Start with clean, connected data

AI is only as good as the data it works with. If your asset inventory is incomplete, inconsistent, or scattered across systems, the results will be unreliable. Focus on:

• Standardizing naming conventions across hardware, software, vendors, and locations
• Eliminating duplicates and consolidating fragmented records
• Filling in gaps where metadata or usage details are missing
• Integrating sources to build a single, trustworthy source of truth

Map and streamline your core ITAM processes

AI performs best in structured, repeatable environments. That means your processes need to be clearly defined and documented. Ask yourself:

• How do we currently identify unused software or underutilized assets?
• Where do manual steps create slowdown like during renewals, audits, or compliance checks?
• What tasks could be simplified or automated with the right support?

Even small improvements, like automating renewal reminders or flagging unusual usage, set the stage for smarter, AI-enhanced workflows later.

Invest in tools that are built for what’s next

Your ITAM platform doesn’t need to be “AI-first” today but it should be ready for what’s coming. Look for platforms that offer:

• Strong integration capabilities (APIs, connectors, cloud readiness)
• Scalable data handling for growing asset and usage volumes
• Built-in analytics or early-stage AI features
• Transparent roadmaps showing how AI capabilities will evolve

Upskill your team to work alongside AI

AI won’t replace your ITAM team but it will change their role. Your team will spend less time gathering data and more time interpreting and acting on it. Support your team by:

• Building data literacy – helping them understand trends, anomalies, and insight quality
• Encouraging critical thinking about what AI outputs mean
• Training them to ask smarter question like “Why did the AI flag this?” or “What action should follow this alert?”

Focus on business outcomes, not just technology

The goal isn’t to “use AI.” It’s to:

• Cut software overspend
• Respond faster to compliance risks
• Improve audit readiness
• Make smarter asset lifecycle decisions

Start by identifying the outcomes that matter most to your organization. Then align your AI preparation efforts around those results. That’s how you’ll gain buy-in and long-term impact.

AI in ITAM starts with the basics

Getting ready for AI isn’t about chasing trends or waiting for a perfect product. It’s about strengthening what you already control, your data, your processes, and your people.

That way, when AI arrives (and it will), your ITAM practice won’t just be ready for it. It’ll be ready to make the most of it.