What “good” SAM looks like with the right tool in 2026

Start with data you can trust 

Good SAM starts with accurate, up-to-date information. Without reliable data, decision-making is guesswork, and compliance becomes a constant risk. Modern SAM tools automatically clean, normalise, and reconcile data from multiple sources, including on-premises systems, cloud applications, and SaaS subscriptions. 

With trustworthy data, your team can: 

• Identify software you actually use versus what sits idle 
• Forecast licence needs more accurately 
• Plan renewals and budget effectively 

In short, clean data is the foundation for confident, proactive software management. 

Make SAM continuous, not reactive

SAM isn’t a once-a-year exercise. Traditional approaches often rely on annual audits, leaving organisations vulnerable to waste, compliance gaps, and unexpected costs. In 2026, continuous SAM keeps your data current as your environment changes. 

With the right tool, you can see: 

• Installed and active software 
• Underused or wasted licences 
• Your current compliance position 

This ongoing visibility allows you to spot potential issues early, respond quickly to changes, and avoid last-minute surprises that disrupt operations or budgets. Continuous SAM transforms software management from a reactive chore into a strategic advantage. 

Focus on usage, not just ownership 

Owning licences doesn’t mean they’re actually needed. Modern SAM emphasises usage across your organisation, helping you remove waste and make smarter renewal decisions. With clear usage data, you can: 

• Reassign unused licences 
• Right-size subscriptions 
• Align spend with real demand 

Reduce compliance risk with confidence

Audits still happen but good SAM ensures they’re manageable. The right tool provides insight into your compliance position before a vendor ever gets involved. You can model scenarios, close gaps proactively, and respond calmly, rather than scrambling under pressure. 

Key features include: 

• Accurate entitlement tracking 
• Handling complex licencing rules across vendors 
• Clear, audit-ready reporting 

With these capabilities, your organisation can maintain compliance without constant stress, building trust with stakeholders and vendors alike 

Fit SAM into how you already work

Effective SAM shouldn’t exist in a silo. In 2026, the best tools integrate seamlessly with IT, procurement, and finance systems. They support SaaS, cloud, and hybrid environments, keeping data consistent and teams aligned. 

By embedding SAM into existing workflows, your organisation can maintain visibility and control without adding unnecessary processes or bottlenecks. SAM becomes a natural part of everyday operations, rather than an isolated or burdensome task. 

What good SAM delivers in 2026

It’s not just about counting licences. Good SAM reduces waste, mitigates risk, and enables confident software decisions every day. With the right tool, SAM evolves from a compliance exercise into a strategic asset, one that drives operational efficiency, cost savings, and informed IT planning. 

Take control of your software estate today

Ready to see what good SAM looks like in action? The right software asset management tool simplifies management, optimises spending, and keeps your organization audit-ready, all without the stress of traditional, reactive approaches. Make SAM a continuous, actionable part of your IT strategy and gain full visibility into your software estate in 2026 and beyond.