How to keep track of many computers?

May 7, 2009 1:19 PM

I need an inventory management system to keep track of computer hardware and its users.

Here's a simplified description:
I've got 500 computers, 300 monitors, 200 people, and 100 offices. I want to assign a unique identifier (UID) and barcode to each.

I want a database of these UIDs, so I can do a query and know that Computer 123 and Monitor 257 are in Office 23 and used by User 12. And if Computer 123 and Monitor 257 are moved to Office 17 I want to be able to update the database. And, when needed, get a printout of the database and know where everything is and who's using it. When I get a new computer, I create a new UID, print a new barcode based on that UID, scan the barcode, and import it into the database.

So I think I'll need 1) software to create the barcodes and manage the UID database, and 2) hardware: scanner/PDA to scan and printer to print the barcodes.

Our backend infrastructure is Unix so I won't buy MS-SQL Server and would rather not be locked in to proprietary or M$ software. Big bonus if it'll play nice with Apache and MySQL. Bigger bonus if I can put a web front end on the database.

I would appreciate some suggestions for vendors, solutions, and implementation ideas.

posted by the matching mole to computers & internet (3 comments total)

Flat spreadsheet.

With that little equipment, you don't need barcodes, its not like you're checking equipment in and out that often either. Just get a little label printer and you should be set.
posted by wongcorgi at 3:39 PM on May 7

I don't have a recommendation but it's usually called "asset tracking". So that'll at least start your google engine.
posted by chairface at 4:21 PM on May 7

Build on Spiceworks and what it stores?

Put some sort of location identifier and asset number as the computer name (a good standardized naming structure rocks), and let this do some magic?
posted by deezil at 6:28 PM on May 7