Asset Management

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Asset Management in a Volatile Economy

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.

A strategic approach to asset management

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Asset management is conventionally assumed to be a term that describes the processes carried out by the financial industry for wealth and portfolio management. In modern day business practice

, this term can extend to equipment, infrastructure and even digital information. With company processes extending from the ‘cradle to the grave’, managing the stages of a companies asset lifecycle not only maintains them in good working order, it reduces the costs, increases productivity and extends the useful life of the asset. In capital intensive industries where the cost of equipment and systems is high, effective asset management can result in a significant improvement to a companies bottom line.

The monitoring and reporting process associated with asset management allows companies to make more informed choices about the distribution of resources. With inventory monitoring and pre-determined maintenance schedules, companies can reduce the capital costs associated with poor asset management and overstocked inventory levels. This capital can be reallocated to other areas of the organization for process improvement or business expansion. Managers can spend less time in fulfilling equipment requirements and more time on business initiatives that support the companies overall goals and objectives.

Asset management software permits companies to monitor and manage extensive information systems. With organizations increasingly dependent on information flows and critical data, maintaining system integrity and protecting infrastructure from external attacks has become critical for a companies operational viability. Monitoring software permits network scanning of hardware for external connections, data access and the installation of programs not approved as part of a companies technology mandate. With real time reporting and email alerts, it managers can reduce system support requirements and focus on central core it objectives. This ultimately improves productivity by reducing downtime and freeing up time that would otherwise by consumed by administrative tasks.

Asset management also supports decision making by improving business reporting requirements. Whether it be purchase, cost, replacement or maintenance issues, asset management software can provide business critical data ‘on the fly’ to know resource and capital requirements ahead of time. Integration with other centralized business reporting equips managers with important data for strategic decision making purposes across all business units. The modern demands of business require information be delivered in fast, efficient and meaningful way. An asset management framework can assist companies in this regard.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Author:

Andrew Winthorp owns and operates http://www.asset-management-resource.com Asset Management. Learn more about the value of asset management to an organizations operational framework.

What is 'good' Asset Management?

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Asset Management is the management of physical assets (their selection, maintenance, inspection and renewal). Asset Management is the art and science of making the right decisions and optimizing these processes.

The different asset classes are stocks, bonds, real-estate and commodities.

Infrastructure owners have used ‘Asset Management’ to describe the caring for, making best use of, physical plant, infrastructure and facilities. (Interpretation of British Standard Specification PAS-55)

PAS-55 highlights the need for performance-accountable asset-business focus. Asset Management system is how an organization delivers its business goals with a clear picture of how and why business intentions are converted to ground reality.

PAS 55 defines Asset Management as “Systematic & coordinated activities and practices through which an organization optimally manages its physical assets and their associated performance, risks and expenditures over their lifecycles for the purpose of achieving its organizational strategic plan.”

How does a company get there? How do we know, and demonstrate, what is ‘optimal’? How can responsibility be established? How do we develop the skills, tools and processes to establish and sustain such an environment in the first place?

Industrial process, utilities and service companies have, over the last 5 decades developed greater specialization in niche functions. The effect of this has been to create more and narrower silos of contribution – design, construction, operations, maintenance, human resources, finance etc.

At senior management levels, the adoption of an “Asset Management” model has been interpreted to mean a new mix of functional responsibilities (new silos?):

- Asset ‘Owners’ – dealing with regulators and other stakeholders - Asset Managers – decisions on direction and strategy - Service Deliverers – work resources & methods

This emphasizes the need for directional thinking (what is worth doing, where, when and why), not just delivery efficiency (doing the same thing quicker, cheaper). ASAP Systems has 20 years of experience in Inventory Control Software and Asset Management Solutions.

Inventory Software & Asset Management

ASAP SYSTEMS

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.

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?