The IT asset management (ITAM) processes outlined in ISO/IEC 19770-1 provide a framework for organizations to demonstrate that they are carrying out software asset management to a standard that satisfies corporate governance requirements and ensures effective support for IT asset management as a whole. There are 27 process areas in ISO/IEC 19770-1, each with clear objectives and consequences. The ITSM standard is associated with service management (ISO/IEC 20000-1). The standard also encourages using a tier-based strategy, which enables enterprises to adopt ITAM procedures that are appropriate for their needs and scale.
Every organization can lower the risk of over- or under-purchasing executable and non-executable software assets with the help of effective IT asset management, which also works to ensure the security of those assets by efficiently tracking and supporting them throughout the entire software and IT lifecycle. Additionally, because of the standard’s broad scope, it can be used in a variety of technical contexts, including cloud computing. The following are the advantages of applying the ISO 19770-1 Standard for ITAM:
- Effective IT Asset Management enables organizations to effectively manage their IT assets and resources while decreasing waste.
- By knowing exactly what is installed and licensed on the network, a company can avoid being over- or under-licensed.
- To gain insight into your whole IT environment, create one pane of glass.
- According to the security-focused ISO 27000 standard, ITAM serves as the cornerstone of your IT security. What you don’t know you have cannot be secured.
- The lifecycle of the asset should be tracked from the specifications till retirement.
Following are a few of the crucial ISO 19770 lead auditor duties for putting the ITAM standard into practice:
- Planning the Audit: The ISO 19770-1 lead auditors are in charge of organizing the audit procedure, including establishing the objectives, scope, and audit standards. To decide on the audit timetable and obtain pertinent documentation, they work with the auditee in coordination.
- Conducting Audits: Lead auditors conduct on-site or remote audits to evaluate the organization’s adherence to ISO 19770 standards. They gather data and evaluate the management systems’ performance in fulfilling the requirements of the standard using a methodical and organized way.
- Communication: ISO 19770 lead auditors are responsible for effective communication throughout the audit process. They explain the purpose and scope of the audit to the auditee, provide guidance on audit requirements, and ensure clear and concise communication during the audit.
- Continuous Improvement: ISO 19770 lead auditors should keep their knowledge and skills up to date by attending ISO 19770 lead auditor training on ISO 19770 standards and audit techniques. To improve their auditing talents, they may participate in training, workshops, and professional development events.
- Compliance Assessment: Lead auditors assess the organization’s compliance with the ISO 19770 standards, identifying any non-conformities or areas of improvement. To ascertain whether they comply with the standard’s standards, they examine processes, procedures, and documentation.
- Reporting: Lead auditors write thorough audit reports that include a summary of the findings, any non-conformities, observations, and areas for improvement after the audit is finished. They make sure the report is truthful, understandable, and impartial.
- Follow-up and Corrective Actions: ISO 19770 lead auditors may be involved in the follow-up process to ensure that the auditee’s remedial actions to resolve detected non-conformities or improvement areas are implemented and effective. They may undertake follow-up audits to ensure that issues have been resolved.
- Compliance with Standards and Ethics: While conducting audits, lead auditors must uphold professional norms and ethics. They must follow ISO’s rules and code of conduct for auditors, ensuring independence, objectivity, and confidentiality throughout the audit process.
Overall, ISO 19770 ITAM lead auditors are in charge of assuring the reliability and efficiency of third-party audits, which give firms useful information about their adherence to ISO standards and areas for development.