The latest generation of AI tools in 2023 came with great fanfare, and for good reason, it was warranted. This generation was a massive leap in capabilities beyond what we had seen from earlier generations. But as is with all new technologies comes the hype, and there is a lot of it. This article, published in January of 2024, addresses this hype and reset expectations regarding ITAM and AI.
Question: Will AI replace IT Asset Managers?
Answer: Yes! No! Maybe?
Anyone who answers "yes" or "no" to this question is not giving you good advice. The fact is, we don't know at this time. However, given the lack of quality and quantity of IT Asset Management (ITAM) data, it's hard for me to imagine that AI can be effective.
Imagine an ITAM repository complete with data from all sources – ITAM, finance, legal, HR, IT, IT service desk, cyber security, and vendor management. Do you have this? IT asset managers are data quality engineers responsible for communicating the ITAM program's requirements to the functional areas and working with them to define processes that capture the data required by ITAM. Now, an AI tool that understands a complete ITAM program may be able to assess your ITAM program.
Next is SAM, or more accurately, LAM. Software licenses are a cross between legal and art. They are as much marketing documents as they are legal documents. They are ambiguous. How can AI accurately determine if your software use complies with an incomplete definition of compliance? Will the software publishers be motivated to create license language that clearly defines compliance that can then be used by an AI tool to audit software installations? This would require a shift in software publishers' business practices. If this happens, then the LAM position may be replaced by AI.
Finally, beware of perception. I know of too many ITAM groups whose staffs were reduced because of an economic downturn. That tells me either the ITAM program wasn't in a position to save the organization's money, or executive management didn't understand the value of ITAM. Sales is 100% perception, and if executive management is sold a solution that can replace IT asset managers with an AI tool, they just may take the bait.
As an IT asset manager, make sure your leadership knows you and your ITAM program's value and keep them updated. Keep your head up and keep informed about what's changing in the industry. As an IT asset manager, you must be a self-developer – someone who is committed to learning. One final note – know how to identify hype and control your reaction.