Custom Part Numbers and Products: Enhancing Software Asset Management

[Sean_Walker]

Custom Part Numbers and Products: Enhancing Software Asset Management

In the realm of Software Asset Management (SAM), managing custom software entitlements and products effectively is crucial for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance. When dealing with software that falls outside the standard offerings of the ServiceNow Content Library, custom part numbers and custom products offer valuable solutions.

For a deeper understanding of how to leverage Custom Part Numbers and Products, be sure to watch the “Ask a Ranger: Software Asset Management” video series Creating Custom Part Numbers and Custom Software Products

Custom Part Numbers

When creating software entitlements, you may encounter situations where the Publisher Part Number (PPN) is not available in the ServiceNow Content Library. In such cases, creating Custom Part Numbers can be a practical solution. Here are some scenarios where Custom Part Numbers might be necessary:

• Negotiated Deals: If you have negotiated a unique deal with a software publisher, they may have assigned a specific part number for your organization. Custom Part Numbers allow you to record this unique identifier and integrate it into your SAM system.
• Small or Niche Publishers: For software purchased from a smaller or less-known publisher, the part number may not be included in the standard library. Custom Part Numbers enable you to document these purchases accurately.
• In-House Developed Software: If you have developed proprietary software in-house, you can create a Custom Part Number to track and manage this software effectively within your SAM system.

Custom Part Numbers allow you to record the part number listed on your contract or invoice and associate it with the appropriate Discovery Map, License Type, and License Metric. This ensures that all custom software entitlements are accurately tracked and managed.

Custom Products

In addition to Custom Part Numbers, there are instances where you may need to create Custom Products. This is particularly relevant when dealing with software that is not included in the ServiceNow Content Library. Here are some reasons to create Custom Products:

• Less Known Products: If you are using a software product that is not widely recognized or included in the standard library, a Custom Product can be created to ensure it is properly accounted for.
• In-House Software: For software developed internally within your organization, creating a Custom Product allows you to normalize and manage this homegrown software within your SAM system.

Custom Products provide a means to manage and account for software that is either not yet included in the Software Library or is specific to your organization. This capability helps maintain accurate records and supports effective software asset management.

Benefits of Custom Part Numbers and Products

• Enhanced Tracking: Custom Part Numbers and Products enable precise tracking of software entitlements and products that fall outside the standard offerings.
• Improved Accuracy: By recording custom identifiers and products, you ensure that all software is accurately represented in your SAM system.
• Flexibility: These custom entries provide flexibility in managing software assets, accommodating unique contracts, niche products, and proprietary software.

Conclusion

Custom Part Numbers and Products are essential tools for effective Software Asset Management, especially when dealing with software outside the standard ServiceNow Content Library. By leveraging these capabilities, organizations can ensure accurate tracking and management of all software assets, including those from unique deals, small publishers, or in-house developments. This approach enhances overall asset management accuracy and supports compliance with software agreements.

For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, please view the video provided below.

Creating Custom Part Numbers and Custom Software Products