What is Network Inventory Software?
Network inventory software is a highly specialized digital tool that catalogs, manages, and monitors the company’s hardware, software, and network assets. A crucial component of any IT infrastructure, it provides detailed information about every device, configuration, and connection to the network, helping businesses maintain up-to-date records and capture changes seamlessly.
Importance
Tracking and managing network inventory is a complex task and often a persistent problem among IT personnel across industries. Filling out and checking spreadsheets, even when done regularly, is still prone to errors. On top of that, sharing and updating these listings with frontline operations departments is also laborious and taxing. Turning to network inventory management software or systems (NIMS) can help in numerous ways:
Enhances Visibility and Control – The software solution provides a comprehensive view of all network assets, from industrial IoT devices to applications utilized, making it easier for personnel to inspect and update them when needed. This also enables top operations managers to monitor them as well.
Improves Security Measures – Identifying and addressing cyber-related vulnerabilities and risks won’t be a problem as the system provides valuable insights into device configurations, patch levels, and software versions. With this, teams can proactively perform preventive maintenance, minimizing network downtime as they do so.
Enables Efficient Planning for Upgrades – Because technology moves incredibly fast, upgrading is a necessity. With the visibility provided by the software, IT personnel can identify old or underutilized assets, plan to allocate adequate resources, and better execute modernization plans.
Key Features
Software full-featured platforms that help track company assets may help businesses manage their network inventory. However, the complexity of this particular IT assignment requires dedicated digital tools like computer inventory software or NIMS since it has more capabilities, including the following:
Automated Device Discovery
Comprehensive Asset Tracking
Hardware Inventory Management
Software Inventory Management
Network Device Monitoring
Configuration Management
License Management
Real-time Monitoring and Alerts
Intuitive Reporting
Analytics
Alerts and Notifications
Third-Party Integrations
Mobile Accessibility with Offline Capabilities
Choosing the Right Network Inventory Software
All ten software solutions described above can help companies streamline IT asset management processes, enhance network visibility, and optimize resource utilization. Before choosing one that suits your needs best, take another look at the options in the summary below:
Network Inventory Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/user/month* | Yes |
Total Network Inventory | No | $90 (with free updates for a year) | No |
Lansweeper | Yes | €199 (≈$215) /month* | Yes |
Snipe-IT | Yes | $399 per year | Yes |
Pulseway | No | $27 per month** | Yes |
Ivanti NAC | No | Custom quote | Yes |
Network Inventory Advisor | No | $3.56 per node
(for up to 25 nodes) | No |
SolarWinds NCM | No | $39/technician/month | Yes |
Miradore | Yes | $2.75/device/month* | Yes |
OrbusInfinity | No | Contact for pricing | No |
* billed annually
** 3-year subscription