Asset Discovery

Learn how asset discovery gives you clear, up-to-the-minute insight into your IT resources.
Asset Discovery

Overview

Asset discovery: your IT spotlight.

Asset discovery identifies and catalogs all the IT hardware and software assets within an organization’s network, helping to ensure efficient management, security, and resource optimization.

Get comprehensive visibility

Ensure IT teams have full visibility into their asset landscape and resource management.

Strengthen security

Facilitate risk management and help maintain security standards by identifying unauthorized or non-compliant devices and software.

Reduce costs

Identify underutilized resources that can be reallocated or decommissioned, leading to cost savings.

Enable AIOps

Set the foundation for advanced AIOps capabilities such as anomaly detection, proactive problem solving, and automated remediation powered by generative AI.


How asset discovery works

STEP 01

Scanning

Asset discovery begins with a comprehensive, non-intrusive, and efficient scanning process that identifies all network devices while minimizing impact on network performance. A variety of scanning methods, such as agentless and agent-based scans, help ensure all assets, whether they are on-premises, mobile, or in the cloud, are discovered. By covering a wide range of IP addresses and different protocols like SNMP, WMI, SSH, and more, all relevant information is gathered about each detected asset.


STEP 02

Identification

Once scanning is complete, the next step is to identify and categorize the assets. After analyzing the collected data and distinguishing assets based on their characteristics, such as device type, operating system, installed software, and hardware specifications, advanced identification techniques can accurately classify each asset, which may include servers, workstations, printers, network devices, and any IoT devices. This step is crucial for accurate understanding of the IT environment and is the foundation for asset management.


STEP 03

Inventory Management

After identification, asset discovery tools compile this information into a centralized inventory management system or repository, which acts as a single source of truth for the entire IT landscape. It allows for easy, dynamic, enterprise-wide access to detailed information about each asset, including location, ownership, service history, and configuration details. Proper inventory management is critical for effective asset lifecycle management and for strategic decision-making regarding IT asset investments.


STEP 04

Updating

The final step in the asset discovery process is the continuous updating of the asset inventory. As new devices are added to the network and others are retired or repurposed, the inventory must reflect these changes in real-time. Automated discovery tools continuously monitor the network for changes, including tracking the movement of assets, changes in software installations, and hardware modifications. By keeping the inventory current, IT teams can respond swiftly to issues, ensure compliance, and reduce the risk associated with outdated information.

Use Cases for Asset Discovery


Security & Compliance
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Service Awareness
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Enterprise Asset Management
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Multi-cloud Visibility
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How to get it

Asset discovery with BMC

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BMC Helix Discovery

Enhance decision-making, security, and forecasting with BMC Helix Discovery.

Resources

Blog

Revolutionize Asset Management by Unleashing the Power of BMC Helix Discovery

Discover how BMC Helix Discovery enhances asset management for improved efficiency, cost savings, and risk reduction.

Webinar

How BMC Helix Discovery Can Pay for Itself in less than 6 Months

Watch to learn how BMC Helix Discovery delivers rapid ROI, streamlines asset management, and reduces IT burden.

Analyst report

The Total Economic Impact of BMC Helix Discovery

Access the Forrester study to explore what BMC Helix Discovery can do for your bottom line.