Asset Management

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Duties Your Asset Management Company Must Perform

The duty of your asset management company is undoubtedly to make a proper management of your business' reserves - better known as assets - but there are several other things that the asset management company must look into. Let us look into the duties that an asset management company is supposed to perform:

- The first and primary duty is to keep and maintain a record of all the physical assets of the client's company. The most obvious assets to look into are the property and the finance of the company, but they must also look into investments, stocks, insurance policies, and anything else that constitutes money.

- Asset management companies will also look into the bookkeeping affairs of the company. They will maintain the records for accounts, and will provide updated records in regular timeframes. They are sometimes expected to perform additional tasks that the company requires during taxation, such as filing of returns.

- Inventory maintenance is also a responsibility of your asset management company. They have to keep all records of the inventory in stock, and even suggest limits for stocking up on them. They can alert the company whenever the raw materials are running low. Apart from the raw materials, asset management companies should also take care of the inventories of all supplies, devices and equipment used by the company for their business.

- Asset management companies must maintain a list of all the suppliers to the company. In most cases, it is their duty to themselves communicate with the suppliers and stock up on raw materials for the company. Sometimes, they will also undertake to communicate with the wholesalers who take the products from the company for selling. That means, asset management companies would undertake a company's entire buying and selling process, if they are contracted for the service at the outset.

- One very important service the asset management company must provide is investment advice. They must carefully instruct their clients how to make their investments properly, so that their financial assets show an improvement.

- In some cases, asset management companies can also look after the software and other knowledge-based assets of the company. In companies that deal with software, the job of the asset management company would be to manage the knowledge assets, which may not be in a physical form. They will also be expected to manage the IT resources the company operates with.

In this manner, there are several duties your asset management company must perform. Of course, you can decide in advance what kind of duties you really require, so that you don't end up paying for more. Also, you must draw proper contracts so that the mutually decided clauses are adhered to.

Author Resource:- With so many choices for managing your assets it is hard to know what company is the best. You need to find a company that is reliable and proven and invests your money in a way you are comfortable with.
Let us Help!

Kip D Goldhammer owns and operates http://www.assetmanagementcompanyreviews.com Certified Financial Planner

Article From New Ezine Articles

The Importance of Timely and Valuable Asset Management Solutions

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The need for effective and efficient asset management has given way to a range of asset management solutions. The assets of a company all play significant roles in the achievement of corporate goals, and therefore must be utilized and managed optimally. Asset management in the modern age has become all the more critical, seeing that technological and information changes have shifted the way industry managers and company leaders make vital decisions.

The core of industry asset management

Any organization or industry is held together by assets, both tangible and intangible. The assets of a business can range from the simple, like a piece of furniture, to the more complex and expensive, as in a transport system. The company personnel or human resources can be counted as assets as well.

Intangible assets can include copyrights and patents, as well the digital systems and information circulating within the business and across units. In asset management, the assets of an industry must be made to function optimally and to be maintained in such a manner that decreases costs and maximizes value.

When assets become mismanaged, the industry could suffer seriously. From the equipment to the personnel, the assets and resources of the business must be optimized for better productivity and value. In any organization, knowing the depreciation and the value of fixed assets is important, just as understanding how the work flow systems can be best applied by the employees or the organization personnel.

Simply put, assets should be viewed as profit sources, and it is important for any industry to be able to tap into the money-making potentials of assets. Managers should be able to identify assets from liabilities so as to improve on capital.

The central role of asset management systems

These solutions, or otherwise termed as asset management services, all serve to assist organizations in identifying the assets that they possess and effectively calculate the value that they are able to provide for the company. Presently, these solutions are available in software form, and are available from a host of asset management services providers.

These services are geared towards the effective organization of various asset types, from production and facilities to transportation and human resources. Both the hardware and software resources must be given due importance, seeing that information technology within the company also needs due focus. These management tools also aim to analyze the depreciation trends of fixed assets so as to help industry managers in valuable decision making.

Physical assets need to be estimated according to its depreciation value, and to arrive at a conclusion whether to reinstate or repair the physical asset, whichever is more cost-effective.

What to look for in the best asset management services

There are wide ranging asset management systems offered by vendors presently. It is important therefore to find the one model well-suited to the needs of your company or organization. Asset management can be narrowed down to specific types like investment management, IT asset management, digital asset management, and fixed assets management.

A good asset management system should be able to enhance assets return and minimize costs of operation and maintenance, as well as calculate risk. It should also promote labor efficiency and increase output efficiency. It must also provide information on how to effectively track hardware and software assets and to evaluate their functions both in the short-term and long-term sense.

The realm of business has become more competitive than ever, and with this knowledge, organizations need to keep pace with global competition and shifts in technology through timely and valuable asset management solutions.

Asset Management in a Volatile Economy

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Volatile as the economy may be, asset management may still stand and survive to keep your company in top shape. Organizations and companies with proper asset management tend to go farther in terms of productivity and results. The good thing is that asset management is a holistic effort of the components, and is something that is really meant to be shared within the bound of the company. You don’t need to outsource asset managers to do it for you if you know how to go about it. Here are some strategies that will ensure that your asset management will withstand any economic storms.

Asset Management Strategy 1: Go for the solid assets

By solid assets, we mean assets that are not easily threatened by changes. If you have some stocks, which are highly volatile in nature, have some investments on established entities as well. This may oppose the “Nothing venture, nothing gained” adage but a certain measure of security is still vital for success.

Asset Management Strategy 2: Ensure support from the higher ups

The higher officers of your company must support your endeavor to managing assets of the company if it were to materialize fully. The support will also prompt other members in the company to be mindful of the undertaking.

Asset Management Strategy 3: Set your priorities

You must always have an outline. What are your priorities? If your priorities are to establish one’s security, you might have to be more rigid with your asset management tactics. On the other hand, if you are planning to venture out and expand your company, you may have to manage your assets in a way that it is more open for change and risk. However, you must make risks that are calculated and make sure that you can bounce back should things go badly.

Asset Management Strategy 4: Easy does it

Make changes gradual, if you are to introduce them. Don’t shock the system with revolutionary changes. In order for it to last longer, there needs to be at least a period of transition for any undertaking. The same thing goes with asset management.

Asset Management Strategy 5: Determine patterns and learn from them

If there have been instances that occur again, make sure that the current system is able to learn from its past mistakes. This self-learning quality is one of the ways in which you can ensure that the asset management system will be able to endure even the toughest economic shakings. It would be completely useless

Asset Management Strategy 6: Get the best tools available to you

If you are talented in managing assets but undermanned when it comes to resources, you may be in for a losing trend. The technology today enables you to manage everything from the desk and without much hassle. So make the best use of the technology while it is made available for you.

Asset Management Strategy 7: Review the facts regularly

Regular review is the lifeline of asset management. If your last inventory was a decade ago, then your assessment may not be at par with the demands in a company over time. Update the inventories, keep stock and review the statistics regularly. In that way, should hard times come, you will find that you have a ready answer because you know yourself fully well.

Software Asset Management

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Software asset management is one of the things you can do to ensure that you are at par with the influx of computers and technology in the corporate world. A few people are familiar with the concept of software management, but it is as important as other aspects of asset management in the organization or company.

Software is an Asset

One of the concepts that must be considered as a fact is that software is an asset. It is an asset in the sense that it can make a lot of favorable returns when you install it. At a fairly minimal cost, you will be able to get back what you invested in a particular software, especially if it is on a business setting. The thing about managing software assets is that you must first inherently believe that it is an asset to the company.

What are the software assets popular today?

Some of the more popular software assets today depend on the nature of your company operations. For example, if you are oriented on spatial data, you will find mapping software to be one of your greatest assets. Licenses for highly upgraded and updated software are quite expensive, so they need to be managed more carefully and in full detail. If you happen to be on a software business, the software inventory might be more than just a means of managing your software assets.

How do you manage your software asset?

Software assets may basically be managed by checking out license receipts and the like all over the company's operations. This way, duplication of purchases are prevented and you will already which software needs more updating than the others. A good record of the software bought will also ensure that you are able to keep track of your expenses when you are purchasing software. You might also consider getting a software that will actually help you manage not just your software assets but all the other physical assets in your company.

Constantly upgrading your software

Aside from taking inventory, part of software asset management is scheduling your upgrades. You must do it quite regularly so that you can be ensured that you get the best of all your software. Periodically inspect if the upgrades are working properly, and replace them immediately if they malfunction in one way or another. These little things may seem insignificant, but nothing beats the frustration of having wasted time because of menial things such as not having the right software when you need it the most.

Software Asset Management in the Organization

In the organization, a unified software asset management strategy is needed to be able to efficiently function with all the right updates needed by the company. If one component is updated and the others are falling behind, this still doesn't constitute effective software asset management. If you are really serious about getting it all right, all the other components within the organization must support your endeavors of making software asset management a habit.

Salient issues pertaining to Software asset management

Salient issues pertaining to software asset management involve miscommunication on the part of the software asset manager and the other end users of the software. Duplications due to loopholes in the updates of the software inventory may also cause a dent in the integrity of the software asset management system.

What Can You Learn In An Asset Management Training?

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The first thing that you will learn is that assets also have lifecycles. It has four stages that all different firms consider. It starts with planning and then procurement. This includes considering which or what to procure, order, receive, and test. The thing is to manage daily business operations in order to take advantage of productivity. If you want to have balanced returns, you need to know the operation costs of the company and compare it with the existing assets and profits

. And the last is ensuring the accurate payment of taxes, as well as considering amortization, depreciation, and other related costs.

Through asset management training, you will also learn to identify the right tools to use in asset management. Remember that the tools are simply elements to make asset management feasible. Each company and organization is unique and it has its own objectives and needs and so the processes used in asset management may also differ.

By definition, asset management is all about managing assets that were invested by different sectors. So if you want to become an asset management advisor or part of the team, you must undergo proper training and you should also have enough experience in order to be considered as one of the best in your chosen field.

You will learn from your training that assets consist of chairs, desks, factory equipments, computers, and buildings. You need to track all these assets but aside from that, it is also your responsibility to manage the demand for such accounts and resources for depreciation and asset values. By organizing all these pieces of information, you can have all the vital data needed by the company.

After the training, you can already espouse proper and timely management, tracking and asset disposal, and maintenance; and you can do this for corporations, companies, and even individuals. As an asset management advisor, you can help in managing the asset-loss risks through time. This is a very important aspect both for individuals and businesses. It can also help in increasing sales figures and handling costs over time. You can now maximize the utilization of financial assets.

If you want to become an expert or at least a knowledgeable person in asset management, you must get the proper training. Only through training can you gain knowledge and experience so that when you’re already out in the real world of business , you can perform at your best. So what are you waiting for? Be part of the asset management team or department and secure the right training.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Author:

Sandra Stammberger owns and operates http://www.assetmanagementunited.com/assetmanagementtraining.html - Asset Management Training

Research for Asset Management Do's and Don'ts

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When you are trying to manage other people’s assets, there are things that you must and mustn’t do. Asset management is a very tricky job, since it involves having to go through sometimes private details of the person’s life.

Asset management research doesn’t have to be for other people. It is far easier to do asset management research for yourself. To begin with, you will have no qualms whatsoever in getting your own details together.

Asset Management Research Tip 1: Understand the Scope

The very first challenge for a researcher in asset management is to understand not just your goals for conducting research, but also the scope under which you are allowed to operate. Avoid taboos from the very beginning by inquiring the degree of penetration that you can have as far as the pertinent information are concerned. This is very crucial because it will dictate the depth of your research. The purposes of the research must also come to mind: is it to confirm existing sets of research or to start entirely from scratch? These questions may seem minor but they are important to having a productive set of research.

Asset Management Research Tip 2: Make an objective inventory and update it

When you are trying to make an inventory, make sure that it is updated. The inventory will help you show what’s there to begin with. Having an inventory is a handy tool that will help you address the issues that might come up in an individual’s asset management program. Remember that it is usually on a case to case basis, and what might work for one may not necessarily be as effective for another. The objectivity in inventory is also important for it will be a good basis of facts only if it is not selective in nature.

Asset Management Research Tip 3: Deal only with the recent sources

The recent sources will tell you the present state. This is the very first thing that you have to inspect and incorporate in your research. If you have to backtrack more for establishing credibility, read the next tip.

Asset Management Research Tip 4: Observe past circumstances as well for patterns

Patterns may only be found from past recurring experiences. Now, if you are after some intense research on asset management, trailing the past will also be as effective. Pair the findings of the past with the present situation and know its implications for your overall efficiency as a researcher.

Asset Management Research Tip 5: Have a working set of recommendations

The purpose of research is not just simply to report what’s out there. It will also be helpful if there are solutions offered in form of recommendations. Researching for asset management is not just about outlining a list of things that are present in one’s asset bin. It also involves giving the initial directions under which effective asset management may thrive.

Asset Management Research Tip 6: Be flexible for changes that may happen

Research will not tell everything, especially if it is just preliminary research. Changes may still be introduced. A new event may actually challenge your assessments. While there is a limit to editing research works, you may have to design your research in such a way that it will accommodate changes as they come along.

Physical Asset Management

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Physical asset management is the practice of effectively using the physical assets of the company. Many companies have an in house department taking care of that but in some cases, an outside party is called in to help them out.

For this to work, the team has to know first hand the assets of the company. To prevent duplication, it should point out the depreciation value and the utility in the process of production. This process is better known as cost analysis as this will increase economic life and reduce component failures such as the incidence of theft and mistakes in the procurement of supplies and equipment.

It can also assist management in tax planning and forecasting business solutions which could save the company millions of dollars.

For instance, production suffers if machines break down frequently. This is normal if the machine being used is already old. The company can try to repair it but if the cost is much higher than a brand new one, then perhaps they should try to sell this at a reasonable price then use the money to buy a new one.

The same goes if a company has hundreds of stores and only a few of them are making a profit. Since the unprofitable ones are not really bringing in revenue, perhaps it will be a good idea to close them.

This is something that a lot of companies are doing now due to rising costs of fuel and the economic slowdown. Rather than filing for bankruptcy, they would rather slash a few thousand jobs and close down stores. Some companies that have done so include Starbucks, American airlines, JP Morgan and a lot more. The other option is for some companies to merge just to stay afloat.

The bottom line is that physical asset management gives the company an idea as to what they actually have. This will prevent them from missing out on opportunities which they could have jumped to when this presented itself.

One way of keeping track of the company’s assets instead of doing it by hand is by investing in asset management software. This will allow those in management to gain access to it whenever it is needed via the company’s intranet.

This can be done by bar coding everything similar to what is done in the supermarket. This will enable the in house team to just scan the item which not only increases accuracy but helps to save time on repeated inventories.

There are four stages which make up the physical asset management cycle.

First is planning and procurement. Here the company sees what is available and then assess what is needed. They will look at various suppliers and then buy the machine that is affordable and efficient.

In the second stage, those who use it have to use the equipment in order to maximize its productivity.

Third, is called financial management. Here, the company will see if it was worth getting the equipment. It also includes ensuring accurate tax, depreciation and other costs.

Fourth is disposal. If the machine is obsolete, it has to be replaced in compliance with environmental regulations.

Companies will be able to practice effective physical asset management by following the life cycle. Sometimes tough decisions have to be made in order for the company to survive.

How to find a good asset management program

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Setting out to find someone who can help you invest your money can oftentimes be nerve-wracking. After all, this person will be handling your finances and in a way will be holding your life in his hands. This is especially true with people who are about to retire and have no other means of income but the money that they have saved over the years. But no matter how frightening it can be, the fact is, you need asset management in your life if you want to remain problem-free for your entire life.

You see, the money kept in the bank is not enough to finance a comfortable retirement. With such a measly interest, all it can give you is small change that can perhaps last you 3 months when you don’t have other income. Inflation rates and rising cost of living is enough to knock down the value of your money in the future.

But finding a good asset management program and personnel is not always the trial that people say it is. When done right, you can actually get for yourself a good deal with a trustworthy manager that will help you triple or quadruple your assets. Here are some tips that can help you.

1. Shop for it

Do not just settle for the first one that you saw. Look around and compare notes. Get as many as you can and then choose from the line up. That way, you will not be pressured to take one program or hire one person even if you don’t really trust it or believe in it.

Looking for a good asset management program is like shopping for a doctor when you have a terminal illness. Think that you are looking for someone who can save your life. And when you come and think about it, finding a good one is actually kind of like saving one’s life. After all, your entire future will depend on the performance of this one person and the effectiveness of the program.

2. Ask around

One way to find a good asset management program is to ask people about it. Believe it or not, it is that simple. You see people who have also gone through the same motions will know where to look and will even have tips on how to look.

You can also ask for recommendations. Have them give you the number of the asset management manager that they hired. Start with your friends and families. They will surely know people who they can refer to you. If you know successful people in business or those whose financial portfolio you admire, go right ahead and ask them for referrals. Their asset manager should be really good.

Once you get their contact numbers, call them. Ask about the person’s accomplishments and track record as well as the number of years that he or she is working for your acquaintance. Set up and appointment and get to know the guy (or gal) in person. That way, you can see for yourself what his personality and attitude is in business. Do the same thing with other referrals and then choose the best.

3. Never trust completely

Never put your trust in one person even if he comes with great recommendations. Even if you have hired him or her already, still take an active part in the management of your assets. It is good that you also know what is going on with your money.

Asset Management Software: the Secret of Efficient Businesses

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Naturally, all businesses need to manage their physical and non-physical assets regardless of their size. Call centers, manufacturing firms, sales companies and other corporate offices need asset management. Everything needs to be watched from the point of choosing the assets, initiating and maintaining them, up to the point of finding no use for them and disposing the assets.

All these processes are important in determining the efficiency and organization that goes into running a company. Without making the right choices for asset management software, many disadvantages may be posed to the optimization of profits and to the business in general.

Using Software in Businesses

First of all, the assets we're talking about here is virtually anything the company owns from office supplies, company vehicles and machines to copyrights and patents. What this software does to these assets is that they keep a record of them for the company. After all, these such assets do depreciate over a certain period of time and need to be disposed of when their full potential has been marginalized.

The company doesn't need to hire people to keep track of maintenance and replacement schedules, resulting in too much people on the payroll and more expenses to slough off money on. With asset management software, you can be sure that your assets are in mint condition and are replaced efficiently when they need to be.

Once you have the software, the only manual thing you have to be doing is to run the asset management program and make sure that all assets are accounted for and all damages are reported to the respective people in charge. More importantly, in the event of emergencies that cause certain losses in assets, the company will have a detailed report of what they own and what they lost, all organized by the protocols of the software.

Specialized Software Available

There are three common kinds of asset management software being used in the business world today. Automated data collection software is used as a time log of all processes involving the assets. Inquisitive software is responsible for checking out IT systems, codes, hardware systems, software and other digital assets. Repository software has the more clerical type of job in that it archives and organizes data files for easy access, uploading and retrieval.

Making Choices through your Options on Asset Management Software

Before you begin browsing through the different kinds of software available for your company, the first thing you need to ask yourself is if the company needs it. Are certain processes being held up because of delays in maintenance and repairs? Do you find that there are discrepancies in the way certain assets of the company are being managed? If so, then you can try your hand at investing in this type of software.

There are some aspects that you may need to be looking into when you decide on it. How much does the software cost, and is it worth it or will you end up spending more than if you have people manually managing assets? What kinds of services do you need the software to be doing for your company?

How many people in the company will be running the asset management program? Is it available for international use or is it limited to local usage? With the answers to these questions, you will be able to find the asset management software that is perfect for optimizing the business processes in your company.

What is Asset Management?

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What is asset management? It is the investment management of collective investments often offered as a service by portfolio or wealth managers within the context of “private banking” to private investors. Its aim is to provide maximum returns at minimum investment or cost to the client.

The first priority of any asset management team is to identify the company’s assets or resources. The definition of asset can be anything owned by the client in terms of cash, property, goods, savings and investments.

Should this be in a commercial set up, assets will comprise of monetary investments, plants, infrastructure and its human resources. When this has been identified, the team will then check which one is profitable and what isn’t.

If an asset is doing well, then they will leave it be. Just like the line that goes “ if there is nothing wrong with it, why fix it?” However, if a certain asset is not profitable, the asset management team may present options to the client. Should this asset be sold or can this be made into something money generating.

An example could be after evaluating the machines used in the factory, the team will give their assessment if this should be repaired or if this should be replaced. In some cases, buying something new will save the company more money in the long term because you don’t have to worry about looking for spare parts that could already be hard to find.

But these are just tangible resources. Every client also has non-tangible resources that are namely the human resources of the company. People are considered to be non-tangible because the company does not own them but merely employs them.

If there are inefficiencies in the company, this can be addressed by managing it so things can change. The team needs to first study the various departments and the individuals before it is able to come up with an action plan. It is possible that some of the positions are redundant while some need more manpower. The team may recommend reducing personnel in one department to fill the need of another or totally scrap it.

Aside from improving their skills, they can also provide other things such as comfort level and security as this motivates people to work harder once a policy has been made to maximize the output of each employee.

Apart from checking on the assets, the team may also offer opportunities to the client so that their money will grow. For instance, he or she may recommend investing in certain things such as the stock market, oil, gold, bonds and other things of value.

There are many asset management companies out there who have the expertise to help you become more efficient. If you are interested in getting their services, you should do some research to find out if they do have what it takes to achieve your goal.

So what is asset management? It is a process that involves looking at the various things that the company has as well as the people who work there. If the client is able to listen to the inputs of the asset management team and follows everything, there is a good chance that the company will continue to grow which simply translates to profit.

What do Asset Management Companies Do?

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What do asset management companies do? These companies take care of the investments of a client by investing in various schemes.

There are a number of asset management companies to choose from given that they offer a wide range of services. Some examples of these include financial investments, production machines, technology and even office furniture and supplies.

When we talk of financial events, this includes the tracking, recording, properly accounting and investing of certain assets so the client will be able to make the most of what they currently have. This is may at times be risky for the client but there are ways to avoid that. These schemes are namely fixed income, equity, balanced, money market and commodities. Let’s discuss these for a moment.

Fixed income investments are those that will generate a regular flow of income for the investor. This is the safest one around and this is usually in the form of government bonds.

Equity has some risks involved because no one has control of the stock market. There are various factors that could make it go up or down such as the performance of the company and other world events. To prevent losses, experts have to study the market, assess the ricks and volatility to pick which one will get the best possible returns. Equity schemes can be done regardless of industry or country so don’t feel bad if the US stock market is not doing too well.

Then there is also balanced where the mutual fund company will invest in several assets such as shares, bonds and stocks. The risks are higher here but it may soon pay off in time especially for those who decide to wait it out for a few years.

The money market includes trading treasury bills, commercial paper and other liquid securities. You get a certain amount each month because of interest. Safer than equity or balanced but the rate of return is much lower.

There are also commodities. Examples of these include gold and other precious metals as well as the most talked about issue right now, oil.

Before any decision is made, it is the job of the asset management company to do some research and then pass this on back to the client who will say yes or no.

If new equipment is needed, the asset management company will help the client look around for the best possible one around before buying it. This is very useful when the machines are either damaged or already outdated.

These services begin the moment they are hired by the client so they will be there from the planning stage all the way until the deal has been completed.

Asset management companies have been around for years and you just have to find one that will be able to deliver what you require of them. Before you select one, do some research on your own to see who are the clients and what have they done in the past because you surely don’t want to entrust your assets just to anyone who gives you a call.

So what do asset management companies? They help you accumulate wealth by using their expertise. Do you need it? Yes because they are the only ones who can do the job.

Most Common Problems with Asset Management

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Asset management is replete with issues or problems that arise, regardless of the generation under which you are operating it. The good thing is that many people have already been open to sharing their experiences on asset management, which saves newbies to asset management time and energy from learning things the hard way. Here is a short list of the most common problems pertaining to asset management that every asset manager must know of.

Lack of updates in the evaluation

When there is a bigger team asked to deal with the asset management of the company, sometimes the updates are much more difficult to attribute to. This is because, while there is rotation among the member, some parts may not be covered thoroughly. On the other hand, if too many people are assigning tasks to individuals without the updates specifically communicated among the different members, the updates will be much more difficult to establish.

Miscommunication among departments

This is the most common problem of asset management that involves human factors. The miscommunication can go from as short as missing one decimal place to having questionable discrepancies on file. The miscommunication is a great disadvantage because it involves lack of proper use for the different instruments made available for asset management.

Incompetence to Manage Assets

The technical competence to mange assets is also equally important. If one of the team members has not taken the time to train for the use of the equipment and the dynamics needed by the job of managing assets, the incompetence will results to disasters in the managing of assets. Inventory problems and management issues may arise, and in essence, it is still better to manage with few high quality people than many below average ones.

Lack of Technology Demanded by the Company

For example, you have all the competent people you need. but you do not have the technology that matches their qualifications for doing to job, you are still at a losing end. You may get an above average performance, but it will still be much much better if the technology matches the good skills of the asset management team.

Lack of support

When there is lack of support in any given endeavor, it is bound to fail. The same goes with asset management. The lack of support among departments may not be conducive for positive change and objective or honest inventory of assets. Where there are ulterior motives being satisfied among the ranks, the management of assets may not be as pure or clean as one would like. This lack of support may be remedied by strengthening the ties of the team members via enriching activities.

No balance in asset elements

The balance is the key to perfect asset management. A balance in the different categories and the figures that represent them in the charts are the core outputs of a good management of assets in an organization. A lack of balance means that there are some things that need to be modified, or that some people are out of shape for this activity.

Too little risks taken for growth

When one's asset is much managed, there is also a tendency to eliminate all risks, even when in fact these risks are contributory to the company's growth and yield good returns. Asset management must also involve taking calculated risks.

Lessons in Asset management

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Asset management is a concept that people are oftentimes wary of. Although they do want their hard earned money to beget huge yields and interests, people are not always comfortable with the idea of other people managing their money. Add to these doubts the number of stories circulating of investors losing their money because of companies that have folded during the dot.com boom.

But asset management need not be something that you have to be afraid of. In fact, it can be pretty rewarding financially as you are able to spread your money across different investment products. This is better than putting your money in banks where the yield is not even enough to combat the inflation rates of the currency and the rising costs of living. When done the right way, your money can serve you until your retirement. The trick is to find the right asset investment manager and to get involved in the investing.

Below are some lessons on how to start and survive asset management. Read on before you get into the program.

1. Choose your manager wisely

When hiring an asset management person make sure that you know him or her. If you don’t know anybody who can do it for you, ask for people to recommend managers that are good. Start asking your families and friends as they will give you more personalized choices. When asking for recommendations and referrals, do a little background check first. Ask how many years the person is working for the one who made the recommendation. Ask for his accomplishment and his track record over the years. A good performance for one person may not be good for another.

Do not just be contented with one referral. Get a lot and then compare each one to the other. That way, you can select the person that you feel is the best among the best. When evaluating their expertise, look both on the paper and in person. Remember that these people are very good with charming their clients. So it’s good to base your decisions also on something that is really concrete.

2. Have a say

A common mistake of most people who hire asset management people is once they get someone, they wash their hands off the entire thing. Don’t. Show the guy or gal that you want to take an active part in managing your assets. This will prevent any hanky-panky because they know that you are monitoring your money.

Do not give the full control to the manager when it comes to making investment decisions. The final say should always be yours. So before investing in something, the person you hire should first present you with the background of the investment and if possible show other possible investments that are similar to it so that you will have the chance to compare.

3. Learn the biz

It is not enough that you know what the goings on of the asset management, you also need to understand it. Some people may not give full control to their managers but will sign anything that these managers give them without really understanding what the papers are saying.

Remember that although you have worked with the same person for years or a friend of yours know him personally, he or she can still rob you of your money. Asset management is a risky and cruel business. Make sure that you are prepared to stand guard over your investments.

Industrial Asset Management

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Industrial asset management is the trend these days in order for a company to optimize profits. This is done by exploiting assets to the fullest by taking consideration not only the measurement of assets and resources but also analyzing data, current market trends and quickly taking business decisions based on information collected. In short, you take everything into account to ensure productivity.

This is achieved by first identifying what are the current resources. This could be capital investments or the plant itself. Once it has been identified, it is time to come up with policies that preserve them. Some companies keep track of this by using asset management software that makes the information accessible to all departments.

This program is better known as enterprise asset management systems. It was first developed in the 1960’s with improvements being done constantly so it may encompass all the stages of the asset life cycle from planning, designing, purchasing, installing, operating, maintaining and finally disposing. Customized maintenance management software forms the subset of EAM.

With the assets stored in the company’s server, this will ensure that it is not possible for the duplication of resources. This means not having to spend money on new equipment and supplies when there it is still available in the company’s inventory.

Another benefit of industrial asset management is that the company can focus their energy on non-productive assets. This will enable the company to convert for instance idle land into real estate development or simply get rid of this by making some money out of it.

This is very useful for banks that have confiscated assets which the clients could not pay for and then auction these off to interested buyers so money can be made.

Should there be a surplus after taking everything into account, they may also decide to sell these off and make a few bucks. To compute the selling price, it is best to inspect it, have it appraised then advertise so interested buyers will come over and buy it.

Industrial asset management may also work for those who buy the goods from the company in terms of inspection of the assets for sale, contract reviews, search and comparisons to see if there are any alternatives and the procurement and shipping of the item.

Industrial asset management can do one other thing for the company. If they see that there is something they lack and there is an opportunity to acquire it, they can check if it can be added to their portfolio so the company is able to grow.

Companies that have used the software include aerospace, automobile, mining and service companies because even if they do have assets worth billions of dollars they do not want to see a single penny go to waste.

Will installing a software program to monitor industrial asset management do the trick? The answer is no because you still need management to be involved throughout the whole process. Each company has different needs and these have to be addressed accordingly.

Industrial asset management is a good thing because it helps the company stay productive. You have to remember that it is simply a tool so there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure you get maximum returns on your investment.

Asset Management in the 21st Century

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These days, asset management has taken a turn for the better. And this is to the advantage of most people who are involved in asset management. There are many advantages to asset management, and they continue to multiply in the 21st century. In fact, they are even taking a turn for growing exponentially. Here are some of the advantages that are uniquely available to asset managers in the 21st century.

More upgraded techniques of managing

Managing is made easier now, when you come to evaluate the available technology. But the complexities of operations and output demands have become just as complex, so the changes are hardly felt. The upgraded techniques are still advantage in the sense that it is able to keep up with the demands that are imposed at this very age.

It takes a team, not an individual

Since the demands are much higher for asset management these days, it takes a team to be able to build it up. So, having an individual do the asset management may not be exactly the best option. A person will still need assistants especially if it is a big company. Now the good thing about having a team work with the management of assets is that there can be constant monitoring and less excuse for lapses in the updates or inventories. If properly synergized, the different assets of the team members can all work together for the good of asset management.

Technology tools

Tools of technology make the work much faster and convenient. What one could have done in the past by physically transporting one's self from one department to another may be done by group messages and computer networks. Plus, monitoring is also much more at lower increments and friendly to the different people tasked to manage the assets of the organization.

Evaluation at smaller increments

The evaluation at smaller increments helps detect subtle changes in the liquidation of different company assets. The more frequent the monitoring, the better the quality of outputs. The good thing is that smaller increments can always be adjusted if in case there are other things needed for accomplishment within the company. Also, smaller increments ensure that problems that arise will be instantly managed.

Accuracy is enhanced

Given the metrics from the asset management tools, the accuracy is enhanced and it gives more room for other tasks. Better accuracy is now within reach since it is measured by high technology gadgets. There will be less room for estimations and other inaccurate means of obtaining actual statistics. This will render more integrity to the asset management plan.

Sometimes pen and paperless

As the case is currently operating in different countries, the environment are already pen and paperless in general. There are more people who find the convenience of storing data in less bulky packages, There will also be no need for hassles in the form of archived documents which are hard to classify.

Asset management is definitely better these days than in the past. While other people may have to adjust with the given technology, it is still the better option when it comes to effectively managing assets. Old techniques may still work, but when there is a better option presented for the new users of asset management, why not take the chance?

Asset Management for Business in the Digital World

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The traditional definition of asset management is that it is a well-organized process of maximizing the utility of assets for a long period of time with the objective of providing benefits to the community. It involves engineering and business concepts in that it maintains the quality and usability of assets through an engineered framework. Today, it has greatly progressed in the way it gets the job done. In this article, you'll find an overview of the process of managing assets and how it has evolved to meet the public's needs in the 21st century -- a digital age.

Functions of Basic Management of Assets

If you work in the field of managing assets, you'll be expected to work on an asset from full to zero potential. This means that you are responsible for seeking out the necessity for such an asset based on public demand, initiating and maintaining the operation of the asset throughout the time of its usability, as well as the termination of the asset when it has no more use for any benefits to the community or to the company.

Digital Management of Assets in a Business

Manual management of assets may sound like such a tedious job considering that it must be looked after from beginning to end. With that in mind, one of the many brainchilds of the digital age is digital asset management. It has become a useful tool especially for big and branched out organizations that have resorted to electronic management of data and files for a more efficient time schedule in the workspace.

This doesn't mean that only multi-national corporations and worldwide franchises can use the digital process. Even small businesses can utilize this kind of software to cut on labor costs and other expenses that are unnecessary and take up a lot of time. After all, what's a digital age without adhering to the times?

In the context of a business, for example, DAM or digital asset management essentially includes uploading and storage of files, backing up files for safety, and renaming and organizing files in folders for easy retrieval. They're easy for computers but tedious and somewhat boring for people to do all day.

There are different kinds of software that businesses and organizations employ for DAM, but are too complicated to explain here without needing computer software jargon. The most important thing to know is that DAM is one of the necessary business strategies to utilize considering the increasing demands of consumers today.

DAM helps a company run more smoothly with automated protocols and quicker responses. They are able to incur, maintain and dispose of assets at a faster and more efficient pace. Press kits, sales kits, marketing and advertising data, presentations and videos are easier to get by with DAM because of its archiving features and multimedia libraries.

Having DAM to sort out all the data files mentioned previously can cut off a big chunk off the company's time. Now there is more time for businesses to focus on brainstorming for marketing and advertising, optimizing profits and community benefits, among others.

Essentially, DAM helps not only to set the wheels in motion but also to set the pace at full speed, thanks to the continually developing software in cyberspace. More and more businesses, regardless of size or sector, are beginning to see the advantages of investing in digital asset management software for a better and more efficient approach to data management.

Achieving Successful Asset Management Growth

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Asset management growth is indisputably one of the goals of any business organization. This is tangible evidence that the industry has undertaken successful asset management, and is already experiencing general growth and improvement. It also implies that the enterprise has chosen the right asset management system and module, one that works compatibly with the already existing systems within the company.

Asset management gathers even greater importance during these technologically advancing times. Gone are the days of manual work; the administration of assets today has certainly evolved to include diverse and complex database systems and reliance on accurate and timely information.

What makes for effective asset management?

Asset management should be on the forefront of the strategies being adopted by any industry. However, it will be futile to speak of asset management merely on the tangible sense, since the generation of businesses nowadays relies heavily on technological systems and data maintenance. Thus, in order to be wholly effective, asset management must allow for both the hardware and software assets of the company.

Essentially, asset management must make room for the effective organization of production, facilities, transportation, and even digital assets. The budgeting, procurement, maintenance, and depreciation calculation of the fixed assets must be undertaken with value maximization and cost minimization in mind. Asset management solutions being offered to various industries nowadays have organizational modules on managing assets, human resources, materials, and softwares.

Asset management systems must provide tools for improvement on assets return and cost-cutting of asset ownership. These systems must also assist in license compliance and promote enhanced security. Especially for businesses that span different branches in different locations, a good asset management solution must have facility for assets tracking, whether these assets are physical or intangible.

The growth goals of asset management

In order for asset management to be successful, it must be able to achieve several goals. First of all, it must assist industry managers in making the best use of its assets. It must be able to pinpoint which assets need to be worked on, and which of these are just being idle. Simply put, asset management is geared towards bringing about greater value from the assets of the company, and using them to achieve more competitive performance and productivity.

Asset management tools should also be effective in the curtailment of asset ownership and the calculation of asset-related risks. It should also be able to provide for accurate inventory control and data storage. Most of all, it must engender wiser decision making where assets management is concerned, in the face of consistently shifting technology and cutthroat competition.

Why asset management is essential for organizational growth

Asset management encompasses not merely the actual physical and intangible assets of any organization, but more importantly, the effective utilization of each. This essentially means that asset management caters to various disciplines- from administration to engineering, and from production to information management.

With successful asset management, growth is imminent. Labor and production becomes efficient, downtimes on equipment and facilities are minimized, and the total cost of fixed asset ownership is significantly reduced. Solutions for better asset management are available from providers, all offering different solutions to the more specific asset-related concerns. Organizations must be able to pinpoint the areas that need to be enhanced, seek the assistance from management solution providers, and to work alongside these management tools.

Asset management growth is not a one-way street, nor is it expected to happen in a momentary tick. Asset management will continue to shift and evolve, and industry managers must be able to understand this from the beginning, to achieve the most favorable results for the entire organization.