If as a business you own fixed assets, then you must ensure that these assets are in good working order. However, if you are handling fixed assets without a solid framework, you can face severe repercussions. If not properly maintained or managed, these assets can disappear or get damaged.
The best fixed asset software prevents unforeseen asset damage or loss. Along with this, it also helps in observing and maintaining machinery, computers, vehicles and other physical assets.
To assist in comprehending the functions of this software and making an informed decision regarding the system, here are some fixed asset management system capabilities or features:
a. Depreciation Methods: With time the value of every asset starts to decline, and that is depreciation. Depreciation affects fixed assets like real estate, vehicles, or machinery, computers, furniture etc. For accounting purposes, fixed and intangible assets like trademarks or branding are always included in the balance sheet, however, only fixed assets are eligible for tax benefits. There are four depreciation methods:
i. Straight line method,
ii. Units of products depreciation method,
iii. Declining balance depreciation method,
iv. Sum of the years’ digit method
b. Standard Reports: Standard reports like inventory and audit reports are very important for every organisation. With having proper knowledge about inventory levels, an organisation can determine the number of stock consumed and when to order next. Furthermore, data analytics can predict which stocks will be more popular and during which period, thus letting you properly plan your order purchase.
Confirmation of the physical presence of assets depends greatly on auditing.
Assets are often leased, and the location is occasionally the subject of discussion. Auditing answers such questions. Once the financial statements and related reports are reviewed, the audit report considers the findings and the auditor’s observations.
Periodically, these audit reports are produced to assist stakeholders and management in evaluating the reliability of asset management and the company’s financial performance. These reports successfully give a company insights by outlining inadequate, inefficient, or underutilized assets.
Fixed asset software also takes care of reports like review workflow, an asset’s detailed maintenance information and employee productivity.
c. Purchase Order Management: Each and every purchase order can be managed and tracked with a purchase order management system. Any upgrade in a purchase order, notifies the management about it, thus providing better financial transparency for the company. With a proper purchase order system there is a risk of human error, which slows down the purchasing order processing. However, you don’t have to be concerned about purchase orders if you have fixed asset software.
d. Management of Asset Disposal: Adequate maintenance and the effective deployment of systems, people, and procedures increases the lifecycle of an asset.
The price at which an item is sold when it is no longer useful is known as the asset disposal value in accounting. For example, when a newer, updated version is installed when a piece of factory equipment ends its useful life. Numerous factors should be considered before asset disposal:
i. The working condition of the asset
ii. The industry standards for the asset
iii. The life of the asset
iv. The new updated version of the asset
e. Tracking & Monitoring: An asset management software helps in managing and maintaining valuable assets without discrepancies by keeping track of all the important fiscal information and also monitors various workflows and data exchange pathways, thus eliminating the risk of data loss or asset misplacement.
f. Fiscal Prudence: Manual inefficiencies and inaccuracies are always lowered or reduced by the automated process, thus increasing productivity and ensuring financial competitiveness. The company can strengthen its organisational proficiency by cutting down on unnecessary costs.
g. Data Transparency: Data transparency is a must-having feature in fixed asset software. Any asset related data must be secure and confidential.All check-ins, check-out and maintenance operations can be streamlined by the software, along with transparently handling the return due dates of assets and more.
h. Unique Codes & Accuracy: These softwares can auto-generate unique asset codes easily. As each asset has a specific reason, specific purpose, the codes generally scan all the information. Users can also update smartphone details using barcodes and QR codes.
i. Compliance: A fixed asset software satisfies the need of various asset accounting, tax compliances and insurance coverage requirements by using tax codes, planning, tracking, and intuitive data forms.
j. Larger Scope: Any fixed assets in a company requires proper management as they have large scale business consequences. However, the right software can reduce risks through proper accounting. It can track asset locations,process work orders, and generate audit trails.