724 IT Hardware Management

Hardware asset management (HAM) or Hardware Management at 724 IT encompasses the comprehensive processes, tools, and strategies used to manage the physical components of computers and related systems. As a critical subset of IT management, our focus is exclusively on the tangible hardware assets that drive business operations. From acquisition through to final disposal, hardware asset managers at 724 IT are committed to ensuring seamless hardware lifecycle management, working closely with departments and management across all organizational levels.

What is a Hardware Asset?

A hardware asset at 724 IT is any physical technology component that the company owns, including those in active use, in storage, or used for support purposes. These assets are categorized into four primary groups:

1. End-User Devices
   • This category includes all hardware used directly by employees, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, and SIM cards. It also encompasses personal devices utilized under bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies.
2. Network/Telecom Hardware
   • These are the backbone components that facilitate communication within and outside the company, including routers, switches, load balancers, and telecom systems.
3. Data-Center Equipment
   • Essential for data center operations, this category includes servers, utilities, and security devices.
4. Peripherals
   • Support equipment such as printers, scanners, monitors, keyboards, and projectors, which are integral to a modern office environment.

Recognizing the needs of a modern, often remote workforce, our hardware asset management strategies at 724 IT ensure that remote employees are adequately equipped and that their hardware is accounted for and managed effectively.

The Hardware Asset Management Lifecycle at 724 IT

Our hardware asset management lifecycle spans six essential stages:

1. Request
   • We identify hardware needs based on business priorities, compliance requirements, and budget constraints. This stage involves determining the necessary hardware to meet business needs and submitting requests.
2. Fulfill
   • With approved budgets, we select and procure hardware from vetted vendors, ensuring compatibility and support. For BYOD policies, we ensure secure access and proper logging of personal devices.
3. Deploy
   • Assets are tagged for future tracking, configured, and deployed to their designated locations, whether on-site or remote. This includes signing out devices and adhering to use policies.
4. Monitor
   • Continuous monitoring of deployed hardware is crucial. We create a comprehensive view of our hardware assets, track aging resources, and prevent unauthorized network access.
5. Service
   • Regular maintenance, updates, and emergency repairs are conducted to maintain hardware effectiveness. We assess whether assets need recycling, reassignment, or retirement.
6. Retire
   • When assets reach the end of their service life, we decommission them, ensuring all corporate data is wiped. Retired devices are then returned, sold, donated, recycled, or disposed of appropriately.