The Ultimate Asset Tracking and Management Solution | Reftab

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Are you looking for the ideal asset-tracking platform that not only handles the basics of assigning equipment to users but also propels your organization toward seamless automation and complexity management? Enter Reftab – a powerhouse platform that transcends ordinary asset management systems, propels you into IT professionalism and heightened automation capabilities.

Simplifying the Essentials

At its core, Reftab excels in executing fundamental asset management tasks with unparalleled ease. Users can effortlessly, assign equipment, manage location sites, and peruse a comprehensive list of assets allocated to specific users. This encompasses software licenses, accessories, kits, and more. What sets Reftab apart is its decade-long dedication to perfecting these functions, ensuring they are intuitive and user-friendly.

One of the standout features of Reftab is its ability to seamlessly integrate with various device management platforms. For example, Intune, Jamf, Meraki, Mosyle, Lansweeper, SCIM Provisioning, LDAP, Single Sign-On, and offer an open API, among others. Additionally, it consolidates data from sources like CDW for pre-purchases and manufacturers such as Dell for warranty lookups. This offers a single-pane-of-glass view of your assets’ lifecycles.

Elevating Beyond the Basics

However, what truly distinguishes Reftab is its capacity to navigate the intricate landscapes of complex business logic and track assets from procurement to disposal. As your company expands into new initiatives, Reftab shines by offering specific automation, custody verifications, and robust procurement tracking. These functionalities catapult an ordinary system into an extraordinary one, empowering users to handle intricate workflows effortlessly. Here are some examples:

Workflow Builder for Automation

Reftab’s workflow builder emerges as a multifaceted tool capable of automating diverse tasks. From sending email alerts, to managing equipment-specific information, maintenance schedules, auditing, and more.

Custody Verifications for Accountability

The platform’s automated custody verification system simplifies equipment auditing by allowing end-users to confirm ownership and condition, streamlining accountability processes.

Maintenance Management Made Easy

Efficiently handle calibrations, repairs, and safety inspections with Reftab’s customizable maintenance forms, reminders, and reporting features, ensuring equipment maintenance is never overlooked.

Customizable Procurement Tracking

By leveraging customizable forms, Reftab streamlines procurement, triggering requests, opening tickets for your help-desk, and capturing essential data, all consolidated within the platform.

The Ultimate Advantage

Reftab demonstrates its capability in not just simplifying the straightforward aspects of asset tracking but also in helping organizations that need to smoothly transition into managing more complex requirements. It empowers users to handle evolving organizational demands with ease. In it’s essenece, Reftab caters to simple as well as complex asset-tracking needs.

While several platforms handle the rudimentary tasks of asset management, Reftab goes above and beyond. Its ability to simplify complexity sets it apart, making it the top choice for organizations aiming to manage their assets effortlessly.

Don’t settle for the ordinary – elevate your asset-tracking experience with Reftab. Experience how this exceptional platform simplifies complexity, and helps your organization stay ahead of the curve in managing its valuable assets.

Sign up for an account today and mange first 50 assets free: https://www.reftab.com/sign-up

Reftab’s Summer 2023 Release Notes

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Reftab is excited to announce one of our biggest updates yet! We’ve heard a lot of feedback from you and after many emails, tickets and Zoom calls, we’re incredibly happy to announce that approval flows are now available!

Approval Flows

How-to guide: Start creating approval flows today with our guide:  Reftab guide to approval flows

In one of our biggest updates yet, Approval Flows bring you an easy and automated way to route requests for equipment to managers, department heads, safety coordinators, etc. in a simple way.

For example, if a user wants a specific software license that  requires approval from IT or their manager before being purchased or installed, or employees or contractors need safety training before using specific tools, you can send an email to an “Approver” for them to review.

The “Approver” can approve or reject directly from within the body of the email. This is incredibly important because by using email – a system everyone is used to, and uses all day, approvers can review and approve requests without  needing to login to any new system. It can be adopted by every department and any user with minimal effort.

This is our first iteration of approval flows. We plan to issue updates and enhancements in the coming months. We really want to hear from as many as you as possible about how approval flows can solve your business challenges.

VideoClick to view video on YouTube

New Integrations: Meraki and Jamf School

For users on the Business plan, you can now configure a connection to sync assets from Cisco Meraki, which is a cloud controlled, wifi, routing and security system for enterprise networks. This integration is great because if you have WiFi access points or other networking equipment across various locations, this integration automatically adds those devices into Reftab. By doing so, you’ll have even more ways to automate data into Reftab for reporting, automated alerts, maintenance etc.

How-to guide:  Reftab Meraki integration guide

You also can sync devices from Jamf School. Jamf Schools works in the same way as our existing Jamf integration works, however Jamf school is specifically for education institutions.

How-to guide: Reftab Jamf School integration guide

Gantt Charts

Reftab now offers Gantt charts to users on all plans. Gantt charts give you a great visualization of items in a list and can compare events easily to better understand usage and scheduling.

To view your Gantt chart, anywhere you see the calendar page, you can click “Gantt” and the gantt chart will display.

Updates to Users / Loanees

1) ICS Calendar Feed: For each loanee / user in Reftab you can now generate an ICS calendar feed. This creates a link that you can paste into your local Outlook calendar or GMail calendar so that when an item is reserved for a user, that event will be automatically sent to your calendar. By setting this up, you wont need to login to Reftab to view these events.

Edit any user and enable “ICS Reservation Link

Then, click “Save“. A link will display for you to copy and use within Outlook, Mac Calendar, GMail, etc.

2) Dynamic Manager Field: This allows you to link a user to another user to establish a ‘manager’ or ‘supervisor’. See our how-to guide: ​Guide to configuring manager field in Reftab​​​

The benefits of setting up a managerial custom field is because they can be used in Workflows and Approvals.  For example, sending an overdue email to a manager or routing approval steps to a manager or safety supervisor.

3) SCIM Custom Field Mapping: You can now sync custom user fields from your IdP such as Azure, okta, JumpCloud etc. Prior to this update you could only sync a name, title, email address and employee number. We recognized that was very limiting, especially with the need for detailed reporting and workflows. To map these fields click “Settings” > “Integrations” > “SCIM UserProvisioning” and you’ll see,”Optional Custom Fields

New YouTube Video:

Check out our new feature highlight video on Reftab’s e-signature functionality. Please share, like comment and let us know what you think!YouTube Video: Reftab’s E-Signature Functionality

Reftab’s Spring 2023 Release Notes

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Hello everyone, thanks for taking the time to read Reftab’s latest release notes. We’ve been working hard and are excited to introduce new features and updates!

New Feature

Equipment Requests – Available on the Business Plan, equipment requests allow users to submit general requests for equipment. For example, if a student wants a camera or an employee wants a monitor or someone needs a group of tools for a job site, they can request these items at the category level. Prior to this update, users needed to search and find specific equipment to reserve.

We heard that this created situations where certain equipment was being reserved more than others, or it was too cumbersome for some users to find equipment in the portal, or equipment was available but the user didn’t know it.

This update greatly eases the process for the end user because now they can simply enter a quantity of what they want and when it’s needed by.

Administrators can then approve or deny (which include email notices). If approved, the Reftab admin can select the specific items from stock and fulfill the request through a reservation or check out.

There are two ways to submit a request:

  • Public Request Pages: You can create a public page, share the URL with anyone you want and anyone with access can submit a request. You can customize these pages and create an unlimited amount of public pages.
  • Requesting Equipment from the User Portal: The alternative to public request pages, is allowing users to request equipment from the user portal. If a user clicks on a category that has no assets in it, they will see a notice saying “Click Here to Request Equipment”. 

Approval Workflows

Equipment requests are currently in phase one. The Reftab team is now working on building approval workflows. 

Approvals will allow you to set a procedure that places requests in rounds of approvals before an item is purchased or given to someone. (At this time, we don’t have an accurate estimate on when approvals will be released but we will keep everyone updated.)

We want to hear from you! Please reply to this email (or email ‘[email protected]‘) for any feedback and suggestions on equipment requests / approvals.

See FAQ Here: https://www.reftab.com/blog/faq/equipment-requests-overview/

PDF Generated Forms for Custody Verification and Asset Check Outs

Reftab can now automatically generate PDF files containing loan signatures and agreement text.

These PDFs can generate when an asset is checked out and a signature is required and/or when a custody verification form is submitted.

This is a major update that allows administrators to establish better compliance with company equipment agreements because it completely automates the process of capturing, formatting and saving employee agreements. This is important because these agreements may outline acceptable use policies and other types of agreements between an organization and a user.

Prior to this update, a signature was still saved to the system but there was no downloadable, tangible connection between a signature from a user, and the agreement.

See FAQ Herehttps://www.reftab.com/blog/faq/verify-custody-of-assets/#verification-signature

New Integration: Lansweeper

Reftab now offers an integration with Lansweeper. If you’re not familiar with Lansweeper it is a network discovery tool used by IT departments to discover what’s connected to a corporate network.

The integration we provide takes devices found from Lansweeper and adds them into Reftab.

Let us know if any questions and we’ll be happy to help. If you’re an existing Lansweeper user and want to participate in a case study, please reach out!

Updates to integrations: Intune / Jamf / Mosyle / Kandji

Reftab’s MDM integrations now map to assets in Reftab via serial number in conjunction with the respective unique identifies (Azure AD Device ID, jamfid, etc…)

This is a major update because prior to this, if a laptop was wiped and re-enrolled, a new unique identifier was created and thus when synced to Reftab, a new asset was created. However, with this update Reftab now looks for an existing serial number and if found, maps to that asset instead of creating a new asset. This is a major time-saver and ensure data stays organized across systems.

Consumables Can Now be Reserved

You can now reserve consumables. Prior to this update, consumables could only have transactions done to them and there was no way for users to reserve them. This update now expands the use case of consumables and can ultimately meet more needs of your business use-cases and requirements. Also note, consumables now display in the user portal as well.

Multi-Tenancy Update: Reporting Across Tenants

Reporting across tenants is now possible. If you’re a Reftab user with multi-tenancy setup, it is now possible to run a report to pull assets across all tenants.

To do this, log into your main tenant and go to the Reports page. Setup a new assets report and you’ll see a checkbox “Report across all tenants”. If that is checked, the report will return assets from all tenants.

Update to Windows Agent

The Reftab installable agent for Windows has been updated so that you can supply an asset ID during installation. Prior to this update, the agent would install and generate an asset ID from the guid.

Thank You!

Thank you for your continued support! As we always say, we build our platform based upon feedback we hear. So please do let us know any suggestions and keep us informed on how Reftab can further meet your needs. 

Thank you and have an enjoyable summer!

Streamline Software License Management with Reftab: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s fast-paced IT landscape, keeping tabs on software licenses is crucial for maintaining compliance and efficiency, plus organizations need a one-stop shop to simply see what is being used and by whom. With Reftab, managing software licenses becomes a breeze, thanks to its intuitive features that simplify the entire process.

Effortless License Assignment: Reftab’s user-friendly interface allows for seamless assignment of license seats to users. By doing so you’ve got one system that shows assets, accessories and licenses all under one view. You can even manage an approval process for requests for new software or access to existing software with Reftab’s approval flows.

Automated Renewal and Expiration Tracking: Say goodbye to missed renewal dates and expired licenses. Reftab automates the tracking of renewal and expiration dates, sending timely email reminders to keep your team ahead of renewals and avoid disruptions in software access.

Integration with Okta for Enhanced Efficiency: Reftab takes efficiency a step further by integrating with systems like Okta. This integration enables automatic population of Reftab with applications from Okta and assigns to the corresponding users in Reftab automatically. This streamlined integration ensures that your software inventory is always up-to-date.

Single Pane of Glass for IT Visibility: One of the standout features of Reftab is its ability to centralize IT management. Admins benefit from a single-pane-of-glass view, where they can oversee everything from software licenses to user access. This centralized approach simplifies the complex IT landscape, allowing admins to understand who has access to what and gain insights into how software is utilized across the organization.

In conclusion, Reftab offers a comprehensive solution for tracking software licenses, making the lives of IT admins easier. From efficient license assignment to automated renewal tracking and seamless integration with systems like Okta, Reftab ensures that your software management is streamlined and effective. Embrace the power of a single-pane-of-glass view with Reftab, and take control of your IT landscape with confidence.

Click here to create a FREE Reftab account today

IT Advantages: Simple Procurement Tracking in Asset Management Software

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In the domain of IT asset management, combining procurement and approval management within a unified asset management platform marks a substantial enhancement in operations. Reftab’s asset management and procurement tracking platform accomplishes this quite well and is a welcomed addition amongst IT administrators. Particularly for IT admins using device management tools such as Intune, Jamf, etc., having the ability to track purchase requests and manage approval routing, significantly improves automation that so many IT admins desire. Reftab has combined asset management with procurement and as a result, centralized the entire lifecycle of IT assets within a modern, user-friendly system.

In this guide we’ll discuss Reftab’s approach to:

Enhanced IT Asset Management with Procurement Tracking

1. Automated Approval Workflows

By housing procurement and approval management within Reftab, IT departments can give end users the ability to request equipment easily. Reftab gives you a “Flow Builder”. A Flow Builder allows you to build approval steps that outline your exact business processes. For example a request for new software, (or access to existing software) can begin with a user browsing a custom catalog that displays images and details of current software and hardware available. The user can either see what is offered or request for brand new software. Once they submit the request an email can first go to their manager. If the manager approves, another email is sent to the IT department. By doing so the IT department already knows that the person’s manager approves the request and IT can fulfill. If you have a ticketing system, you can have an email automatically send to create a ticket as well.

Here’s an example of a simple approval flow that can be setup within Reftab:

2. Comprehensive Asset Lifecycle Tracking

The integration facilitates holistic tracking of IT assets throughout their lifecycle. From the initial request to purchase, deployment, maintenance, and eventual disposal, (or in the case of software – revoking access) every stage is seamlessly documented within Reftab. This comprehensive tracking ensures accountability and visibility at every step, optimizing asset utilization and minimizing losses due to inefficiencies.

Administrative Advantages of Implementing Approval Flows

1. Effortless Device Management

The synergy between asset management and IT device tracking tools simplifies device management. With information flowing seamlessly between systems, IT professionals can easily monitor and manage the status, location, and usage of devices without the hassle of navigating through multiple platforms.

2. Reduced Manual Intervention

Eliminating the need for manual data entry or transfer between systems minimizes errors and saves time. The automation of processes within Reftab’s asset management system ensures accuracy in asset records and reduces the burden on IT staff, allowing them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

For example, most of the data about equipment is already known before it’s purchased, such as: model, cost, brand, specs, etc. All this data can be captured and used to automatically create an inventory record. When the item arrives, you already have the asset in Reftab and it’s ready to be given to the requesting user.

3. Improved Compliance and Security

Centralizing IT asset management within Reftab bolsters compliance efforts. Through comprehensive tracking, companies can ensure that all access to software and physical devices meet regulatory standards. Furthermore, enhanced visibility over assets fortifies cybersecurity measures by enabling prompt identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating procurement and approval management processes within an asset management platform, especially for IT assets, offers unparalleled benefits to organizations. The seamless connectivity with device management tools and vendor networks transforms the IT asset lifecycle into a well-coordinated, automated, and efficient process.

By leveraging Reftab, companies can not only streamline operations but also enhance compliance, bolster security measures, and optimize resource utilization. Embracing a unified system for IT asset management, procurement, and approval management is pivotal for businesses aiming to navigate the complexities of modern IT landscapes effectively.

How-to Guide

See Reftab’s how-to guide on setting up Approval Flows

Try Reftab for Free

Experience a procurement, approval management, and comprehensive IT asset tracking firsthand, sign up for a free Reftab account today!

Proactive Maintenance: How to be Efficient with Work Orders

In the dynamic landscape of asset management, where the heartbeat of operations is measured by the reliability and efficiency of assets, a paradigm shift is underway. The traditional reactive approaches – waiting for equipment failures before springing into action, are being eclipsed by a more strategic and forward-thinking philosophy – the art of proactive maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a journey to unravel the significance of proactive maintenance in asset management, exploring how this transformative strategy becomes a guiding force in minimizing downtime, extending asset lifecycles, and optimizing overall operational efficiency.

As industries evolve and technology advances, it is imperative to not just manage but proactively maintain assets. The proactive mindset goes beyond the mere correction of issues; it anticipates potential challenges and strategically addresses them before they escalate. It’s a philosophy that transforms maintenance from a reactive necessity to a proactive force driving operational excellence.

Join us on this exploration of Proactive Maintenance, where we unlock the potential of a proactive philosophy and unveil the role of Reftab’s innovative Maintenance Management Feature as the catalyst for mastering the art of proactive maintenance in asset management. It’s more than a guide; it’s an invitation to reshape your approach, minimize disruptions, and unlock the full potential of your assets through the power of proactive maintenance.

Table of Contents

The Significance of Proactive Maintenance in Asset Management

In the intricate dance of asset management, the traditional reactive approach of addressing issues as they arise is giving way to a more strategic and forward-thinking philosophy – proactive maintenance. This section unfolds the critical importance of embracing a proactive mindset, illustrating how it serves as a transformative force in optimizing asset management strategies.

Traditional Reactive Approaches vs. Proactive Mindset:

The conventional reactive model involves responding to equipment failures or issues only when they become apparent. This reactive stance, however, often leads to increased downtime, higher repair costs, and an overall inefficient use of resources. Proactive maintenance, on the other hand, represents a paradigm shift. It’s a proactive mindset that anticipates potential issues and strategically addresses them before they escalate. This shift in approach is not merely a strategy but a fundamental change in philosophy, fostering a culture of prevention rather than reaction.

Minimizing Downtime:

Unplanned downtime is the nemesis of operational efficiency. Whether in manufacturing, IT, or any industry reliant on assets, unexpected disruptions can result in significant financial losses. Proactive maintenance acts as a preventative shield, identifying and addressing potential issues before they lead to significant failures. By minimizing downtime through proactive measures, organizations ensure smoother operations, higher productivity, and an uninterrupted workflow.

Extending Asset Lifecycles:

Assets represent substantial investments for any organization, and maximizing their operational lifespan is paramount for a favorable return on investment. Proactive maintenance plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. By conducting regular inspections, addressing minor issues promptly, and adhering to a preventive maintenance schedule, organizations can significantly extend the operational lifespan of their assets. This not only preserves the value of investments but also ensures optimal performance over an extended period.

Optimizing Operational Efficiency:

At the heart of operational excellence lies efficiency. Proactive maintenance directly contributes to efficiency by keeping assets in peak working condition. When equipment operates efficiently, it requires less energy, experiences fewer breakdowns, and contributes to a smoother overall operational workflow. This efficiency not only enhances productivity but also results in tangible cost savings, as organizations spend less on repairs and unexpected maintenance.

In conclusion, proactive maintenance is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for organizations seeking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By adopting a proactive mindset and leveraging innovative solutions like Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature, businesses can minimize downtime, extend asset lifecycles, optimize efficiency, and ultimately achieve operational excellence in their asset management endeavors. Proactive maintenance isn’t just a strategy; it’s a proactive philosophy that reshapes how organizations approach asset management, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient future.

Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature: A Catalyst for Efficiency

Introduction to Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature:

In the realm of proactive maintenance, the transition from strategy to execution finds a powerful ally in Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature. This section introduces the innovative tool as more than just a solution; it’s a catalyst for efficiency, precision, and responsiveness in maintenance workflows. As organizations seek streamlined processes and enhanced control, Reftab emerges as a transformative force.

Streamlining Work Order Processes:

At the heart of efficient work orders lies Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature, a robust tool designed to simplify and enhance maintenance processes. The intuitive Maintenance Form Designer takes center stage, offering a user-friendly, drag-and-drop builder that empowers users to create customized maintenance request forms effortlessly. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures that maintenance tasks are tailored to the unique needs of each organization.

Task Creation Simplified:

Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature redefines how tasks are created and managed. The user-friendly approach allows for seamless naming of tasks, choosing field types, and setting requirements, making the task creation process intuitive and efficient. The versatility of field options, including checkboxes and electronic signatures, provides organizations with the flexibility needed to address a diverse range of maintenance requirements. It’s not just about managing tasks; it’s about simplifying the entire process, making maintenance a fluid and adaptable component of organizational workflows.

Seamless Integration for Enhanced Efficiency:

One of the distinguishing features of Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature is its seamless integration into existing workflows. Organizations need tools that don’t disrupt but enhance their operations, and Reftab delivers precisely that. Reftab ensures that its presence elevates efficiency rather than complicating processes. It becomes an organic part of the maintenance ecosystem, ensuring that the entire workflow is not just efficient but also responsive to the dynamic needs of the organization.

In conclusion, Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature is not merely a tool; it’s a strategic partner in the journey toward mastering the art of proactive maintenance. By streamlining work order processes, simplifying task creation, and seamlessly integrating into existing workflows, Reftab becomes the linchpin for organizations seeking to optimize their maintenance strategies. It’s an embodiment of efficiency and precision, reshaping how organizations approach asset management and paving the way for a future where maintenance is not just a task but a strategic asset.

Conclusion

In the realm of asset management the journey from reactive to proactive maintenance is more than a strategy; it’s an art form. This comprehensive guide has illuminated the critical significance of proactive maintenance and prevention is the key to operational excellence.

From minimizing downtime to the strategic extension of asset lifecycles, the philosophy of proactive maintenance emerges as a transformative force. Its reshaping how organizations approach their most valuable investments.

At the core of efficient work orders stands Reftab’s Maintenance Management Feature, a catalyst that transforms proactive maintenance from an aspiration to a streamlined reality. The intuitive Maintenance Form Designer simplified task creation, and seamless integration into existing workflows redefine how organizations approach maintenance. It’s not just about managing tasks. It’s about elevating the entire maintenance workflow. Making it responsive, efficient, and tailored to the unique needs of each organization.

As we conclude this guide, we extend an invitation to explore Reftab’s solutions for mastering the art of proactive maintenance. It’s an invitation to reshape your approach, minimize disruptions, and unlock the full potential of your assets through the transformative power of proactive maintenance. Operational excellence is not a distant goal; it’s a tangible outcome when proactive maintenance becomes the guiding principle.

In a world where assets are not just tools but strategic assets, proactive maintenance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s the brushstroke that paints a picture of efficiency, resilience, and strategic foresight. Embrace the art of proactive maintenance, explore Reftab’s innovative solutions, and embark on a journey where maintenance isn’t just a task but a proactive force driving operational excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of asset management.

Create your FREE Reftab account today!

Asset Management Software for MSPs: Reftab’s Comprehensive Solution

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For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), efficient asset management is a critical component of delivering top-notch services to their clients. Reftab’s IT asset management software is tailored to meet the unique needs of MSPs, providing a robust solution for IT Asset Tracking. Reftab allows MSPs to setup a multi-tenancy environment to create distinct and independent tenants for each client.

In this article we’ll go over:

Multi-Tenancy for MSPs:

Reftab’s asset management software is a game-changer for MSPs, allowing them to track assets for multiple clients, treating each customer as a separate “tenant” within the system. For example, an MSP might have many customers across a city, state or region and each of those customers has their own IT inventory such as laptops, printers, servers, access points, TV’s and more. Reftab streamlines this complexity by consolidating all these assets into a single repository. Even though all these items are in a single repository, they are silo’d into “tenant’s” so that each customer’s data is separated. However, the MSP can login to Reftab as a “tenant administrator” to run reports across all tenants and gain a comprehensive visual into all assets across all customers and also the unique inventory of each customer.

Here’s how Reftab’s solution caters to MSPs and enhances their IT Asset Tracking capabilities:

Key Benefits for MSPs:

  • Customer Isolation: With Reftab, each client’s assets, data, and settings are kept completely isolated. This ensures that one client’s data remains independent of others.
  • Distinct User Lists: MSPs can maintain unique user lists for each client, granting access only to the relevant assets and data.
  • Customized Settings: Reftab empowers MSPs to configure distinct settings for each client, including branding, equipment agreement forms, workflows, etc.. which are crucial for effectively managing IT assets and tracking activities.
  • Separate Maintenance and Scheduling: Maintenance forms and schedules can be customized to meet the specific requirements of each client, ensuring efficient asset management.
  • Administrative Efficiency: Reftab’s multi-tenancy feature allows “tenant administrators” to seamlessly switch between clients or tenants, streamlining the management of multiple client environments.
  • Cost Savings: The MSP has one asset quota that is split between their clients (tenants). This makes it easy and cost effective to add more assets and more customers (tenants) into Reftab because the MSP spends less per asset the more assets are added.

Limitations for MSPs:

While Reftab’s multi-tenancy feature offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations:

  • Data Transfer: Transferring data or assets between different clients or tenants is not supported, as Reftab maintains strict separation.

Can an MSP Have Customers Access Their Own Tenant to Help Manage IT Assets?

Yes, if you want to give your customers access to Reftab and be able to work within or maintain their own IT asset inventory, you can. Simply create an account for them within their tenant. The user will gain access to their company’s assets. They won’t know that other tenants exist for any of the other customers of their MSP.

You have the ability to place users in custom access roles which allow you to dictate what they can and cannot do / access within the system.

Custom Branded Equipment Portals

It’s worthwhile to note that Reftab can create custom branded portals. This means, if you want customers to have a self-service portal where they can login and browse equipment available for request – or submit a request to purchase new equipment, each tenant can have their own branded page. You can even have a custom URL for each tenant which further improves the branded experience for the end user.

This screenshot below is an example of a custom branded portal for a client:

Here is another example of custom branded portal for another client:

What Kind of Integrations are Available within a Multi-Tenancy Scenario?

In a multi-tenancy scenario, Reftab offers a suite of integrations that streamline and automate the process of maintaining an IT asset management system, ultimately simplifying life for IT administrators. Each tenant benefits from the flexibility to access integrations tailored to their specific needs. For instance, Reftab facilitates user management by enabling SCIM integrations. This means that whether one tenant utilizes Azure and another prefers Okta, both tenants can seamlessly and independently leverage these integrations to automatically add users to their respective environments.

Furthermore, Reftab extends its integration capabilities to Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, accommodating diverse preferences. If one tenant relies on Intune and another opts for Jamf, Reftab can be configured to cater to the unique requirements of each tenant. This flexibility ensures that IT administrators can efficiently manage devices and enforce policies according to their preferred MDM solution.

In addition, Reftab integrates seamlessly with popular ticketing systems such as Jira and Zendesk. This integration bridges the gap between asset management and IT support by ensuring that when viewing tickets within these platforms, assets assigned to users, regardless of their tenant, are readily accessible. This unified approach alleviates the need for IT admins to constantly switch between applications and search for asset-related data, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and making life considerably easier for IT teams.

Conclusion

In summary, Reftab empowers Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with a transformative “single-pane-of-glass” approach to IT Asset Management.

With the ability to create distinct and independent tenants for each client, Reftab’s multi-tenancy solution offers flexibility and efficiency in managing diverse IT environments. The array of integrations, including SCIM, MDM, and ticketing system support, ensures that each tenant can seamlessly tailor their asset management processes to their unique needs.

This unified approach provides MSPs with comprehensive visibility into their clients’ assets, while streamlining operations, reducing complexities, and ultimately enhancing the quality of service they deliver. By leveraging Reftab, MSPs can efficiently and effectively navigate the intricacies of IT asset management, all through a single, user-friendly interface.

MSPs seeking guidance or support can reach out to the Reftab team at [email protected] for assistance specific to the multi-tenancy needs of MSPs.

The Ultimate Guide to IT Asset Management Tools

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, managing your IT assets efficiently is a necessity. IT asset management tools revolutionize the way organizations handle their digital resources. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of IT asset management tools, their significance, key features, and how they can be a game-changer for your business.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Imagine running a marathon with your shoes untied and your water bottle leaking. You wouldn’t would you? Well, that’s how managing IT assets without the right tools can feel – chaotic, inefficient, and prone to costly mistakes.

Enter IT asset management tools. These platforms are your secret weapon when looking for a streamlined, cost-effective, and secure way to get a handle on your IT asset management. But before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about what IT asset management is and why it is important to your business.

What is IT Asset Management (ITAM)?

IT Asset Management (ITAM) is the process of managing an organization’s IT assets, hardware and software, throughout their lifecycle. A good ITAM tool should cover everything from procurement and deployment to maintenance, tracking, and eventual retirement or disposal.

Key Benefits of an Effective IT Asset Management Tools:

Cost Control: IT assets are often one of the most significant expenses for organizations. ITAM helps in optimizing asset usage, reducing unnecessary spending, and ensuring compliance with licensing agreements.

Improved Efficiency: Proper asset management streamlines workflows, leading to better productivity and reduced downtime due to equipment failures or software issues.

Enhanced Security: ITAM helps in identifying and mitigating security risks by ensuring that software is up-to-date, and vulnerable hardware is replaced or updated promptly.

Compliance and Reporting: ITAM tools assist in tracking and documenting assets for compliance with industry regulations and auditing purposes.

Now that we’ve established the importance of ITAM let’s move on to the star of the show – IT asset management tools.

Understanding IT Asset Management Tools

IT asset management tools are software solutions designed to automate and simplify the tasks associated with managing IT assets. These tools provide a centralized platform for tracking, monitoring, and optimizing IT assets throughout their lifecycle.

Key Features of IT Asset Management Tools

When evaluating IT asset management tools, it’s crucial to consider the following features:

  1. Asset Discovery and Inventory:

A robust ITAM tool should be able to automatically discover and catalog all IT assets within your organization. When thinking of IT assets, we need to consider those on the network and those not connected. Discovery for assets connected to the network such as your computers, servers, networking equipment. Even those not connected such as monitors, keyboards, and even software licenses may play a part. This feature helps in creating a comprehensive asset inventory, a fundamental aspect of effective ITAM.

2. Asset Tracking:

Once assets are discovered and inventoried, the tool should enable real-time tracking. This means you can monitor the location, condition, and usage of assets. Tracking is especially vital for preventing theft or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

3. Software License Management:

Managing software licenses can be a headache without the right tool. ITAM solutions should assist in tracking software licenses, ensuring compliance, and optimizing license usage to avoid overpaying for unused licenses.

4. Hardware Lifecycle Management:

From procurement to disposal, ITAM tools should provide tools to manage the entire hardware lifecycle. This includes scheduling maintenance, upgrading outdated equipment, and safely disposing of assets when they reach the end of their useful life.

5. Automated Workflows:

Efficiency is key in IT asset management. Look for tools that offer automated workflows for tasks like software updates, equipment repairs, and asset retirement. These workflows can save time and reduce human error.

6. Reporting and Analytics:

Robust reporting capabilities are essential for making data-driven decisions. A good ITAM tool should offer customizable reports and analytics dashboards to help you gain insights into asset performance, costs, and compliance.

7. Integration Capabilities:

ITAM tools should seamlessly integrate with other IT systems and software. This ensures that asset data is synchronized across your organization, reducing manual data entry and the risk of errors.

8. Security and Compliance:

Security should be a top priority. You can’t protect what you don’t know you have. The first step in IT Security and Compliance is always auditing your assets. What do we own? Who is in possession and has access to these devices?

9. Scalability:

As your organization grows, so will your IT asset inventory. Ensure that the tool can scale with your needs, accommodating a larger number of assets without a drop in performance.

10. User-Friendly Interface:

Last but not least, an intuitive and user-friendly interface is crucial. Your IT team should be able to navigate the tool with ease, minimizing the learning curve.

Choosing the Right IT Asset Management Tool

Now that you’re well-versed in the key features of IT asset management tools, let’s discuss how to choose the right one for your organization.

Assess Your Needs: Begin by identifying your specific ITAM requirements. Some questions to ask are; How big is my organization? How many assets are we currently managing? What are the industry specific regulations we need to consider?

Budget: Determine your budget for ITAM tools. While it’s tempting to opt for the most feature-rich solution, it’s essential to strike a balance between functionality and cost.

User-Friendly: Ensure that the tool’s interface is user-friendly. Your IT team should be able to navigate it without extensive training.

Scalability: Choose a tool that can grow with your organization. Scalability is crucial, especially if you anticipate rapid expansion.

Integration: Check if the ITAM tool integrates seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, including software applications, network systems, and databases.

Support and Training: Look for a vendor that offers excellent customer support and training resources. This can be a lifesaver when you encounter issues or need assistance with implementation.

Reviews and Recommendations: Read user reviews and seek recommendations from peers in your industry. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IT asset management tools are a game-changer for organizations seeking to optimize their IT resources, reduce costs, enhance security, and ensure compliance. With the right tool in place, you can turn the chaos of asset management into an efficient workhorse, managing all of those assets in the background.

Remember, the key to success is selecting the ITAM tool that aligns with your organization’s unique needs, offers essential features, and fits your budget.

If you’re ready to explore the world of IT asset management tools further or have specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at Reftab. We’re here to assist you on your journey towards efficient and effective IT asset management. 

Have questions? Book a Demo with our team. These demos are designed to give you a live-look at the platform and answer any questions you may have!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best IT Asset Management Tool?

The best IT Asset Management Tool varies based on specific needs. Forbes has listed the 8 Best Options here: Best IT Asset Management Software.

What are the 3 main deliverables of IT Asset Management Tools?

  • The 3 main deliverables of IT Asset Management Tools are:
    • Financial Deliverables: IT Asset Management Tools track and manage the costs associated with IT assets, enabling organizations to optimize spending.
    • Contractual Deliverables: These tools ensure assets are covered by warranties and monitor SLAs to minimize disruptions and ensure contractual compliance.
    • Inventory Deliverables: They maintain an accurate inventory of asset locations, configurations, and usage, facilitating efficient tracking and resource allocation.

What are examples of IT Assets?

Examples of IT assets include computers, servers, routers, scanners, fax machines, printers, modems, hubs, and other IoT devices.

What are the stages of IT Asset Management?

The stages of IT Asset Management include planning, acquisition, operation and maintenance, and disposal.

How do you keep track of IT assets?

You can keep track of IT assets using IT Asset Management tools or the old-fashioned way by using spreadsheets.

How to Pick the Right IT Asset Management System

In the fast-paced world of technology, the management of IT assets plays a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and productive business operation. To navigate this intricate landscape, organizations turn to an IT Asset Management system (ITAM). In this extensive guide, we’ll explore the universe of IT asset management systems, their significance, key features, and how to select the ideal system for your unique business needs.

Want to skip ahead?

Introduction to IT Asset Management Systems

Imagine your organization as a finely tuned orchestra, with each IT asset serving as an instrument. Just as a conductor coordinates musicians to create beautiful music, an IT asset management system can orchestrate your digital resources to create operational harmony.

In the following post, we’ll delve deep into the world of IT asset management systems, shedding light on their pivotal role in today’s technology-driven business landscape. We’ll discuss what IT asset management systems are, why they matter, key features to consider, and how to choose the perfect system tailored to your organization’s needs.

Understanding IT Asset Management Systems

Before we can pick the right system we need to start by understanding what IT Asset Management Systems are and why they are indispensable in modern business operations.

What is an IT Asset Management System?

An IT Asset Management System is a comprehensive software solution designed to centralize the tracking, monitoring, and management of an organization’s IT assets. These assets include hardware, software, networking equipment, and other digital resources. The primary goal of an ITAM system is to optimize asset usage, reduce costs, enhance security, and ensure compliance throughout the asset lifecycle.

Key Features of an IT Asset Management System

When evaluating IT Asset Management Systems, it’s essential to consider the following key features:

1. Asset Discovery and Inventory:

A robust ITAM system should be capable of automatically cataloging all IT assets within your organization. Whether through integrations with your current systems or agents that can discover and catalog your devices. This includes computers, servers, network devices, software licenses, and mobile devices. This feature is fundamental to creating a comprehensive asset inventory, a cornerstone of effective ITAM.

2. Real-time Asset Tracking:

Once assets are discovered and inventoried, the system should enable real-time tracking. This means you can monitor the location, condition, and usage of assets, facilitating swift responses to issues or incidents.

3. Software License Management:

Effective management of software licenses is a major headache without the right tool. ITAM systems should assist in tracking software licenses, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements, and optimizing license usage to prevent overspending.

4. Hardware Lifecycle Management:

From procurement to disposal, ITAM systems should provide tools to manage the entire hardware lifecycle. This includes scheduling maintenance, upgrading outdated equipment, and ensuring secure asset disposal when they reach the end of their useful life.

5. Automated Workflows:

Efficiency is a key driver in IT Asset Management. Look for systems that offer automated workflows for tasks like software updates, equipment repairs, and asset retirement. These workflows save time and reduce the risk of human error.

6. Reporting and Analytics:

To make informed decisions, robust reporting and analytics capabilities are essential. A good ITAM system should offer customizable reports and analytics dashboards, providing insights into asset performance, costs, and compliance.

7. Integration Capabilities:

ITAM systems should seamlessly integrate with other IT systems and software applications, ensuring that asset data is synchronized across your organization, reducing manual data entry, and minimizing errors.

8. Security and Compliance:

Security is a top priority. The system should help identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities, ensuring that your IT assets are protected from cyber threats.

9. Scalability:

Select a system that can scale with your organization’s growth. Scalability ensures that the system can accommodate a larger number of assets without sacrificing performance.

10. User-Friendly Interface:

Lastly, an intuitive and user-friendly interface is crucial. Your IT team should be able to navigate the system with ease, reducing the learning curve and ensuring efficient use.

Choosing the Right IT Asset Management System

Now that we’ve explored the key features, let’s discuss how to choose the right IT Asset Management System for your organization.

1. Assess Your Needs:

Begin by identifying your specific ITAM requirements. Consider the size of your organization, the number of assets you manage, and any industry-specific compliance regulations that may apply.

2. Set a Budget:

Determine your budget for an ITAM system. Striking a balance between functionality and cost is crucial to ensure a sound investment.

3. User-Friendly Interface:

Ensure that the system’s interface is user-friendly. Your IT team should be able to navigate it with minimal training.

4. Scalability:

Choose a system that can grow with your organization. Scalability is vital, especially if you anticipate rapid expansion.

5. Integration Capabilities:

Check if the ITAM system integrates seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, including software applications, network systems, and databases.

6. Support and Training:

Select a vendor that offers excellent customer support and training resources. This is invaluable when you encounter issues or need assistance with implementation.

7. Reviews and Recommendations:

Lastly, read user reviews and seek recommendations from peers in your industry. Real-world experiences provide valuable insights into the system’s performance and usability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IT Asset Management Systems are the linchpin of modern business operations. They streamline the management of IT assets, optimize costs, enhance security, and ensure compliance. Choosing the right system is a strategic decision that can yield significant benefits for your organization.

Remember that the key to success is selecting an ITAM system that aligns with your organization’s unique needs, offers essential features, fits your budget, and provides scalability for future growth. So, embark on your journey into the world of IT Asset Management Systems, and unlock the power of efficiency and cost savings within your organization’s IT infrastructure.

If you’re ready to explore further or have specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at Reftab. We’re here to assist you on your path to efficient and effective IT asset management.

How to tag Work From Home Assets | Best Practices

One of the largest problems our client’s face when transitioning to Reftab is how to tag assets. Placing barcodes on each individual asset can seem like a daunting task, this post should help alleviate some of those stressors. Our goal is to outline a process in order to tag all of your assets, without creating more work for everyone involved.

Why?

One of the main reasons to tag all of your assets is to streamline checking in / checking out your assets. Reftab includes a mobile app that acts as a barcode scanner. If all assets have a barcode it is as simple as taking out your phone, scanning the tag, and assigning the asset to the correct individual.

On top of that, a proper asset tag should include your company’s logo and some information on that asset. When sending assets to an employee’s home they may forget these assets actually belong to the company. If you can include a proper asset tag, it can act as a simple reminder that this asset will need to be returned at some point in time. We have found this leads to your employees taking much better care of these assets.

Here’s an example asset tag:

This tag should be printed on a sturdy label. A good choice for a laptop or other IT equipment would be a Tamper Evident Tag. These tamper evident tags leave a checkerboard on the asset when removed. If you are in need of something a little stronger, you can always go with a Destructible Asset Tag. Destructible tags work best in schools and universities but any company may want to implement them as well. These tags begin to break apart when removed. This makes it extremely difficult to remove the tag altogether.

How?

First things first, you DO NOT need to run around and tag all of your assets tomorrow. This is a massive task that needs to happen over time. At this point we are changing your company’s landscape, none of these changes happen overnight. The best way to start here is with a process for all new assets. 

New Asset Tagging Process

  1. New Asset is received
  2. Asset is added into Reftab
  3. Asset Tag is placed accordingly
  4. Asset is then shipped to employee

When a new asset comes in, it should first go to one of your managers, or someone that can be trusted to place the asset tag in the proper place. Once the tag is fixed and the asset is placed into Reftab in can then be mailed to your new employee.

Existing Asset Tagging Process

  1. Employee arrives to the office with existing assets
  2. Asset is handed to Designated Tagging Manager
  3. Using the Serial Number the Asset is found within Reftab
  4. Tag is then placed on the Asset
  5. Employee received asset with proper tag

The next step is to focus on all previous assets. Most companies have at least one day per year when employees will come into the office. This will be your designated “Asset Tagging Day.” If using Avery sheets, I recommend having all tags printed beforehand. As your employees come into the office, they will report to a designated manager for tagging. Using Reftab’s keyword search you are able to search for Serial Number of an asset. Ensure the Reftab Asset ID matches the Serial Number, and place the corresponding tag on that asset.

Truthfully, if your employees never come into the office, it causes extreme difficulties of tagging assets. The only process we have seen when it comes to this is to mail the tags to each individual. One benefit of this is the simple reminder that an employee has an asset that belongs to their employer. I don’t recommend this process as it creates a large workload for everyone involved. The risks outweigh the benefits for us. If this is the case for your company, I recommend implementing the process for all new assets. Over time all of your assets will have tags and all new employees will know who the asset actually belongs to.

Conclusion

Reftab will work perfectly fine without asset tags. However, placing asset tags does streamline processes when physically dealing with each asset. If you are working from home, you won’t need to tag every asset until you see it. There is no benefit in that regard. If you can input a process that will ensure all assets are tagged within the next 2 years, we believe this will absolutely suffice. If you have any questions about tagging assets or need help instituting a proper process, please reach out to [email protected] our Support Team is always happy to help!