BMC Asset Management vs. Asset Panda

Brenda Gratas January 19, 2023
- 17 min read

In the dynamic realm of IT Asset Management (ITAM), where technology and efficiency converge, the spotlight is on a compelling comparison: BMC Asset Management vs. Asset Panda. The decision between these two heavyweight contenders can redefine your organization's operational prowess and trajectory.

In this blog post, we'll embark on a comprehensive and insightful ITAM software comparison of the two platforms. 

But this exploration isn't limited to a binary choice. We'll introduce InvGate Insight - an alternative that emerges as a compelling third option, honed to meet your specific IT Asset Management needs.

Continue reading and embark on the journey toward optimized Asset Management solutions!

 

Table of contents

TL;DR

  • BMC Asset Manager is recognized for its comprehensive IT Service Management capabilities and streamlined processes through automation. However, users have expressed some dissatisfaction with the chatbot functionalities and occasional communication gaps with third-party support.

  • Asset Panda is praised for its ease of use, strong customer service, and comprehensive reporting features. Nonetheless, users have raised concerns about its navigational complexity and occasional delays in customer support, along with perceived high pricing for smaller companies.

  • InvGate Insight, in contrast, enables smooth connections with diverse platforms, effective rollout strategies, and robust security protocols to protect organizational resources. Additionally, it efficiently consolidates and oversees CMDB data to improve asset monitoring and control. 

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This guide has everything you need to now, but if you don't have enough time to go over every single detail, here's (another) TL;DR: InvGate Insight can do everything we listed here, and you can test it right away for free for 30 days.

Most looked-at features by buyers

During the evaluation of IT Asset Management solutions, potential buyers consider a variety of essential capabilities to identify the most suitable option that aligns with their specific needs and business requirements. 

Here are some key aspects that purchasers take into account when selecting a customized ITAM solution for their company.

  1. Enhanced cybersecurity compliance - Buyers seek a tool that monitors assets and their security status to identify and address security vulnerabilities proactively.

  2. Streamlined Software Management - This feature empowers users to oversee software installations, ensure proper Software License Management, and identify instances of over or underutilization.

  3. Unified oversight of IT Assets and Inventory Management - Users can efficiently monitor and manage their IT asset inventory through a single interface. The solution should automate the process of locating assets and collecting important details like hardware specifications, software versions, and ownership information.

  4. Flexible deployment options - Users prefer a platform that offers flexibility in choosing deployment models, including cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid solutions.

  5. Comprehensive understanding of infrastructure - The platform should offer complete visibility into IT assets' condition, performance, and usage, enabling users to make informed decisions and optimize their infrastructure. It should also encompass strong reporting and analytical features.

  6. Integration with help desk services - Integration with help desk software ensures a smooth exchange of information between Asset Management and IT Service Management processes. This integration improves communication, streamlines workflows, and enhances overall service delivery.

  7. Building CMDB maps - Users can establish and document relationships among components, including hardware devices, software applications, network connections, and interdependencies. Visualizing these connections helps organizations understand the impacts of changes, assess potential risks, and plan for effective Incident and Change Management

  8. Remote management with built-in tools - Integration with established remote desktop tools empowers IT teams to diagnose problems, apply patches, perform software installations, and carry out system updates remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence.

  9. Automated management and proactive alerts - The solution should enable automated workflows for routine tasks such as software updates, patch deployments, and system maintenance. This ensures smooth operations and quick responses to critical events through automation and timely proactive alerts.

  10. Proactive cost and financial management - The solution should incorporate financial data, contract lifecycle management, licenses, and other relevant information to understand operational expenses comprehensively.

 

What is BMC Asset Management?

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The main goal of the Asset Management features in BMC Helix ITSM is to effectively decrease the total cost of ownership associated with Configuration Items (CIs) and enhance the return on investment. 

BMC Helix ITSM Asset Management works harmoniously with BMC Helix ITSM Change Management and BMC Service Level Management, creating a cohesive framework for comprehensive Asset Management.

What users like from BMC Asset Management

Feedback on BMC Asset Management from trusted sources such as Gartner is consistently positive in a number of critical areas. Let's take a look at what users specifically like about this solution.

  • Comprehensive Service Management - BMC Asset Management garners praise for its contribution to elevating service quality as a robust ITSM and HR system. It covers ITIL activities, including the efficient handling of Incidents and Changes. Its exceptional ticketing tool and dedicated Change Management database set it apart.
  • Effortless implementation - Deploying the software is frequently described as swift and smooth, making integration into user operations quick and hassle-free.
  • Enhanced user experience - The platform excels in user-friendliness across Incident, Change, and Problem Management domains. This results in intuitive and uncomplicated daily operations.
  • Streamlined management - Users commend its simplified management capabilities, aiding them in effectively overseeing various aspects of their assets.
  • Enhanced visibility - The solution's exceptional capacity to offer extensive insight into existing inventory is greatly appreciated. Its clear impact report analysis and effective tracking of configuration changes and services contribute to its significance.
  • Efficient automation processes - Users highly value the ability to independently submit requests, as it reduces reliance on IT personnel and conserves resources. The software's role in facilitating well-informed decision-making, optimized resource allocation, and effective contract management is also acknowledged.
  • Training experience - Training is highlighted as crucial, especially during the system's initial launch, ensuring that users can fully harness its potential.
  • Mobile accessibility - The availability of mobile access empowers users to manage tasks while on the move, further enhancing a positive and adaptable user experience.
  • Value for investment - Users perceive BMC Asset Management as delivering significant value. The well-designed dashboard aids in efficient monitoring, and the software's proficiency in handling support contracts, ensuring timely renewals, and optimizing usage is particularly noteworthy.

What users don’t like from BMC Asset Management

While BMC Asset Management has valuable features, there are areas where improvements could help enhance the overall user experience.

  • User interface - Some users express dissatisfaction with the existing user interface. Introducing enhancements in this aspect has the potential to cultivate a more instinctive and user-friendly encounter.
  • Improved reporting - A subset of users suggests augmenting the reporting capabilities to offer more insightful data that can enhance decision-making and fortify the broader Asset Management strategies.
  • Support and communication - It is advisable to involve third-party support to open up additional avenues for improvement. Users also detect instances of communication breakdowns.
  • Chatbot and tools - Users put forward the idea of fortifying the chatbot functionality, thereby enhancing its robustness and utility, which would ultimately amplify its overall effectiveness.

What’s BMC Asset Management’s argument over Asset Panda?

When comparing BMC Asset Management to its counterpart Asset Panda, the former holds a distinct advantage across various critical aspects. Let's delve into the key points illustrating BMC Asset Management's argument over Asset Panda.

  1. Comprehensive Service Management - BMC Asset Management stands out for elevating service quality as a robust ITSM and HR system. It comprehensively covers ITIL activities, including efficiently managing Incidents and Changes.

  2. Effortless implementation - Users frequently describe deploying BMC Asset Management as swift and seamless, ensuring quick integration into their operations.
     
  3. Enhanced user experience - BMC Asset Management excels in user-friendliness across Incident, Change, and Problem Management domains. This results in an intuitive and uncomplicated experience for users.

  4. Streamlined management - Users highly appreciate BMC Asset Management's simplified management capabilities, enabling effective oversight of various asset-related aspects.
     
  5. Enhanced visibility - BMC Asset Management's exceptional capacity to provide extensive insight into existing inventory sets it apart. Clear impact report analysis and effective tracking of configuration changes and services contribute to its significance.

  6. Efficient automation processes - Users value BMC Asset Management's capability to autonomously handle requests, optimize resource allocation, and manage contracts.

  7. Training experience - BMC Asset Management's emphasis on training during the initial launch ensures that users can fully harness its potential. 

  8. Mobile accessibility - BMC Asset Management's availability of mobile access empowers users to manage tasks on the go, further enhancing user experience. 

  9. Value for investment - Users perceive BMC Asset Management as delivering substantial value. Its well-designed dashboard aids in efficient monitoring and its proficiency in handling support contracts and optimizing usage is noteworthy. 

 

What is Asset Panda?

Example of Asset Panda's interface.

Asset Panda offers a strong and creative answer to monitor and control assets, aiming to improve and streamline the Asset Management process for businesses of different sizes. It provides a range of useful features that empower companies to track, supervise, and maintain their valuable assets efficiently.

In a modern environment where remote work is common and adaptable, Asset Panda challenges conventional norms and changes how businesses operate. It distinguishes itself as a trailblazer in its field, recognized for its unwavering commitment to innovation and unparalleled customer assistance.

What users like from Asset Panda

Asset Panda's reputation has spread far and wide, receiving positive user reviews from reputable sources like Gartner. Users have highlighted several benefits, as detailed below.

  • User-friendly interface - The platform has an intuitive design that ensures ease of use and effortless navigation.
  • A diverse range of features - The software stands out with its strong offerings, including comprehensive reporting and analytics, extensive customization options, and smooth software integrations.
  • Excellence of customer service - Users praise the skilled and forward-thinking professionals who lead the platform's customer support.
  • Economical - Users wholeheartedly acknowledge the exceptional value that the software provides in relation to the investment they put in.

What users don’t like from Asset Panda

While Asset Panda has many strengths and positive features, it is not free from customer concerns and criticisms. Here are some common concerns that users highlight in reviews from sources such as Gartner.

  • Issues with user navigation - Certain users indicate confusion when navigating Asset Panda, especially when trying to locate specific items. This points to a need for clearer guidance and smoother navigation.
  • Worries about support responsiveness - Complaints arise regarding delays in customer service responses as users seek quicker assistance and more timely and responsive support.
  • A desire for improved customization and reporting - Some users wish for more advanced customization choices and a reporting system that is more user-friendly to enhance user control and understanding.
  • Evaluation of pricing - The cost structure might appear relatively steep, particularly for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets. This leads users to search for more cost-effective alternatives that suit their specific circumstances.

What’s Asset Panda’s argument over BMC Asset Management?

When examining Asset Panda's attributes in contrast to BMC Asset Management, a number of distinctive advantages come to light. These features set Asset Panda apart in several key areas:

  1. User-friendly interface - Asset Panda leads with an interface designed for maximum usability. Its intuitive layout guarantees effortless navigation, allowing users to quickly and efficiently access the necessary tools. 

  2. A diverse range of features - Asset Panda’s comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities provide users with valuable insights, while extensive customization options empower businesses to tailor the software to their unique needs. Additionally, Asset Panda's seamless software integrations enhance its functionality. 

  3. Excellence of customer service - Asset Panda's commitment to customer service shines through the expertise and innovation demonstrated by its support professionals. 

  4. Economic value - One of Asset Panda's major strengths lies in its exceptional value concerning the investment made. Users express their wholehearted acknowledgment of the software's cost-effectiveness.

 

Considering InvGate Insight as an ITAM solution alternative

 

 

 

For organizations searching for customized IT Asset Management solutions that match their specific needs, InvGate Insight emerges as a strong contender. As a comprehensive ITAM solution, it offers a variety of features that position it as an attractive choice for streamlining Asset Management processes. Let's explore its fundamental characteristics.

Effortless Remote Management through native integration

InvGate Insight seamlessly integrates with popular remote desktop tools like Windows Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and VNC. This integration enhances Remote Management capabilities, providing direct access to devices for troubleshooting and maintenance. The seamless remote access empowers organizations to effectively address IT issues, perform maintenance tasks, and ensure uninterrupted operations.

In-depth IT infrastructure insights

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Leveraging its robust feature set, InvGate Insight provides exhaustive and actionable insights into IT assets, encompassing their status and usage. This comprehensive understanding enables effective management and optimization of the infrastructure, ultimately leading to enhanced operational efficiency.

Enhanced IT Asset and Inventory Management

InvGate Insight's multiple methods to populate an IT asset inventory.

InvGate Insight facilitates seamless integration by consolidating data from various sources, including major operating systems, cloud service providers (AWS, Google, Azure), and MDMs (JAMF, Google Endpoint Manager). This comprehensive integration ensures effective supervision of both IT and non-IT assets, locations, and personnel. This not only saves time but also provides a holistic overview of the infrastructure.

Software efficiency optimization and cost reduction

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InvGate Insight empowers organizations to identify and assess the utilization of paid software, facilitating effective Software Management. By gaining visibility into software usage, underutilized licenses can be reassigned, redundant costs reduced, and returns on IT investments optimized. This software efficiency optimization empowers organizations to extract maximum value from their software resources.

Comprehensive IT operations perspective through native service desk integration

 

 

InvGate Insight seamlessly integrates with InvGate Service Desk, establishing a direct connection that correlates tickets with devices and personnel. This integration offers a panoramic view of IT operations, streamlining management. Linking service tickets to relevant assets and personnel enhances workflows, communication, and issue resolution.

Enhanced cybersecurity compliance through asset monitoring

health-rules-invgate-insight

InvGate Insight's asset monitoring capabilities establish and enforce device health rules, facilitating proactive cybersecurity compliance. Swift identification of non-compliance instances allows immediate action to ensure adherence to cybersecurity policies, thereby strengthening the IT infrastructure.

Streamlined operations through CMDB map creation

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The CMDB map builder tool within InvGate Insight offers a clear and comprehensive representation of the IT environment. Visualizing the interconnections between components aids in identifying potential impacts on operational continuity, facilitating proactive risk mitigation. This heightened visibility reduces service downtimes, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures smoother IT operations.

Automated management and proactive notifications

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InvGate Insight simplifies process automation and notification setup, fostering proactive IT administration. Automated alerts enable organizations to monitor contract expirations and promptly inform relevant stakeholders, reducing manual efforts and the risk of oversights. Such automation optimizes operations, enabling a focused approach to critical tasks and enhancing overall efficiency.

Proactive operational Cost Management

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InvGate Insight enables direct integration of financial data, contracts, licenses, and other crucial information into its system. This approach grants organizations a comprehensive understanding of operational costs, enabling proactive and well-informed financial decision-making. This optimization of budget allocation maximizes the value derived from IT investments.

Flexible deployment options to suit requirements

Recognizing each organization's unique needs and industry regulations, InvGate Insight offers a range of flexible deployment alternatives. This allows organizations to choose between a cloud-based or on-premises solution, ensuring alignment with specific needs and compliance standards.

Next steps

In the ongoing comparison between BMC Asset Management and Asset Panda, each platform offers a unique set of features and benefits that cater to different business needs.

As you navigate this decision-making process, deeply understanding your organization's goals and challenges is crucial. Notably, InvGate Insight stands as a solution poised to unlock the full potential of comprehensive ITAM, finely tuned to the specific demands of your enterprise.

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to Asset Management? Dive into our live demo and open the doors to limitless possibilities for your business!

 

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