When we discuss gaining and maintaining Executive buy-in, we often refer to various communication strategies, like elevator pitches and program reports, that we use to get a seat at the executive table and share the successes of the ITAM Program. However, if we’re only pitching new projects and sharing the value of the efforts we make as IT Asset Managers, we’re likely missing some pretty big opportunities to drive organizational sustainability and turn ITAM into a core business function.

Are You Sharing ALL the ITAM Program Data?

One of the most commonly excluded sections of ITAM communication with Executives and department leaders is a comprehensive evaluation of asset utilization. We do explore asset utilization in our cost savings and compliance metrics, but a detailed breakdown of how effectively assets are being used across all employees is often not shared with Executives or department leaders unless we notice an issue with security or cost efficiency.

We’re collecting and analyzing data and factors like usage rates, underutilized assets, associated risks, inefficiencies, etc. anyway. Why not share this information with Executives to highlight any issues and challenges faced in your program in addition to the successes you’ve reached? Full transparency in our ITAM Program Reporting, not just sharing the wins, will result in the best position to build a strong ITAM Program across all facilities, departments, and end users in your organization.

Disadvantages of NOT Sharing ITAM Issues and Challenges

Without a clear understanding of how assets are being used, the challenges we’re faced with while managing them, and any underlying issues, executives might make decisions that lead to inefficient resource allocations, wasted budgets, data security vulnerabilities, or non-compliance issues. By not being aware of, or not sharing issues and challenges, we may be exposing ourselves to these additional risks. We’ll have missed out on opportunities for improvements in our processes, policies across all 12 KPAs.

Even if we don’t open the organization up to additional risks related to the use of our IT assets, the lack of full transparency leads to the inability to set realistic goals and expectations for the organization’s employees, their use of IT assets, compliance and security requirements, etc. Worse yet, if Executive or department leaders find out that issues were hidden from them, it can damage the trust between those individuals and the ITAM Program. This can destroy the efforts we’ve made toward increasing organizational communication and collaboration with ITAM and even create a toxic work environment.

Eventually, these issues will culminate in a negative organizational culture that can result in reputational damage and financial consequences. If employees don’t notice or fail to report issues and challenges it can lead to broader organizational performance, efficiency, and customer/client service issues. Hidden issues burn through budgetary dollars over time.

Be Transparent in Your ITAM Program Reporting

Don’t let continued inefficiencies, compliance penalties, and other unplanned expenditures threaten your organizational sustainability. Over time, by sharing the issues and challenges uncovered by ITAM monitoring and analysis, we can work together with Executives and department leadership to find solutions and improvements that bring the best possible value to the entire organization. That can only happen if we’re offering full transparency into ITAM happenings. We have to be willing to share not just the good, but also the bad and the ugly. This can be scary sometimes, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Go be transparent and find the missed opportunities in your ITAM Program! Are you ready?