Asset management tasks include those that require applying for and getting approval for something, as well as tasks that must be passed through an acceptance and handling process. For example, the installation of a new device requires a process for obtaining approval from a manager. Also, the details of actually arranging for and distributing the device must be dealt with by persons within the organization responsible for the overall management of the system.

With Asset Information Manager, these types of jobs are performed by creating an Item. An Item is a job that travels along a defined route. An Item can also be thought of as the electronic form used when performing the job.

A task, such as the installation of a device or software program, proceeds through a system as it is sent and received by various parties. This process is referred to as a flow. Flows make it easier to achieve ITIL processing.

Asset management tasks that use flows have the following benefits:

• By creating a single Item, you can process an application without needing to know who will handle the details, thereby making it easier to distribute required information.
• Information to be used by the procedure is registered onto the server, enabling the information to be managed reliably.
• Items can be managed centrally, making it easier to understand how far work related to the task has progressed.
• The use of Items for applying for and approving things also allows Items to be used as draft planning instruments, since all approvals are obtained through a formal processing route.

Furthermore, Asset Information Manager enables more efficient asset management with features, such as linking Items to JP1/Software Distribution to distribute software to the PC that submitted the application, and automatically registering information for problem resolutions as requested by an Item when a problem is resolved.

The figure below shows the concept of performing application and approval tasks by using a flow.

Figure 1-13 Concept of performing application and approval tasks by using a flow