It starts with one call. Then another user opens a ticket reporting sluggish laptop performance. One more call comes in, then a few more similar incidents and service requests. By the time the Help Desk Agent can see the bottom of that first cup of coffee, a bigger problem is evident, but not quite yet visible.

In the past, IT asset management and IT service management processes have been separate disciplines with different objectives and goals. Given this reality, Ivanti recently surveyed over 1600 IT professionals to better understand the alignment of asset and service management processes. Some results weren’t surprising. Laptop and desktop computers are the most common managed assets, while niche industry-specific devices are the least managed. Our key finding, however, is clear.

With the current focus on social distancing and other health precautions, service management leaders are probably already thinking about short-term implications of these rapidly incoming changes. The large-scale increased use of remote work is one implication. This might be a new option or an immediate mandatory requirement for all employees. Regardless, many IT organizations may not be ready.

Routine manual tasks consume IT and service desk resources and limit your team members’ ability to move ahead with higher-impact strategic projects. Every minute saved is 60 seconds freed to reassign people to innovation, strategic projects, and critical business challenges. Automation streamlines the management of complex hybrid environments by automating infrastructure, cloud, and workspace- automation processes required to support the business.

Earlier this year, I predicted that Artificial intelligence (AI) would move from innovation labs to mainstream workflow projects this year. In IT organizations, I believe service management teams will lead this trend. Here’s why.

I’ve always been a huge fan of mystery novels and true crime stories. It seems true crime is having an especially big moment right now, from serial killer documentaries to podcasts. Like so many people, I find myself drawn in as I read, watch, or listen to the criminal investigation. It’s fascinating how detectives work, diving into the smallest of details to solve massive crimes.

A friend of mine recently shared an experience with me that he had while working as a manager for a software manufacturer. The experience was about an employee he had to terminate. He told me that after meeting with the employee and HR, he completed the paperwork that was required and sent it back to the HR department. Six months later, he received an email from finance giving him an overview of the expenses for his department.

As part of the re-affirmed commitment to customers as announced on January 30, Ivanti launched an Independent Business Unit (IBU) consisting of proven solutions with a large customer following (dare I say: fans?) that deserve some TLC. One of the solutions managed by this dedicated team is Ivanti Device & Application Control, powered by HEAT. So, where is Ivanti Device & Application Control at these days? The dedicated team hasn’t been sitting still.