{"id":34402,"date":"2026-01-21T10:47:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T10:47:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/?p=34402"},"modified":"2026-01-21T10:58:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T10:58:44","slug":"what-good-sam-looks-like-with-the-right-tool-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/en-gb\/resources\/what-good-sam-looks-like-with-the-right-tool-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What \u201cgood\u201d SAM looks like with the right tool in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\">\n         \n    <div class=\"modal fade embed_modal\" id=\"form_block-block_4d76470ca651cbdb4fc2a275a3fd1927\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"dialog\"\n        aria-labelledby=\"team_block-block_4d76470ca651cbdb4fc2a275a3fd1927Title\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n        <div class=\"modal-dialog modal-dialog-centered\" role=\"document\">\n            <div class=\"modal-content\">\n                <div class=\"modal-header\">\n                    <span id=\"team_block-block_4d76470ca651cbdb4fc2a275a3fd1927Title\" class=\"sr-only\">Embed Code Modal<\/span>\n                    <button type=\"button\" class=\"close\" data-dismiss=\"modal\" aria-label=\"Close\">\n                        <span aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <i class=\"far fa-times\"><\/i>\n                        <\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"modal-body p-5\">\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n     \n\n    <section id=\"block-block_4d76470ca651cbdb4fc2a275a3fd1927\"\n        class=\" internal-banner-block theme-bg-image\"\n         style=\"background: url(https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/LDFY261-scaled.jpg)\" >\n                        <div class=\"container hover_bg\">\n                                                    <div class=\"row m-0 w-100\">\n                        <div class=\"col-xl-6 col-lg-6 col-md-11 col-sm-11 col-11 my-auto\">\n                                                            <h1 style=\"color: rgb(255,255,255);\">\n                                    What \u201cgood\u201d SAM looks like with the right tool in 2026                                <\/h1>\n                            \n                            \n                            \n                            \n                                                                                        \n                                                    <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"col-xl-6 col-lg-6 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-12 text-right\">\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\t \n\n\t     <section id=\"block-block_be6713d79c641aa234536f6cb5585640\" class=\"breadcrumb_holder pt-5 pb-5 p-0 m-0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\" >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row w-100 m-0\"> \n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-md-12 my-auto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span><span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">Resource<\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n          \n\n    <section id=\"block-block_91b8e934e3424d149a063f46efed8099\" class=\"news-content-block\">  \n        <div class=\"container\">  \n         \n            <div class=\"post_det page-0\">\n                <p>21st January 2026<\/p>\n                <p>Michaela Gray<\/p>\n                <p class=\"cat\">\n                                    Blog<span>,<\/span>\n                 \n                <\/p> \n            <\/div>\n        \n            <div class=\"row m-0 w-100\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"w-100 row mt-4 mb-4 ic ml-0 mr-0 col-12\">\n                            <div class=\"ord-1 my-auto\">\n                                <div class=\"col-xl-11 col-lg-11 col-md-12 col-12 p-0 mll\">\n                                  \n                                    <h3 ><\/h3>\n                                 \n\n                                                                    <p><span style=\"font-size: 22px;\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW176046170 BCX0\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW234358279 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW234358279 BCX0\">Effective <a href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/it-asset-visibility\/software-asset-management\/\">software asset management (SAM)<\/a> in 2026 delivers clear, reliable insight into your software estate without adding overhead. You know what you own, what\u2019s in use, and where risks lie, not just during audits or renewals.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW234358279 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW234358279 BCX0\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91140807 BCX0\">The right tool makes that visibility constant, actionable, and easy to integrate into everyday operations. It <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91140807 BCX0\">doesn\u2019t<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91140807 BCX0\">\u00a0just track licenses; it helps you\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91140807 BCX0\">optimise<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW91140807 BCX0\">\u00a0spend, improve compliance, and drive smarter IT decisions.<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n                                \n                                                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                                                                <div class=\"ord-2 my-auto\" >\n                                                                                                                                    <img class=\"wpsmartcrop-image\" src=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/LD-FY25-Q3-Blogs-FinOps-How-to-navigate-the-FinOps-lifecycle-Webpage-image-2.png\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                                                                    \n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/div>                           \n                                                            <\/div>\n        <\/div> \n    <\/section> \n\n    \n\n\n\n          \n\n    <section id=\"block-block_54863551377e9444e89f5c6e1d1ebb58\" class=\"news-content-block\">  \n        <div class=\"container\">  \n        \n            <div class=\"row m-0 w-100\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"w-100 row mt-4 mb-4 ic ml-0 mr-0 col-12\">\n                            <div class=\"col-12 p-0 my-auto\">\n                                <div class=\"col-xl-12 col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-12 p-0 mll\">\n                                  \n                                    <h3 ><\/h3>\n                                 \n\n                                                                    <h2><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW96057012 BCX0\">Start with data you can trust<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW96057012 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With trustworthy data, your team can:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identify\u00a0software you\u00a0actually use\u00a0versus what sits idle<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Forecast licence needs more accurately<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Plan renewals and budget effectively<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In short, clean data is the foundation for confident, proactive software management.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW39892919 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW39892919 BCX0\">Make SAM continuous, not reactive<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/software-asset-management-services\/\">SAM<\/a> isn\u2019t 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With the right tool, you can see:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Installed and active software<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Underused or wasted licences<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Your current compliance position<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span class=\"TextRun SCXW230275694 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW230275694 BCX0\">Focus on usage, not just ownership<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Owning licences doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re actually needed. Modern SAM emphasises usage across your organisation, helping you remove waste and make smarter renewal decisions. With clear usage data, you can:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reassign unused licences<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Right-size subscriptions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Align spend with real demand<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                                \n                                                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                                                                                    <\/div>                           \n                                                            <\/div>\n        <\/div> \n    <\/section> \n\n    \n\n\n\n          \n\n    \n    <section id=\"block-block_8483f1085f96404a48fb2d15b4f97e4e\" class=\"side-image-cta-block\" style=\"background: rgba(232,169,187,0.33);\">\n        <div\n            class=\"container-fluid p-0 align-left  hover_bg\">\n            <div class=\"row m-0 w-100 justify-content-center\">\n                <div class=\"col-xl-8 col-lg-8 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-12 row m-0\">\n                                            <div class=\"my-auto col text-center\">\n                            <img src=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/LD-FY25-Q3-New-Nav-Pages-Website-Icons9.png\" alt=\"\"  \/>\n                        <\/div>\n                    \n                    <div class=\"my-auto col-xl-10 col-lg-10 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-12 pt-5 pb-5\">\n                                                                                    <h3 style=\"color: ;\">IT and SAM news delivered straight to you<\/h3>\n                                                    \n                        \n                        \n                                                                                    <div class=\"mt-4 w-100\">\n                                    <script charset=\"utf-8\" type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/js.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/v2.js\"><\/script>\r\n<script>\r\n  hbspt.forms.create({\r\n    portalId: \"5756203\",\r\n    formId: \"8da47982-caa6-41d7-bff3-9f246492dd55\"\r\n  });\r\n<\/script>                                <\/div>\n                                                    \n                        \n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n          \n\n    <section id=\"block-block_1da8a63420d09587d4c6747739ef2838\" class=\"news-content-block\">  \n        <div class=\"container\">  \n        \n            <div class=\"row m-0 w-100\">\n                                                                    <div class=\"w-100 row mt-4 mb-4 ic ml-0 mr-0 col-12\">\n                            <div class=\"col-12 p-0 my-auto\">\n                                <div class=\"col-xl-12 col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-12 p-0 mll\">\n                                  \n                                    <h3 ><\/h3>\n                                 \n\n                                                                    <h2><span class=\"TextRun SCXW112672572 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW112672572 BCX0\">Reduce compliance risk with confidence<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/it-risk-mitigation\/audit-support\/\">Audits<\/a> still happen but good SAM ensures\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0manageable. 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Key features include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Accurate entitlement tracking<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Handling complex licencing rules across vendors<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clear, audit-ready reporting<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With these capabilities, your organisation can maintain compliance without constant stress, building trust with stakeholders and vendors alike<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fit SAM into how you already work<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Effective SAM\u00a0shouldn\u2019t\u00a0exist 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What good SAM delivers in 2026<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW214682696 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW214682696 BCX0\">It\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW214682696 BCX0\"> 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.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW214682696 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Take control of your software estate today<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW195332394 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW195332394 BCX0\">Ready to see what good SAM looks like in action? The right software asset management tool simplifies management,\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW195332394 BCX0\">optimises<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW195332394 BCX0\">\u00a0spending, 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.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW195332394 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n                                \n                                                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n\n                                                                                    <\/div>                           \n                                                            <\/div>\n        <\/div> \n    <\/section> \n\n     \n                            <section class=\"news-content-block author\">  \n                <div class=\"container\">  \n                    <div class=\"w-100 row pt-5 pb-5\">\n                        <div class=\"col-xl-2 col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-12 my-auto\">\n                                                        <span class=\"auth_p\">  \n                                <img src=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Michaela-Gray_1x1.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/span>\n                             \n                        <\/div>\n\n                        <div class=\"col-xl-10 col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-12 my-auto\">\n                                                            <p>Michaela has worked within the industry for over 11 years, both within sales and marketing. She works closely with the team to support them with all their marketing needs and maintains and promotes the License Dashboard brand.<\/p>\n                            \n                                                            <p class=\"name\">Michaela Gray<\/p>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>      \n            <\/section> \n                \n\n\n\n          \n\n    <section id=\"block-block_21d3a6f0159e110f1dbd83cbc0cbbe3e\" class=\"more-news-slider-block\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n            <div class=\"w-100\">\n                                                            <h2 style=\"color: ;\">\n                            Further reading                        <\/h2>\n                                    \n\n                                    <div class=\"more-news-slider dark-slick-arrows slick-hide\">\n                         \n                            <div class=\"item latest-news-block\">\n                                <div class=\"news-slider h-100\">\n                                    <div class=\"item h-100\">\n                                        <div class=\"bg bg-white h-100\">\n                                                                                            <img src=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/shutterstock_632956724-1.jpg\"                                                     alt=\"The risks of Shadow IT: how to discover and eliminate hidden threats\" \/>\n                                            \n                                            <div class=\"w-100 cont\">\n                                                <h4>The risks of Shadow IT: how to discover and eliminate hidden threats<\/h4>\n                                                <p>Understanding cloud and application migration is essential as more and more organisations begin to move&hellip;<\/p>\n                                            <\/div>\n\n                                            <div class=\"w-100 mt-auto\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/en-gb\/resources\/shadow-it-discover-and-eliminate-threats\/\" class=\"btn btn-arrow-dark\">Read more<\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                         \n                            <div class=\"item latest-news-block\">\n                                <div class=\"news-slider h-100\">\n                                    <div class=\"item h-100\">\n                                        <div class=\"bg bg-white h-100\">\n                                                                                            <img src=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/shutterstock_2604008929-1-scaled.jpg\"                                                     alt=\"ITAM and FinOps: Why it\u2019s time these two worlds collide\" \/>\n                                            \n                                            <div class=\"w-100 cont\">\n                                                <h4>ITAM and FinOps: Why it\u2019s time these two worlds collide<\/h4>\n                                                <p>Discover why ITAM and FinOps must work together to give your organisation complete visibility and&hellip;<\/p>\n                                            <\/div>\n\n                                            <div class=\"w-100 mt-auto\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/en-gb\/resources\/itam-and-finops-why-its-time-these-two-worlds-collide\/\" class=\"btn btn-arrow-dark\">Read more<\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                         \n                            <div class=\"item latest-news-block\">\n                                <div class=\"news-slider h-100\">\n                                    <div class=\"item h-100\">\n                                        <div class=\"bg bg-white h-100\">\n                                                                                            <img src=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2512678843-1.jpg\"                                                     alt=\"Why traditional SAM tools struggle in a subscription-first world\" \/>\n                                            \n                                            <div class=\"w-100 cont\">\n                                                <h4>Why traditional SAM tools struggle in a subscription-first world<\/h4>\n                                                <p>Discover why traditional SAM tools struggle with subscription software. Learn how centralised visibility simplifies tracking,&hellip;<\/p>\n                                            <\/div>\n\n                                            <div class=\"w-100 mt-auto\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/en-gb\/resources\/why-traditional-sam-tools-struggle-in-a-subscription-first-world\/\" class=\"btn btn-arrow-dark\">Read more<\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                         \n                            <div class=\"item latest-news-block\">\n                                <div class=\"news-slider h-100\">\n                                    <div class=\"item h-100\">\n                                        <div class=\"bg bg-white h-100\">\n                                                                                            <img src=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2512678843-1.jpg\"                                                     alt=\"AI in ITAM: how AI could transform ITAM\" \/>\n                                            \n                                            <div class=\"w-100 cont\">\n                                                <h4>AI in ITAM: how AI could transform ITAM<\/h4>\n                                                <p>Discover how AI can transform IT Asset Management, improving visibility, optimising licensing, reducing risk, and&hellip;<\/p>\n                                            <\/div>\n\n                                            <div class=\"w-100 mt-auto\">\n                                                <a href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/en-gb\/resources\/ai-in-itam-how-ai-could-transform-itam\/\" class=\"btn btn-arrow-dark\">Read more<\/a>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n          \n\n    \n    <section id=\"block-block_1456d52f179fe8985211aef50be146ee\" class=\"cta-content-block theme-bg-alt\">\n        <div class=\"container style-alt\">\n            <div class=\"row m-0 w-100\">\n                <div class=\"col-xl-12 col-lg-12 col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-12 my-auto\">\n                                            <a class=\"btn-\" href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/resources\/free-it-health-check\/\"\n                            target=\"_self\"                                 data-aos=\"fade-up\" >\n                            Contact us for a full online demo and free IT Health Check                        <\/a>\n                    \n                    \n                    \n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Discover what effective software asset management looks like in 2026. Gain control, reduce waste, and keep your software estate audit-ready.","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":34462,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[180],"tags":[220,221,225],"class_list":["post-34402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en-gb","tag-finance-en-gb","tag-it-en-gb","tag-itam-en-gb"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What \u201cgood\u201d SAM looks like with the right tool in 2026 - License Dashboard<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover what effective software asset management looks like in 2026. Gain control, reduce waste, and keep your software estate audit-ready.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/en-gb\/resources\/what-good-sam-looks-like-with-the-right-tool-in-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What \u201cgood\u201d SAM looks like with the right tool in 2026 - License Dashboard\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover what effective software asset management looks like in 2026. Gain control, reduce waste, and keep your software estate audit-ready.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/en-gb\/resources\/what-good-sam-looks-like-with-the-right-tool-in-2026\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"License Dashboard\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-21T10:47:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-21T10:58:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/licensedashboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/shutterstock_2512678843-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1125\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Michaela Gray\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Ben-Murden@phoenixs.co.uk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Michaela Gray\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What \u201cgood\u201d SAM looks like with the right tool in 2026 - License Dashboard","description":"Discover what effective software asset management looks like in 2026. 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