Hardware Asset Management

[Surbhi16]

Hi Experts,

We are planning to implement Hardware Asset Management Professional. With this aspect, I have certain query which I want to take suggestions for. 

1. Currently we do not have any automated data source integration or ServiceNow Discovery in place right now in our instance. So is it worth implementing HAM now or shall we first implement Discovery and then go for HAM implementation?

2.  CSDM is also in future roadmap for us later for the year. Is it worth setting up the automated data integrations for both asset and CI and then go for CSDM and then HAM?

Please suggest or guide me through appropriate pre-requisite I need to take care before implementing HAM Pro

Regards,

Surbhi 

[Eric Ferrington · Accepted solution]

Surbhi,

The hardware asset lifecycle tracks assets from their acquisition through disposition.  End point utilize is or network discovery utilizes are a great way to gain visibility to what is active and deployed but the scope of the asset lifecycle as focused on those assets that are not currently deployed.  This includes assets that are in inventory and available for use as well as those assets undergoing repair, preparing for disposal etc.   ServiceNow discovery will give you data related to assets (via ci relationship) once its turned on, but its a good step to import or create asset records for those known to the business both in and out of service. Discovery can then be used to validate which company assets are actually in use and online.

[sumitrockslyf]

Hello Surbhi,

Replying to your query after almost 1 year but still giving my insight on your query. Let me know if you have already achived implementation of HAM or not and if you did then what did you do?

Implementing Hardware Asset Management (HAM) Professional on ServiceNow requires careful planning and consideration of your current and future setup. Here's a detailed guide addressing your queries and suggesting the appropriate prerequisites:

Query 1: Implementing HAM without Automated Data Source Integration or Discovery

Current State:

• No automated data source integration.
• No ServiceNow Discovery in place.

Considerations:

• HAM Implementation without Discovery: While it is possible to implement HAM without Discovery, doing so may limit the effectiveness of HAM. Automated discovery tools provide accurate and up-to-date data on hardware assets, which is critical for effective asset management.
• Manual Data Entry: Without Discovery, data entry and updates will need to be done manually or through imports, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors.
• Future Integration: If you plan to implement Discovery later, integrating it with an already established HAM setup could lead to data discrepancies and additional configuration efforts.

Recommendation:

• Implement Discovery First: Implementing ServiceNow Discovery first will ensure you have an automated and accurate data source for your hardware assets. This will streamline the HAM implementation and enhance its effectiveness.
• Assess Current Data Sources: Evaluate your current data sources and determine the feasibility of integrating them with ServiceNow Discovery to automate data collection.

Query 2: CSDM, Automated Data Integrations, and HAM

Current State:

• CSDM (Common Service Data Model) is in the future roadmap.
• No automated data integrations for asset and CI data.

Considerations:

• Automated Data Integrations: Setting up automated data integrations for both assets and Configuration Items (CIs) ensures consistent and reliable data across the ServiceNow platform.
• CSDM Alignment: Implementing CSDM helps standardize data and processes, providing a structured framework that supports various ServiceNow applications, including HAM.
• HAM Effectiveness: HAM relies on accurate asset data. With automated integrations and a standardized data model (CSDM), the quality and reliability of asset data will significantly improve, enhancing the effectiveness of HAM.

Recommendation:

• Set Up Automated Data Integrations First: Establish automated data integrations for both assets and CIs before implementing HAM. This will ensure that you have reliable and consistent data to work with.
• Implement CSDM: Aligning with CSDM before HAM will standardize your data and processes, providing a solid foundation for asset management.
• Sequential Approach: Follow a sequential approach:
1. Implement ServiceNow Discovery.
2. Set up automated data integrations for assets and CIs.
3. Align with CSDM.
4. Implement HAM Professional.

Prerequisites Before Implementing HAM Pro

1. ServiceNow Discovery:
• Purpose: Automates the identification and tracking of hardware assets.
• Action: Implement and configure ServiceNow Discovery.
2. Automated Data Source Integration:
• Purpose: Ensures consistent and up-to-date asset data.
• Action: Establish integrations with existing data sources and systems.
3. Common Service Data Model (CSDM):
• Purpose: Provides a standardized framework for managing and relating assets and CIs.
• Action: Align your data model with CSDM guidelines.
4. Data Cleansing:
• Purpose: Ensures data quality and accuracy.
• Action: Cleanse existing asset data to remove duplicates, correct errors, and standardize entries.
5. Stakeholder Alignment:
• Purpose: Ensures all relevant stakeholders are on the same page.
• Action: Conduct workshops and meetings to align with stakeholders on the implementation plan.
6. Training and Change Management:
• Purpose: Prepares your team for the new processes and tools.
• Action: Provide training sessions and change management support to users and administrators.

Conclusion

For a successful HAM Professional implementation, prioritize setting up automated data integrations and ServiceNow Discovery. Align with CSDM to ensure a standardized and reliable data model. This structured approach will provide a solid foundation for HAM, enhancing its effectiveness and delivering better asset management outcomes.

Regards,

Sumit