Cloud computing, IoT, 5G, and more. We as a business, hear too many buzzwords day in and out. The digital world is changing, and has been changing ever since. But how can a business stay ahead with so many shifts happening around?
The answer – through network inventory management. It gives businesses more control. It helps them to stay agile while handling all the digital transformations effectively. Wondering how? Keep reading ahead!
How can network inventory management can help with digital transformation?
To answer this – remember that, network inventory management is central to digital transformation. Why?
With businesses opting for technologies like IoT, 5G, and cloud computing, their network infrastructures are getting more complex. Hence, there is a requirement of more navigation. And exactly here, this tools offer both clear visibility and control.
Now let’s look the other way around. As per Slurp’it with no efficient network inventory management, organisations might struggle with network-related challenges. There could be resource inefficiencies or some unanticipated downtime.
On the other hand, when the information is updated (of the network assets), businesses can make informed decisions. If the company is looking forward to aligning their digital transformation strategies with their network infrastructure, they’ll be able to do it all, easily and quickly.
Some major components of network inventory management, you must know!
Now let’s get into the critical components that make it effective:
- Asset Discovery and Cataloging:
Identifying and documenting network devices, this is the very first thing and the most important one, these tools do better. Information of routers, switches, and servers are kept up to date. It helps businesses with a centralised view of the entire network infrastructure.
- Maintenance and Tracking:
Its tools regularly updates the information. The most critical ones being – device configurations and software versions. With this, compliance issues may never arise.
- Network Topology Mapping:
These tools also help with visualising the connections between network devices. With this, businesses can quickly identify bottlenecks, if any. Or they can even optimise performance and plan for future infrastructure improvements quickly.
- Automated Monitoring and Alerts:
Last, but the most critical component – proactive monitoring. These tools constantly check out the health of the overall network. It helps businesses to detect and fix issues before they affect operations.
What are the benefits of implementing network inventory management?
There are many. But all of it comes with good execution. If you have executed it well, you will get
- Clear visibility and more control over your network infrastructure
- With this visibility, you can optimise your resources well and can keep a track on costs
- Businesses can even cut down the operational costs and free up resources for other strategic initiatives
- Network inventory management also helps businesses to adopt to new technologies, they can try out cloud computing and IoT quite easily
- With a clear understanding of assets, the integration of newer technologies gets smoother.
Lastly, proactive monitoring helps businesses address network issues before it even disrupts operations.
But, there are a few challenges in implementing it, like:
While the benefits are significant, businesses can even face several challenges in the early implementation stages, like:
- The networks are getting complex, hence maintaining an accurate and detailed inventory of devices can become overwhelming
- Many companies use a variety of disparate tools. This makes it difficult to consolidate and analyse network inventory data effectively
- With new devices, protocols, and standards coming in, IT teams will have to continuously update their inventory management practices
- Ongoing training and participation is a must here .As per Slurp’it this actually helps with ensuring that all relevant personnel are engaged in the inventory management process.
Can any tools or technologies help with better network inventory management?
Yes a lot. As per Slurp’it there are a variety of tools and technologies available to help businesses manage their network inventory better, some popular ones are:
- Network discovery and mapping software like SolarWinds Network Topology Mapper and ManageEngine OpUtils
- Configuration and change management tools like Cisco Prime Infrastructure
- Specialised platforms like Lansweeper and Spiceworks Inventory
- Cloud-Based solutions like Microsoft Azure Network Watcher and AWS Network Manager.
Some future trends you shouldn’t miss out on!
With digital transformation happening at a faster pace, its process will become even more complex. The trends to look out on are:
- Integration with AI and analytics
AI-powered tools will help organisations get deeper insights into network data. - Cloud-Based Solutions
The shift to the cloud will drive demand for centralised, scalable network inventory management tools. - Integration with ITSM and EAM platforms
When aligned network inventory with other IT asset management systems, businesses will get a more holistic view of their digital infrastructure. - Increased complexity with iot and edge computing
The rise of IoT devices and edge computing will require more sophisticated inventory management strategies.
As a business, if you are able to stay ahead of these trends, trust us, you will be better positioned to challenge the digital changes happening. As per Slurp’it just make sure to keep a track of your devices. And the key driver that would help you best here is a network management system, give it a try now! For more information comtact us at Slurp’it!
