Cloud Asset Inventory
Open Source Asset Inventory - 10 Solutions to Know in 2026
What Is Open Source IT Asset Management Software? #
Open source IT asset management (ITAM) software helps organizations track and organize their IT assets, such as hardware, software, licenses, and related infrastructure. These solutions are released under licenses that allow users to inspect, modify, and distribute the source code, typically free of cost.
By managing assets in one centralized system, organizations gain real-time visibility into asset status, ownership, location, and usage, which improves efficiency and supports compliance efforts. Compared with proprietary solutions, open source ITAM software offers greater flexibility and cost control.
Organizations can customize the software to fit specific needs and integrate it with other business systems without vendor lock-in. This model also benefits from community-driven support and rapid feature development. Open source options lower the barrier to entry for ITAM, making solid asset management practices accessible to businesses of all sizes.
This is part of a series of articles about cloud observability
In this article:
Key Features of Open Source IT Asset Management Software
Notable Open-Source Asset Management Tools
Key Features of Open Source IT Asset Management Software #
Asset Discovery and Inventory #
Asset discovery automates the detection of all IT assets connected to an organization’s network, ranging from desktops and laptops to servers, virtual machines, network devices, and installed software. Open source ITAM solutions provide tools to scan the network periodically, gather asset data, and compile inventories. This enables IT teams to account for every device, reducing blind spots and enabling stronger governance.
A reliable inventory is the cornerstone of asset management, ensuring that data is current and accurate. These platforms often provide rich metadata about each asset, including hardware specs, installed applications, associated users, and location.
Lifecycle and Status Management #
Managing the asset lifecycle involves tracking assets from procurement through deployment, maintenance, and eventual retirement or disposal. Open source ITAM systems help record these events, maintain status changes, and associate supporting documentation (such as purchase orders and warranties) with each item. This transparency ensures stakeholders always know the state of any asset, crucial for planning, budgeting, and risk management.
Lifecycle management supports proactive maintenance by flagging assets nearing end-of-life or requiring upgrade. Integrated workflows notify IT teams of critical dates and milestones, such as warranty expirations and scheduled refresh cycles. This approach minimizes downtime and reduces the risks associated with aging or unsupported equipment.
Workflow and Process Automation #
Automation features in open source ITAM tools simplify repetitive tasks, such as onboarding new hardware, assigning assets to users, and conducting scheduled audits. Automated workflows reduce manual data entry and minimize human errors. For example, upon receipt of a new laptop, a workflow can allocate the device, initialize asset records, trigger setup tasks, and notify users or administrators.
Process automation extends to asset check-ins and checkouts, approvals for hardware requests, and automated updates to asset status following maintenance or replacements. Rules-based automation adapts to organizational policies, ensuring that procedures are consistent and compliant. This frees IT staff to focus on value-added activities.
Software License and Usage Management #
Open source ITAM software can track software installations across devices, monitor license usage, and help organizations stay compliant with vendor agreements. It catalogs purchased licenses and maps them to specific users or devices, flagging discrepancies and excess usage. This insight helps optimize license spending by redistributing underused licenses or identifying over-provisioned assets.
Tracking software usage is essential for avoiding compliance gaps and unplanned costs during audits. Detailed usage data enables planning future purchases and negotiating renewals. Automation features can alert administrators to unauthorized or expired software installations, minimizing security vulnerabilities and ensuring continuous alignment with regulatory requirements.
Reporting and Analytics #
Dashboards and reporting features in open source ITAM tools deliver actionable insights into the asset environment. Customizable reports may include asset allocation summaries, upcoming expiry alerts, depreciation schedules, and audit trails. Visualizations present trends in procurement, utilization, and maintenance, aiding data-driven decision-making.
Analytics capabilities extend to tracking cost centers, identifying surplus or underutilized assets, and measuring adherence to service level agreements (SLAs). Built-in and user-defined metrics enable continuous improvement by highlighting bottlenecks and uncovering opportunities for cost reduction.
Notable Open-Source Asset Management Tools #
1. CloudQuery #
CloudQuery is an open core data movement platform which makes it easy for users to build an open source asset inventory using the database tool of their choice. CloudQuery offers lightning fast data movement and its API makes it straightforward to create integrations for data movement to and from the platforms of your choice.
Key Features Include
- Broad coverage of cloud resources: Extensive support for multiple tables across cloud platforms makes it straightforward to report on databases, VMs, load balancers and more
- Multi-account support: Consolidate information from multiple accounts on the same or multiple cloud platforms to one destination
- Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux environments.
- Self-hosted: No data leaves your own infrastructure when you're using the product
- Regular updates: Frequent updates from the team that maintains the paid CloudQuery tool.
2. Snipe-IT #
Snipe-IT is an open source IT asset management solution to help organizations track physical assets like laptops, accessories, and software licenses. Built on the Laravel framework, it uses a standard MVC structure and runs on a LAMP or IIS stack, making it accessible across Linux, Windows, and macOS environments.
Key features include:
- Web-based interface: Runs in any modern browser via a web server; no desktop installation needed
- Cross-platform support: Compatible with Linux, Windows, and macOS environments
- Asset tracking: Assigns hardware, software licenses, and accessories to specific users
- REST API: Offers a JSON-based API for automation and integration
- Frequent updates: Regular releases with new features and bug fixes
3. GLPI #
GLPI (Gestionnaire Libre de Parc Informatique) is an open source platform for IT asset and service management, aligned with ITIL best practices. It enables organizations to manage hardware, software, tickets, contracts, and financials in a unified system. From version 10 onward, GLPI includes native dynamic inventory features, keeping the configuration database up to date without relying on third-party tools.
Key features include:
- Dynamic asset inventory: Tracks hardware, software, peripherals, and network components with real-time inventory updates
- Service desk: Manages incidents, service requests, and problems using ITIL-aligned workflows
- Change management: Enables planning and controlled execution of IT changes to reduce operational risks
- Knowledge base: Includes FAQs and solution repositories to support faster issue resolution
- Contract and vendor management: Maintains contracts, documents, and contacts in alignment with supplier management best practices
4. CMDBuild #
CMDBuild is an open source, web-based platform for building custom asset management applications. Rather than offering a fixed system, it provides an environment where organizations can design, model, and configure their own CMDB (configuration management database) to match internal processes and asset structures.
Key features include:
- Customizable database modeling: Define and extend data structures to match the organization’s asset types and relationships
- Workflow engine: Configure and automate complex business processes for asset lifecycle, approvals, and maintenance
- Dashboard and reporting tools: Create interactive dashboards and reports to monitor asset data and KPIs
- Web services integration: Connect with external systems through APIs and standard web service interfaces
- GIS and BIM support: Georeference assets on maps or view them within 3D building models
5. OCS Inventory NG #
OCS Inventory NG (Open Computers and Software Inventory Next Generation) is an open source solution for tracking IT assets and managing software and hardware inventory across networks. It uses lightweight agents installed on devices to collect information about hardware components, installed software, and network configurations.
Key features include:
- Agent-based inventory: Collects software and hardware information from servers, desktops, and network devices
- Unified asset model: Combines SNMP and computer data into a single inventory structure (in version 3.0)
- API-driven backend (upcoming): Enables easier import/export and better third-party integration
- lexible inventory modeling: Allows modification of inventory structures directly from the server
- Modern web interface (upcoming): Redesigned UI improves usability and administration experience
6. Ralph #
Ralph is an open source asset management, data center infrastructure management (DCIM), and configuration management database (CMDB) system for managing both physical and non-physical assets across data centers and back office environments. It supports the entire asset lifecycle, from purchase to decommission, and offers features for operational teams.
Key features include:
- End-to-end asset lifecycle: Tracks purchases, deployment, service assignment, and decommissioning of assets
- Data center and back office support: Manages servers, racks, rooms, printers, desktops, mobile devices, and accessories
- DCIM visualization: Built-in graphical tools to visualize rack layouts, server rooms, and asset positions
- Service and environment mapping: Organizes assets by service and environment (e.g., production, test) to aid deployment and patching strategies
- Model and service setup: Simplified creation of hardware models and business services with support for categories and owners
7. OpenBoxes #
OpenBoxes is an open source inventory management system built by supply chain professionals to address the needs of organizations operating in resource-limited environments. It supports multi-facility, multi-location inventory management and provides visibility over stock levels, movements, and expirations.
Key features include:
- Inventory management: Manage inventory by facility, bin, lot/serial number, and expiration date across multiple locations and regions
- Stock card tracking: Maintain records of stock history, including debits, credits, and adjustments with metadata such as cost, suppliers, and manufacturers
- Stock movements and transfers: Handle workflows from supplier to depot or consumption site, with support for substitutions, packing lists, and customs documentation
- FEFO automation: Automatically select stock based on first-to-expire-first-out principles to minimize waste
- Cycle counting and adjustments: Suggest cycle counts by location and track reasons for adjustments like expiry, damage, or loss
8. Tracmor #
Tracmor is a cloud-based inventory management solution for organizations that need a simple way to track consumable supplies and individual assets. Its web-based interface allows users to manage inventory from any location, making it suitable for distributed teams and remote operations. It supports barcodes and QR codes to simplify stock handling.
Key features include:
- Web-based access: Manage inventory from anywhere via browser with no software installation required
- Consumables & asset tracking: Supports both bulk inventory and individually tracked items using unique IDs
- Barcode & QR code integration: Accelerates restocking and take-out processes using scannable labels
- Stock location management: Define areas and locations to organize and monitor quantity levels at a granular level
- Inventory transfers: Move inventory between locations quickly and record transfer data automatically
9. FusionInventory #
FusionInventory is an open source IT asset management and discovery solution that integrates with platforms like GLPI, OCS Inventory, and GSIT. It provides an agent-based system for hardware and software inventory, as well as network and SNMP-based discovery. It is derived from the OCS Inventory UNIX agent and GLPI Tracker plugin.
Key features include:
- Cross-platform agent: A modular and portable agent for Linux, Windows, and other operating systems
- Hardware inventory: Collects detailed hardware data including BIOS, memory, CPU, and other components
- Software inventory: Captures installed applications and versions across workstations and servers
- SNMP-based discovery: Inventories switches, printers, and other SNMP-compatible devices Network scanning: Detects and catalogs devices connected to the network through active scans
10. AssetTiger #
AssetTiger is a cloud-based asset management platform that helps organizations track, manage, and audit their physical assets, ranging from IT equipment and tools to vehicles and furnitureIt’s free to get started and widely used by schools, non-profits, and businesses to reduce asset loss, simplify audits, and maintain control of their inventories.
Key features include:
- Web-based and cloud hosted: Accessible from any browser with no installation required
- Asset tracking: Manage and track physical assets including IT hardware, tools, furniture, and vehicles
- Multi-user acces: Supports team collaboration with customizable permission levels; unlimited users on paid plans
- Barcode scanning: Use barcodes to check in/out items and speed up data entry Check-in/check-out management: Track asset custody and usage with detailed logs
How to Choose Open Source IT Asset Management Software #
Choosing the right open source IT asset management (ITAM) software depends on your organization's size, infrastructure, compliance needs, and technical capabilities. Unlike proprietary solutions, open source tools often require more configuration and maintenance effort, so the right fit balances flexibility with manageability.
Below are key considerations to guide your selection:
- Scope of asset tracking: Evaluate whether the tool supports the full range of assets you manage—physical hardware, virtual infrastructure, software licenses, network devices, and mobile assets. Some tools specialize in hardware tracking, while others offer deeper capabilities for software, contracts, or consumables.
- Integration with existing systems: Assess how well the software integrates with your existing ecosystem (e.g., directory services, help desks, monitoring tools, ERP systems). REST APIs, webhooks, and plugin architectures are critical for building workflows across systems.
- Automation and workflow support: Look for built-in automation for routine tasks like onboarding, approvals, maintenance scheduling, or asset retirement. Workflow engines and rules-based actions can significantly reduce manual overhead and improve compliance.
- Inventory collection methods: Consider how inventory data is collected—via agents, agentless scans, SNMP, or manual entry. Tools that support hybrid discovery models offer more flexibility across diverse environments and device types.
- Data model flexibility: Determine whether the system allows custom fields, relationships, or asset classes. Flexible modeling is essential for adapting to non-standard assets or evolving internal processes.
- User and permission management: Multi-user support with role-based permissions is critical for secure and scalable use. Ensure the platform allows fine-grained access control, especially for larger teams or multi-tenant environments.
- Reporting and audit capabilities: Ensure the platform includes customizable reports, audit trails, and export options. These features are essential for demonstrating compliance, optimizing resource allocation, and responding to internal or external audits.
Community and documentation**: Strong community support and comprehensive documentation are key indicators of long-term viability. Look for active forums, regular releases, and publicly available setup and troubleshooting guides.
- Deployment and maintenance requirements: Understand the infrastructure and skills needed to deploy and maintain the software. Some systems require significant server-side configuration or database management, while others offer ready-to-use Docker containers or cloud hosting options.
- Security and access controls: Investigate how the platform handles user authentication, encryption, and audit logging. Support for features like SSO, 2FA, or LDAP/Active Directory integration is increasingly important in enterprise environments.