Quick Start Guide - Stockrooms
If you are starting your journey with ServiceNow’s Hardware Asset Management, this guide will provide a brief overview about utilizing stockrooms and how to get started.
Why Should I Define Stockrooms?
At the most basic level, defining stockrooms allows you to assign assets to physical locations. But, proper use of this feature will offer much, much more!
In summary, defining stock rooms in ServiceNow enhances inventory management, improves service delivery, supports cost management, and integrates seamlessly with ITSM processes, leading to more efficient and effective IT operations. See below for more:
Inventory Management
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Accurate Tracking: Defining stock rooms allows for precise tracking of inventory items. This helps in maintaining accurate records of stock levels.
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Inventory Optimization: Ensure optimal inventory levels are maintained, reducing the chances of overstocking or stockouts.
Efficient Service Delivery
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Quick Access to Assets: users can quickly identify the location of required assets, facilitating faster service and support. You can service multiple buildings with a single stockroom by setting up service locations in HAM.
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Streamlined Request Fulfillment: When users request items, having well-defined stock rooms helps in fulfilling these requests efficiently by knowing exactly where the items are stored. Optimize the path to an in-stock, in-region asset by using distribution channels to connect stock rooms logically and geographically.
Enhanced Reporting and Analytics
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Detailed Reporting: Defining stock rooms enables detailed reporting on inventory usage, stock levels, and trends. This data can be used to make informed decisions about inventory management and procurement.
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Audit and Compliance: Aid in audit and compliance by maintaining clear records of where assets are located and how they are utilized.
Cost Management
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Cost Control: By tracking inventory more accurately, organizations can better manage costs associated with purchasing and storing assets. This helps in budget planning and cost reduction.
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Avoiding Loss and Theft: Clearly defined stock rooms with controlled access reduce the risk of loss and theft of valuable assets.
Improved Workflow and Processes
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Standardized Procedures: Stockrooms allow for standardized procedures for checking in and out inventory items, ensuring consistency and reliability in inventory management processes.
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Automation: Workflows can be automated based on the stock room definitions, streamlining processes such as asset allocation, replenishment, and disposal.
Integration with ITSM Processes
- Incident and Change Management: Accurate stock room definitions support incident and change management by providing visibility into available resources, which can be critical when addressing issues or implementing changes.
Relevant Demo and Tutorial Content:
Review the ServiceNow Documentation on how to create stockrooms.
Watch here for a tutorial and demo on how to use stock rules for inventory control.
Watch here for a tutorial and demo on how to use inventory stock orders to replenish your inventory levels.
Stockrooms up and running? Watch here for a tutorial and demo on how to use the Asset Audit feature of Hardware Asset Management.
Recommended Courses:
Hardware Asset Management (HAM) Fundamentals - Beginner
Additional Resources
See here for Quick Start Guides on:
HAM Process Guide provides a detailed explanation on how the Hardware Asset Management process is enabled within the ServiceNow platform. ServiceNow encourages simple, lean ITAM processes, which is reflected in the out-of-the-box design.
You can visit ITAM Events page to see Live on ServiceNow for latest events to help you deploy, adopt, and achieve value faster from your ServiceNow products. You can find a repository of previously recorded Live Event recordings here.
ServiceNow Customer Success Center - The CSC is a one-stop shop that gives you instant access to proven methodologies, leading practices, expert insights, and advice.
NowSupport - You can get technical issues resolved quickly by contacting our team comprised of ServiceNow employees with deep product knowledge and real-world experience. Read more here on how to leverage support.
