This article is for IT managers.
Definition of Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that you can see and touch. It includes all the mechanical, electronic, and electrical parts that make up a computer and its peripheral devices. For an IT manager of a small to medium-sized business, understanding different types of hardware is crucial because the right selection and maintenance of these devices can significantly impact the company's efficiency and productivity.
Types of hardware commonly used in small and medium-sized businesses:
- Computers and laptops: Essential work tools for employees.
- Mobile phones: Used for communication, accessing emails, managing schedules, and running business applications.
- Servers: Used for data storage, hosting applications, and managing network services.
- Networking devices: Routers, switches, and firewalls for managing and securing the company network.
- Printers and scanners: For printing and digitizing documents.
- Storage devices: External hard drives, NAS (Network Attached Storage) for backup and data sharing.
- Monitors: Displays for workstations.
- Peripheral devices: Keyboards, mice, webcams, and other accessories.
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Provides backup power and protects hardware from power surges and outages
What typically include IT hardware in small and medium companies?
Hardware such as this is crucial when it comes to the running of your business. Typical small and medium company uses variety of IT hardware.
IT Equipment (End-User Hardware used by Employees)
- Personal Computers (Laptops, Desktops)
- Phones – Includes all employee phones or mobile devices
- Monitors, Docking Stations
- Mobile Devices (Company Phones, Tablets)
- Peripherals and other IT Equipment & Other IT Equipment (Keyboards, Mice, Headsets, Webcams)
- Printers, Scanners
- Conference Room Equipment (Projectors, Smart TVs, Video Conferencing Systems)
- External Storage (Flash Drives, External HDDs)
- SIM cards – Whether used in phones, devices, or IoT systems
2. IT Infrastructure (Back-End & Network Components) - hardware hidden behind the curtain
- Servers (Both Physical and Cloud-Based)
- Network Equipment (Routers, Switches, Firewalls, Access Points)
- Storage Systems (NAS, SAN, Backup Servers)
- Virtualization & Cloud Solutions
- Security Devices (Firewalls, Antivirus, Intrusion Detection Systems)
- UPS & Backup Power Sources – Backup power supplies that provide temporary power in case of outages or voltage fluctuations, protecting IT assets from potential damage.
How Aptien helps you manage your IT hardware
- Assign particular IT hardware to your employees enables to see who has the IT hardware now
- Have more control over the IT hardware maintenance schedule – Keeping all of your IT hardware in good working order is essential. Knowing when pieces of equipment need to undergo maintenance allows you to keep them in the best possible working order.
- Organise your inventory levels – Should you have 200 employees, you may need 200 computers, for example. Knowing you have enough computers for everyone means each employee has the tools to work effectively.
- Eliminate the possibility of ghost assets – with precise inventory, IT hardware is less likely to go missing.
How to manage IT hardware and why it matters, Hardware Inventory Management
Tracking, organizing, and controlling all IT hardware assets within an organization is important from various reasons.
- Resource Optimization: Efficiently manage hardware resources.
- Security Enhancement: Prevent unauthorized access.
- Compliance and Licensing: Ensure license compliance.
- Risk Mitigation: Reduce theft and loss risks.