Gather detailed information about your existing hardware assets. This includes asset types, serial numbers, purchase dates, warranty information, and current status. If you manage multiple offices, ensure each location’s data is clean, complete, and standardized for consistency.
2. Configuration
ServiceNow Setup:
Install and configure the ServiceNow HAM module. Set up necessary permissions, workflows, and user roles to align with your organizational policies. For example, configure workflows for asset approval processes and assign roles to IT staff for asset tracking and management. Consider consulting ServiceNow experts to assist in this setup and avoid potential pitfalls.
Asset Categories and Models:
Define and organize asset categories and models within ServiceNow. Create a taxonomy that includes categories like laptops, servers, and network devices. For example, categorize laptops by brand and model to make tracking and reporting easier. Proper categorization helps in maintaining a structured inventory, making it easier to track and manage assets.
3. Integration
Connect Systems:
Integrate ServiceNow with other IT systems such as procurement, finance, and support systems. This seamless integration ensures that data flows smoothly between different platforms. For example, linking ServiceNow with your procurement system can automatically update asset records when new equipment is purchased, reducing manual data entry and errors.
ServiceNow Consulting Support:
Engage with ServiceNow consultants to streamline the integration process. Consultants can provide tailored solutions and best practices. For example, they can help set up automated workflows that ensure consistent data updates across systems.
4. Deployment
Asset Entry:
Enter all hardware asset data into ServiceNow. Use bulk upload features to import large datasets efficiently. For example, upload a CSV file containing all your hardware asset details. Verify the accuracy of the data entered to avoid discrepancies.
Assign Ownership:
Allocate assets to appropriate departments or individuals. This step promotes accountability. For instance, assign each laptop to an employee and track who is responsible for each piece of equipment. Proper ownership assignment helps in tracking usage and identifying issues promptly.
Consulting Assistance:
ServiceNow consultants can assist in setting up efficient workflows and processes for asset entry and ownership assignment, ensuring best practices are followed.
5. Monitoring and Maintenance
Regular Audits:
Conduct periodic audits to verify asset records. Regular checks help in maintaining up-to-date information. For example, schedule quarterly audits to reconcile physical inventory with ServiceNow records, identifying discrepancies and ensuring that all assets are accounted for. Audits also help in uncovering unauthorized usage or missing assets.
Automated Alerts:
Set up automated alerts for maintenance schedules, warranty expirations, and other critical events. These alerts ensure timely actions. For instance, configure alerts to notify the IT team when a server’s warranty is about to expire, prompting them to renew the warranty or plan for replacement, thereby extending the life of your assets and reducing downtime.
6. Reporting and Analysis
Custom Reports:
Generate custom reports to gain insights into asset utilization, performance, and lifecycle status. Use ServiceNow’s reporting tools to create dashboards that visualize data trends and metrics. For example, generate a report showing asset depreciation to help plan future purchases. Informed decisions stem from accurate reporting, helping you optimize asset usage and plan future purchases.
Expert Guidance:
Utilize ServiceNow consulting services to create tailored reports and dashboards. Consultants can help in identifying key metrics and setting up reports that provide valuable insights. For example, they can assist in setting up a dashboard that tracks asset performance metrics, helping you identify underutilized or overused assets.
Conclusion
Implementing Hardware Asset Management with ServiceNow transforms your IT operations by automating and centralizing asset tracking and maintenance. With ServiceNow, you gain real-time visibility into your hardware assets, from procurement to retirement. This means automated inventory updates, seamless integration with procurement systems, and alerts for maintenance schedules.
Start leveraging ServiceNow’s automated workflows to reduce manual errors and ensure compliance. For tailored guidance, consult with our expert team who can assist in customizing these workflows to fit your business needs. This will help you achieve precise budgeting, enhanced security, and improved asset utilization. Start now, and witness the impact on your organization’s productivity and cost management.









