Rethinking IT Asset Management as a Strategic Growth Driver
IT Asset Management (ITAM) is often misunderstood. To many, it’s a back-office function – an exercise in counting laptops and tracking software licenses. But for high-growth companies, ITAM is a secret weapon. When done right, it unlocks efficiencies, ensures compliance, and aligns IT with broader business objectives.
So why is it still overlooked?
The Misconceptions Holding ITAM Back
Despite its strategic potential, ITAM is frequently sidelined. Here’s why:
- It’s Seen as a “Back Office” Function
ITAM is often viewed as administrative – focused on inventory and procurement. This perception relegates it to “keeping the lights on” rather than enabling transformation. - Lack of Immediate ROI Visibility
ITAM’s benefits – cost avoidance, risk mitigation, efficiency – are indirect and long-term. It saves money and reduces risk, but doesn’t always look exciting. - Fragmented Ownership
Responsibility for IT assets is scattered across IT, finance, procurement, and compliance. Without a central champion, ITAM initiatives stall or get deprioritised. - Underestimation of Risk
Until a software audit, data breach, or failed transformation hits, the risks of poor ITAM go unnoticed. Often, ITAM is only appreciated when it’s too late. - Tool Overload and Complexity
Investing in ITAM tools without the right expertise or processes leads to disillusionment. Tools alone aren’t enough – people and processes matter. External specialists can help simplify and integrate ITAM across the organisation. - Competing Priorities
IT leaders juggle innovation, cybersecurity, and transformation. ITAM often falls to the bottom of the list- ironically, even though it supports all those initiatives.
The Hidden Barriers to Growth
Neglecting ITAM doesn’t just create IT problems – it creates business problems:
- Lack of visibility
- Uncontrolled costs
- Compliance risks
- Operational inefficiencies
- Security vulnerabilities
- Environmental impact
These issues quietly erode growth potential.
How ITAM Enables Growth
ITAM isn’t just about control – it’s about enablement. Here’s how it helps:
- Cost Optimisation
Identifying underutilised assets and eliminating waste frees up budget for strategic investments. - Compliance Confidence
Robust tracking and governance ensure audit readiness and reduce legal risk. - Operational Efficiency
Automation reduces downtime and lets IT teams focus on innovation. - Strategic Decision-Making
Detailed asset data supports smarter decisions – from infrastructure upgrades to vendor consolidation. - Sustainability
Responsible disposal and recycling of assets support ESG goals and stakeholder expectations.
Outsourcing ITAM: Strategic Move or Risky Bet?
For many organisations, outsourcing ITAM to a specialist partner like SCC is a game-changer. But it’s not without considerations.
Pros
Expertise and specialisation VARs such as SCC offer deep domain expertise in ITAM and PLM, including Software Asset Management (SAM), Hardware Asset Management (HAM), and Software Lifecycle Management. SCC services are aligned with ITIL best practices and include advanced tooling and reporting platform.
Improved visibility and control When implemented by experts who understand your business, ITAM and PLM provide comprehensive visibility across the IT estate, helping businesses identify software overlaps, unused licenses, and security risk.
Cost Optimisation Investing in ITAM can actually create significant cost saving opportunities. Clients have reported significant savings – such as £80,000 annually – by right-sizing licenses and eliminating underused software (need to verify this)
Compliance and Risk Management Working with a 3rd party can help businesses prepare for vendor audits, manage software compliance, and reduce reputational and financial risk.
Scalability and Flexibility VARs like SCC can scale services based on business needs, offering flexibility in managing complex or growing IT environments.
End to End Support VARs like SCC can scale services based on business needs, offering flexibility in managing complex or growing IT environments.
Free up Valuable Internal Resources for Other Business Critical Projects. Being able to dedicate resources to fully benefit from combining the power of ITAM with PLM can be unrealistic for many stretched IT departments. Being able to work with experts who can relive the pressure on internal teams can really help get ahead of the challenges that IT leaders face.
Cons
Loss of internal Control Outsourcing may reduce direct oversight of ITAM/PLM processes. It’s important to have excellent communication processes in place to mitigate this.
Dependency on External Expertise When unchecked, this can create vendor lock-in. Always ensure internal teams continue to build expertise in the areas you need it.
Misalignment with Business Goals If the VAR doesn’t fully understand your business strategy, their recommendations may not align with long-term objectives. VAR relationships work best when there is complete alignment with the customer and the VAR.
The Cost Vs. Value Debate While outsourcing can reduce operational costs, it may not always be cheaper. The value depends on the quality of service and ROI from the partnership.
Pros
Expertise and specialisation VARs such as SCC offer deep domain expertise in ITAM and PLM, including Software Asset Management (SAM), Hardware Asset Management (HAM), and Software Lifecycle Management. SCC services are aligned with ITIL best practices and include advanced tooling and reporting platform.
Cons
Loss of internal Control Outsourcing may reduce direct oversight of ITAM/PLM processes. It’s important to have excellent communication processes in place to mitigate this.
Improved visibility and control When implemented by experts who understand your business, ITAM and PLM provide comprehensive visibility across the IT estate, helping businesses identify software overlaps, unused licenses, and security risk.
Dependency on External Expertise When unchecked, this can create vendor lock-in. Always ensure internal teams continue to build expertise in the areas you need it.
Cost Optimisation Investing in ITAM can actually create significant cost saving opportunities. Clients have reported significant savings – such as £80,000 annually – by right-sizing licenses and eliminating underused software (need to verify this)
Misalignment with Business Goals If the VAR doesn’t fully understand your business strategy, their recommendations may not align with long-term objectives. VAR relationships work best when there is complete alignment with the customer and the VAR.
Compliance and Risk Management Working with a 3rd party can help businesses prepare for vendor audits, manage software compliance, and reduce reputational and financial risk.
The Cost Vs. Value Debate While outsourcing can reduce operational costs, it may not always be cheaper. The value depends on the quality of service and ROI from the partnership.
Scalability and Flexibility VARs like SCC can scale services based on business needs, offering flexibility in managing complex or growing IT environments.
End to End Support VARs like SCC can scale services based on business needs, offering flexibility in managing complex or growing IT environments.
Free up Valuable Internal Resources for Other Business Critical Projects. Being able to dedicate resources to fully benefit from combining the power of ITAM with PLM can be unrealistic for many stretched IT departments. Being able to work with experts who can relive the pressure on internal teams can really help get ahead of the challenges that IT leaders face.
Cost is often a factor when making the decision. We looked at the cost of in-house versus outsourced:
Each SCC ITAM Managed Services delivers access to +£300k resource per year for fraction of the cost.
How SCC’s ITAM Services Drive Growth
SCC’s ITAM services are designed to support growth at every stage:
- Growth & Expansion
Structured processes and governance help manage increasing asset volumes. - Restructuring
SCC supports IT teams during organisational change, easing transitions. - Digital Transformation
SCC ensures visibility and control during tech upgrades and cloud migrations. - Mergers & Acquisitions
SCC improves visibility across new estates, reduces duplication, and optimises spend. - Audit Defence
SCC’s experts – many former vendor auditors – prepare businesses for audits and protect against penalties.
Real Results: UK Success Stories
- Local Council
Service: 365 Optimisation
Cost: £10k
Savings: £400k/year on 3-year renewal - Government Agency
Service: Java Assessment
Cost: £15k
Savings: +£1m cost avoidance - Building Association
Service: VMware Licensing Position
Cost: £15k
Savings: £50k/year - Industrial Company
Service: Microsoft Licensing + 365 Assessment
Cost: £20k
Savings: +£100k/year on 3-year renewal
Final Thought: ITAM Is a Growth Strategy
Let’s move beyond inventory. ITAM isn’t just about tracking assets – it’s about unlocking business potential. Whether you’re scaling, transforming, or navigating change, ITAM provides the visibility, control, and confidence to grow smarter.
ITAM isn’t a cost centre. It’s a growth lever.
