Free equipment inventory tracking software

Some businesses track their inventory on a sheet of paper. Of course, such a system is extremely limited, and works best for businesses that stock fewer than 50 items in one location, and employ just a few people. Here are the benefits of tracking inventory on a sheet of paper, a word document, or even a sticky note:.

Some companies use spreadsheets to track the details of their inventory. Finally, more and more businesses are choosing inventory software to track their inventory. These days, much of this software is offered in the form of inventory apps.

These apps typically offer both free and paid subscriptions. Inventory apps should offer time-saving automation features, like low stock alerts, barcode and QR code scanning and more.

Of course, not all apps are created equal. Some inventory management software require expensive equipment: look for versions that allow you to use existing hardware, like phones or tablets.

Also, many of these apps may offer very expensive paid versions. Look for an app that offers a reasonable monthly subscription, should your business needs change. Want to get started with free inventory management software today?

Give Sortly a try! Lauren writes about inventory for Sortly. Her favorite thing to organize? There's a paid version available for those who want professional support. As a web-based open source platform, Snipe-IT is a great choice for tinkerers who are comfortable adding their own third-party integrations to build the asset tracking software they need.

It's very secure and updated regularly — a huge boon for any open source program — though you'll need to manually update it each time. The software's list of assets makes data easily viewable and sortable by device image, asset tag, serial number, model, category, status, and which user the asset is checked out to. On each individual asset page, even more data can be collated, from purchase date and cost to the supplier name to the level of depreciation and the final date at which the asset is considered fully depreciated.

Assets and users are both unlimited, making it a great option for operations on a tight budget, although they'll need a software programmer or two who's comfortable with digging into the code in order to take full advantage of the open API.

It doesn't include any features that aren't found in the free version. As the name implies, this service handles IT assets. Functionality is pretty basic: Snipe-IT tracks assets and licenses well, even including email alerts for expiring warranties or licenses, but there aren't any extra bells and whistles. The service's ability to track which assets have been checked in or out makes it a perfect fit for an IT department that supplies laptops or other equipment to workers on a rotating basis.

Email alerts can be set for expiring warranties and licenses, while the customizable fields can accomodate unique features. Best for: Tracking documents alongside assets Tracks: Fixed assets and intangible assets such as software, cloud services, and users Number of assets trackable: Unlimited Type of tracking: IP address scanning and manual data entry Is it really free?

This asset managing service is targeted at IT-focused businesses, and operates on a unique revenue model: It's ad-supported, paid for by tech vendors who want to get their ads in front of the many IT pros who use the free service. As long as you're okay with seeing a few ads, Spiceworks enables you to inventory your hardware, manage your network and licenses, and easily generate reports on your assets, your inventory, and your latest network metrics.

The type of tracking sets this service apart from the others in this guide: It doesn't support scannable barcodes or RFID tags. Instead, users will have to manually enter data or upload spreadsheets. One feature allows users to scan their subnets for all hardware with an IP address, letting them automatically add computers, routers, switches, and printers.

Barcoding is supported with an integration, the linkIT app, but in general, Spiceworks is best for office managers who need to keep track of documents and software as much or more than their physical assets. The service is available in two forms, both free. One option lets users download it and run a self-hosted version, keeping all data on their network and server.

The other option is the cloud-based version, which requires an internet connection but is fast and easy to set up and maintain. Spiceworks also integrates with your help desk, further centralizing your operation, and offers access to troubleshooting forums. Even the support is free. The user interface might take a while to learn, but many IT pros swear by this totally free service.

Unlike some big asset trackers, Spiceworks is designed primarily for IT asset tracking, from laptops to software licenses and warrenties. It offers two huge benefits for IT assets. First, a help desk integration means that support tickets can be easily tied to specific assets. The other benefit is network monitoring, a feature which means Spiceworks will automatically find any assets connected to your network, logging details and categorizing them all by itself — workstations, servers, routers, switches, printers and phones are all included.

And did we mention it's free? Best for: Integrating with other Zoho apps Tracks: Fixed assets, including desktop computers, mobile devices, and software Number of assets trackable: Unlimited Type of tracking: Manual entry Is it really free? Manage all your computers and software licenses from a central location with Zoho's IT Asset Tracker app, which can be found within the Zoho Creator platform.

Three tabs let you manage assets by type: Machines, software, and hardware. This solution depends on manual data entry and not scannable barcodes, making it more useful for tracking intra-office asset use than actual asset locations. But if you need to know who has checked out the laptop you need, this app offers a simple way to find out. The service is customizable, with updateable user profiles and asset reports that can be configured and grouped by time or department.

Screenshots can be attached to verify that assets are at a location. Since the app is built using a low-code platform, most updates can be made with a drag-and-drop interface and any additional tweaks come with relatively little coding. Granted, if you don't use Zoho for those other needs, you might not want to start using their asset tracking software — it's sort of an all or nothing deal. Zoho is a great free asset tracker for a small operation, but you'll need to upgrade to paid as you grow; overall though, it's still a pretty good deal.

Best for: Hobbyists Tracks: Small or unpowered assets, like office laptops or equipment. Number of assets trackable: Max of 50 assets with free plan. Type of tracking: Barcodes with QR codes Is it really free? Yes, it's entirely free, although you can upgrade to a paid plan if you hit the 50 asset maximum. The free version of Reftab offers unlimited locations, categories, and reports, along with custom QR labels and a custom interface.

However, you'll be capped at just 50 assets. This may not be a concern for a small operation, but is likely to prove troublesome as your business grows.

Data can be imported and exported easily, and email alerts can be set as well. The UI isn't the best, and some common actions are a little time-consuming. Add in the deeply limited asset maximum, and this service is likely best for hobbyists such as someone running a stall at their local farmer's market who needs to keep track of their equipment.

One nice feature? Users can reserve assets through the service. They can pick out the assets needed, pick a start and end time and date for the reservation, and add any additional details in an optional section for notes. Software licenses can also be tracked through the service. The relatively low monthly charge for the paid plan could make this an appealing option for office managers who need to field a lot of asset reservations, even if that route isn't entirely free.

Best for: On-premise hosting Tracks: Fixed assets, such as office equipment or some construction tools. Type of tracking: Manual entry Is it really free? Yes, but only if you opt for the on-premises service rather than the cloud-based version. Easily take stock of your hardware and software assets with this free IT-focused management program. It's been around since , and it's still going strong. Features include license management, custom alerts, reporting, and even patch management options.

While other SysAid software supports barcode scanning, the asset tracking application does not, and you'll need to manually enter the assets. Reporting and analytics are comprehensive, letting users generate reports to cover asset details, assets that haven't been updated, and any asset changes by date as well as by group. Downsides include a cramped UI, plus the fact you'll be capped at assets which is admittedly double what you'd get with Reftab. Furthermore, only the on-premises service is free, not the cloud-based version.

In other words, you'll need to install the software on your local servers, and you're responsible for keeping it debugged and running smoothly. The system handles license management in addition to physical hardware, making this a potential management solution for offices with documentation tied to each of their assets. IT managers can monitor and manage assets on a granular level, tracking even CPU, disk space, and memory usage, with both email and SMS notifications available.

If your business uses both, they'll be able to manage assets directly from the service desk, keeping everything in an efficient, centralized location. Best for: Simple open-source tracking Tracks: Fixed assets like computers, printers, and mobile devices. Number of assets trackable: Unlimited Type of tracking: Manual data entry Is it really free?

Yes, although there's no support or warranties unless you opt for one of the paid plans. You'll be able to log computers, printers, network equipment, devices, and phones. With the right plugins, you can add non-IT assets like vehicles or other tools. You'll have the complete historical data on every asset modification, and assets can be tracked right down to their connections and network ports. You can also manage licenses, contracts, and documents related to each asset. The software is designed for manual data entry rather than barcodes or RFID tags, but it does support an impressive amount of information — it has fields for the manufacturer, model, type, serial number, the technical manager who controls the asset, users of the station, and specifications including power supply and firmware.

Both on-premise and cloud versions are available. If you're a free user, the service won't offer any consultations or other aid for the installation process beyond an installation manual that can be found on their FAQ page. Since it's an open source service, the occasional bug or hiccup should be expected.

While the free version tracks unlimited assets, anyone who wants the paid version with warranty and support will need to pay for a plan tier with asset caps. As you may have noticed while scrolling through your top options, even the best free asset tracking software will always come with a catch. The trick is to pick a software with disadvantages you can live with. Free trials are not a sustainable option, and are the only real issue with big names like Samsara and Asset Panda.

Trials aside, if you're looking for free software, your main concern should be with which features are absolutely essential. One of the most essential but easy to forget about features? Data backups. If you aren't backed up, you could potentially lose an entire business' worth of asset documentation. Offline access is also pretty important, as losing internet can set you back for hours otherwise. Another important free caveat to watch out for: asset caps.

You never know when you'll need to add more, and unless you're just running a farmer's market booth, you can easily surpass 50 or assets. Finally, if you're not the technically capable type and don't have a dedicated IT employee on staff, you'll likely want to avoid free options without support or hosting included.

Similarly, open source software — as flexible as it is — will likely be too unwieldy to rely on. Of course, if you're willing to spring for a paid asset tracking system instead, you'll be able to find a full-stack asset manager that can handle not just movable and fixed asset tracking, but employee scheduling, routing, and billing as well. A good IT asset tracking system will be able to track physical office supplies, laptops, and mobile devices, sure, but it will also track software and paperwork.

What softwares have been licensed and who is using them across the company? When were they last updated? When is the lease up on each of the operation's properties? The right system answers all these questions easily. However, these expenditures are worth it. Firstly, and most obviously, free inventory tracking software is, well, free. This lack of expenditure immediately removes any expense-related barriers involved in adopting the system, and in the same vein, quickly boosts the ROI associated with implementing this new software.

If you are coming from an analog operation, simply switching to a digital system comes with numerous benefits. Reducing manual data entry, integrating forecasting tools and leveraging automation features can breathe life into a floundering business. Not only that, but customers who you could have lost to shipping errors or a lack of demand planning can be brought back into the fold and turned into return clients.

Before we jump into the top platforms, covering the must-have features of a successful management system one of the critical factors you need to consider. Being free certainly is attractive, but without these key features, the cheap system you have your eye on may not cover all your bases.

Our analyst team dug through the inventory management market and discovered these top features to be sure and look for:.

Keeping track of a product as it travels from warehouse to shipping is vital. Whether this involves using RFID technology, barcode scanners or real-time stock views, a successful system will keep you updated on where a product is, when it needs to move and how to store it at maximum warehousing efficiency.

Many businesses have to transfer stock between warehouses and other locations regularly. A successful management solution should make product movement simple while also providing in-depth information about each move. Included within this feature is the ability to bundle products together, also known as kitting. Creating and sending purchase orders by hand feels similar to Dark Ages torture. Your cheap inventory management system should allow you to create single or bulk POs online and email them directly to your suppliers.

Some solutions can automatically generate POs as certain item levels drop within the warehouse. While you may think shipping belongs in the world of transportation management , your inventory system actually plays a starring role in getting products shipped out correctly. The best systems allow for multi-carrier and multi-modal shipment strategies. You want the most options available as possible to ensure your customers receive their goods on time. Many systems can automatically generate critical shipping documentation and labels to attach to packages or store for later use as backups.

Any system worth its salt should give you support for order management, from creating the order to fulfillment of the product. Other helpful features of order management let you develop custom pricing guides, send quotes to customers, mark committed stock and send invoices.

Analytics and reporting are the lifeblood of any growing business. These tools give you real-time access to demand information, on-hand stock, total sales, tax information and more. Features like these provide managers and stakeholders up-to-date information to back up their decision-making processes. Analytics can also point out areas of your operation that are suffering or inefficient, giving you the tools required to step in before more significant problems arise.

The modern workforce is becoming more and more reliant on mobility as time goes on. Being able to unchain ourselves from our desks while still having the ability to interact with our inventory management software is becoming vital today. Many modern solutions allow users to log in, update and view essential business data, manage processes, and more all from internet-enabled smart devices.

There are always more features to consider as vendors create cutting-edge technology, but the features listed above are a good roadmap to start with. Now we can take a look at the top performers in the free inventory management market.

Our SelectHub Analyst Team gathered up the top-performing solutions and came up with this list of the top five contenders and their standout benefits, features and limitations:. Designed for small to mid-size businesses, Zoho Inventory helps businesses manage sales, create purchase orders and accurately track inventory.