Implementation
7-day rollout

First 7 days: IT asset tracking implementation

A day-by-day plan for small IT teams to go from “spreadsheet drift” to a repeatable workflow: register → tags → assignments → returns → first verification.

This plan assumes laptops + peripherals, not warehouse stock. Use templates: CSV register, return checklist.

Day 0 (prep): define scope and success

  • pick what you’re tracking first: laptops + docks/chargers/adapters
  • choose one owner for record changes
  • define “done”: every laptop has serial + assignee/location + status

Day 1: create the register

Start with a simple CSV register and standardize names/statuses.

  • import your current spreadsheet
  • ensure every laptop has a serial number
  • set consistent statuses (Assigned / In storage / Missing)

Template: IT asset register template (CSV).

Day 2: define tagging and apply labels

  • choose QR by default (fast adoption)
  • label laptops first, then the top peripherals
  • don’t print personal data on tags

Guide: IT asset tagging best practices. Comparison: NFC vs QR.

Day 3: assign ownership and lock down edits

  • require assignee for laptops (default)
  • restrict who can change assignments/status
  • make most users read-only

RBAC guide: role-based permissions. Lightweight process: minimum viable ITAM.

Day 4: standardize returns (policy + checklist)

Offboarding is where drift becomes loss. Define closure.

  • adopt a return policy (timing, shipping, verification)
  • use the offboarding return checklist every time
  • treat peripherals as a kit

Use: return policy template, offboarding checklist, kit checklist.

Day 5: run your first verification session

Run a small audit session so the register becomes reality.

  • pick a scope (one office/team)
  • verify physically (scan/see it)
  • reconcile mismatches immediately

Checklist: IT asset audit checklist. SOP: how to run inventory sessions.

Day 6: schedule quarterly cadence + follow-up workflow

  • set quarterly audit cadence for laptops/peripherals
  • set monthly cadence for spares/loaners if you have them
  • create an owner+deadline follow-up loop for missing/unconfirmed items

Cadence guide: monthly vs quarterly. Quarterly runbook: quarterly playbook.

Day 7: review metrics and set the next improvement

  • count unverified assets
  • count unknown-owner assets
  • capture the top 3 failure points from the first week

If you want dashboard thinking, see: KPI dashboard guide.

Next guides to read