Planned obsolescence and asset retirement

Unused assets are difficult to track because they are usually not connected to the network. Enabling effective asset tracking and avoiding a surplus of assets requires that any increase in the asset stock should be accompanied by a corresponding decrease - either an exit or retirement - in older assets, linked to the new acquisition. Simply put, bringing new equipment into the organization should lead to older assets leaving the organization.

The process by which retired assets are disposed of must, in all cases, adhere to defined standards, procedures, and restrictions for the disposition/disposal of IT hardware and software in a legal, cost-effective manner, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, regulating waste and respecting copyright and software licensing.

The core ITAM team, along with security and infrastructure teams should define the processes and methods for asset retirement and disposal. Common disposal events include:

• Obsolescence
• Lack of continued need
• Unable to upgrade required hardware or software
• Damage
• Excessive maintenance cost
• Replacement equipment or software received