The first step in finding a system is to understand whether you are dealing with assets or inventory. Assets are "permanent" objects that a business uses internally, such as IT equipment, computers, tools, or educational material. Although employees may check the object in or out to go out on an assignment, or even use at home, an asset ultimately belongs to the company and must be returned to the company.
Inventory, however, refers to objects that are sold, distributed, or otherwise consumed by a company. These "temporary" objects include retail items and office supplies. To begin, compare your objects with the chart below to determine what kind of solution is right for you.
| Description |
Assets |
Inventory |
| Objects used internally, such as computers, tools, and educational materials |
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| Track depreciation of company property |
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| Track maintenance on company equipment |
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| Objects are for sale or resale |
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| Ability to track/monitor reorder levels |
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| Objects are “temporary” and/or often replaced, such as paper, pens, and other consumables |
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| Employees may check objects in and out |
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