Snipe-IT Alternatives: Usability, Features, and Integration

Brenda Gratas August 30, 2024
- 13 min read

Are you in search of a reliable Snipe-IT alternative for your IT Asset Management (ITAM) needs? Look no further! If you're considering ITAM software alternatives, InvGate Asset Management is a top contender that offers a comprehensive set of features and functionalities to streamline your processes.

With InvGate Asset Management, you can effortlessly create a unified inventory of all network-connected assets. This ITAM software solution provides advanced features such as network scanning capabilities, customizable reports and analytics, and seamless integrations with native service desk and remote desktop tools.

Let's discover the Snipe-IT alternative that empowers you to streamline your processes, enhance efficiency, and gain better control over your IT ecosystem.

 

Table of contents

TL;DR

  • Snipe-IT is free software with a stable system and many features.
  • Setting up Snipe-IT may take time and resources, especially when importing existing inventory.
  • InvGate Asset Management allows organizations to easily create a centralized inventory of all their IT assets on a single platform.
  • InvGate Asset Management offers usability benefits. The implementation process is straightforward, ensuring a smooth transition without unnecessary complexities for users.

What is Snipe-IT?

snipe-interface

Snipe-IT, a renowned Asset Management system developed by Grokability, emerged in 2013 as the brainchild of Alison Gianotto, the former CTO of a prominent ad agency in New York City. Frustrated by the limitations of available IT asset tracking solutions, Gianotto took matters into her own hands and designed Snipe-IT to cater to her unique requirements. 

Over time, Snipe-IT has evolved into a widely embraced and actively maintained alternative for free Asset Management. 

Grokability, the driving force behind Snipe-IT, places great emphasis on creating user-friendly software, fostering a culture of continuous learning, championing transparency and security, and advocating the benefits of open-source software.

Snipe-IT features

Snipe-IT offers a range of key features for effective IT Asset Management, including:

  • Asset tracking: Barcode and QR code scanning for easy tracking of physical assets, streamlining the management process.
  • Check-in/check-out system: Tracking of assets as they are issued to employees or returned, ensuring accountability.
  • Automatic notifications: Schedule alerts for maintenance schedules, warranty expirations, and other important events, helping to maintain asset integrity.
  • Reporting and analysis: Offers built-in reports for insights into asset allocation, inventory value, and more.
  • License Management: Helps manage software licenses, including tracking expiration dates and seat counts, to ensure compliance and streamline renewals.
  • User Management: Supports flexible user roles and permissions, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access certain features and make changes.

InvGate Asset Management as a Snipe-IT alternative

 

 

 

InvGate Asset Management, developed by InvGate, is a comprehensive IT Asset Management software that caters to the needs of organizations. It is available both as a cloud-based service and as an on-premise installation, providing flexibility in deployment options.

With InvGate Asset Management, organizations can effortlessly create a unified inventory of all their network-connected IT assets on a single platform. This includes tracking physical, virtual, and cloud assets, ensuring a holistic view of the entire IT infrastructure.

The software encompasses a wide array of features and functionalities designed to simplify IT Asset Discovery, streamline Inventory Management, and facilitate Software License Management. Here are some notable features offered by InvGate Asset Management:

  • Asset inventory management: Get all the visibility you need to stay on top of your software and hardware assets.
  • Network scanning - Asset discovery: InvGate Asset Management lets users conduct thorough network scans to identify and catalog IT assets, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  • CMDB builder: The solution incorporates a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) builder, enabling organizations to create a centralized repository of IT asset information for effective management.
  • Health monitoring alerts: Users can leverage smart tags to monitor the health and status of IT assets, allowing proactive maintenance and minimizing downtime.
  • Automated alerts and processes: InvGate Asset Management automates the generation of alerts and streamlines IT processes, enabling efficient Incident Management and issue resolution.
  • Asset Lifecycle Management: InvGate Asset Management allows organizations to effectively manage their hardware and software assets throughout their lifecycle.
  • IT security and compliance: The solution helps organizations ensure IT security and compliance by providing tools to monitor vulnerabilities and enforce regulatory requirements.
  • Software License Management: Track software licenses effectively. You can ensure you have up-to-date information, get notified about license renewals, and maintain license compliance.
  • Contract Lifecycle Management: InvGate Asset Management enables organizations to track and monitor contractual agreements with vendors and service providers.
  • Native service desk and remote desktop integrations: The software seamlessly integrates with service desk solutions and remote desktop tools, promoting collaboration and enhancing support processes.
  • Customized reports and analytics: InvGate Asset Management offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing organizations to generate customized reports and gain valuable insights into their IT ecosystem.

With InvGate Asset Management, organizations can achieve improved control and visibility over their IT infrastructure, streamline processes, and make well-informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date asset information.

Usability

Ejemplo de cómo luce la funcionalidad de descubrimiento de activos de InvGate Asset Management.

InvGate Asset Management offers a range of advantages regarding usability. The implementation process is straightforward, ensuring a seamless transition for users without encountering unnecessary complexities.

Additionally, the software can be effortlessly customized to align with individual users' and organizations' specific needs and preferences. 

With its intuitive and user-friendly interface, navigating and interacting with InvGate Asset Management becomes a breeze, promoting a positive user experience. Furthermore, InvGate Asset Management incorporates a visually appealing Graphical User Interface (GUI) that not only enhances the overall user experience but also promotes ease of use.

On the other hand, Snipe-IT also offers notable usability features. The software enables users to easily track assets, software, consumables, and peripherals, providing a user-friendly and efficient approach to Asset Management. Moreover, the software is customizable, allowing users to add pictures to items and assign them to specific locations or individuals, promoting personalized organization and ease of use. 

However, while Snipe-IT excels in usability, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The initial setup process can be time—and resource-intensive, particularly when importing existing inventory.

Users may encounter challenges with the importing process, which can be clunky and not as intuitive as desired. Additionally, changing default search fields or email configuration may be difficult, limiting customization options in those areas.

Features

Map of methods to create a unified IT asset inventory on InvGate Asset Management.

InvGate Asset Management offers a range of powerful features that enhance ITAM and operational efficiency. It easily integrates and manages comprehensive inventory from various sources, providing a holistic view of assets, locations, and people. With detailed insights into IT infrastructure, users can optimize resources and reduce operational costs. 

Moreover, the CMDB map builder tool streamlines service times, while automated processes and alerts ensure proactive management. The platform also enforces cybersecurity policies, maximizes software efficiency, and offers flexible deployment options. 

In contrast, although Snipe-IT has several strengths that contribute to its effectiveness as an ITAM solution, it's important to consider its limitations. Some users have identified missing features, such as the absence of a calendar booking system or webhooks, which could limit certain functionalities.

Additionally, the platform currently lacks Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication and support for Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) or Google connection for user import, which may hinder integration possibilities. 

Snipe-IT users have also reported occasional limitations in the search functionality, where advanced search capabilities or customization options may be desired. Furthermore, feedback suggests that the mobile dedicated views could be improved to enhance the user experience for mobile users. 

Integrations

invgate-insight-integration-cheat-sheet

InvGate Asset Management provides a complete set of integrations, including seamless integration with its native service desk, InvGate Service Management, offering a 360° view of IT operations. This integration allows for easy linking of tickets with devices and people, facilitating efficient management and streamlined workflows. 

Moreover, the native integration with popular remote desktop tools like Windows Remote Desktop, TeamViewer, AnyDesk, and VNC further enhances InvGate Asset Management's capabilities for effortless remote management, providing direct access to devices for troubleshooting and maintenance tasks.

In contrast, even though Snipe-IT offers a comprehensive API that enables users to automate tasks and integrate with other tools, it lacks integration with ticketing tools, which may require additional manual effort for managing IT operations and workflows.

 

Choose InvGate Asset Management and create your IT asset inventory in 24 hours

What to look for in Asset Management software

Choosing the right IT Asset Management software requires careful consideration of your organization's needs, so let's quickly review some of the things you'll be looking for.

Above all, the software should not only handle the basic tracking of assets but also offer features that enhance your Asset Management processes operational efficiency, provide insightful data, and integrate seamlessly with other systems in use. The ideal solution helps you manage the entire lifecycle of your assets—from acquisition to retirement—without unnecessary complexity.

Furthermore, scalability is one of the key factors. As your organization grows, your Asset Management needs will evolve. Software that can adapt to this growth in terms of additional features and handling a larger volume of assets will save you from needing to switch systems down the line.

Here are some other essential features to consider when evaluating Asset Management software:

  • Inventory tracking: The ability to monitor and manage assets in real time, ensuring accurate records of location, status, and ownership.
  • Lifecycle Management: Tools to oversee the entire lifecycle of assets, from acquisition to disposal, including maintenance schedules and depreciation tracking.
  • Integration capabilities: Seamless integration with other business systems, such as IT Service Management (ITSM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, for a cohesive workflow.
  • Reporting and analytics: Advanced reporting features that provide insights into asset performance, usage patterns, and potential areas for cost savings.
  • Security features: Security is non-negotiable. Your Asset Management software will house sensitive data, and robust security measures must be in place to protect it. Look for software that offers encryption, user access controls, and regular updates to address potential vulnerabilities.


Snipe-IT competitors

If Snipe-IT  is your primary preference, consider comparing it with the following alternatives.:

In conclusion

When considering a Snipe-IT alternative, InvGate Asset Management emerges as a robust and feature-rich IT Asset Management software. It offers a user-friendly interface, customizable options, and seamless integration with various systems.

Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your specific requirements and priorities. But we can tell you that with InvGate, Asset Management is easier. You get a complete ITAM solution to stay on top of your IT environment. Still in doubt? Request our 30-day free trial to see the features for yourself!

 

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