Hardware Asset Management Software
Find the right tools and platforms to manage your IT assets effectively.
Software Guides
Best HAM Tools Comparison
Comprehensive comparison of leading HAM platforms including ServiceNow, Asset Panda, Snipe-IT, Freshservice, and open-source alternatives. Includes feature matrices, pricing, and selection guidance by organization size.
Read full comparison →Choosing HAM Software
Selecting the right hardware asset management platform is critical to program success. The right choice depends on multiple factors:
By Organization Size
- Small (50-250 assets): Snipe-IT (open-source) or Freshservice for combined help desk + HAM
- Mid-market (250-2,000 assets): Asset Panda or InvGate Assets for balanced features and cost
- Enterprise (2,000+ assets): ServiceNow or IBM Maximo for comprehensive capabilities
By Use Case
- Best for ease of use: Asset Panda - intuitive interface, mobile-first design
- Best for budget: Snipe-IT - free and open-source with all core features
- Best integration: ServiceNow - connects to entire IT ecosystem
- Best for quick start: Freshservice - operational in hours, not weeks
- Best for technical teams: GLPI - open-source with maximum customization
Key Decision Factors
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Asset count | Platforms scale differently; choose one designed for your size |
| Budget | Range from $0 (open-source) to $100K+ (enterprise) |
| Technical skills | Self-hosted solutions require IT expertise |
| Integration needs | Connect to help desk, procurement, financial systems |
| Mobile requirements | Field technicians need mobile barcode scanning |
| Implementation time | Cloud SaaS: days; Enterprise: months |
Excel vs. Dedicated Software
Not every organization needs dedicated HAM software. Excel remains viable for specific scenarios:
When Excel Works
- Fewer than 200 assets
- Single location
- Low asset turnover
- Simple compliance needs
- Dedicated administrator
- $0 budget for software
When You Need Software
- 200+ assets
- Multiple locations
- Frequent changes
- Regulatory compliance
- Multiple administrators
- Integration requirements
Related Resources
HAM Lifecycle
Understand the processes your software needs to support across all five lifecycle stages.
Read lifecycle guide →Asset Tagging
Learn how to integrate barcode and QR code scanning with your chosen platform.
Read tagging guide →Getting Started
New to HAM? Start with our comprehensive introduction and implementation roadmap.
Read complete guide →