AI is transforming how leaders interact with technology data. Natural language queries and automated recommendations make insights faster and more accessible. As a result, many executives are asking a reasonable question: “If AI can analyse everything, why do we still need IT Asset Management (ITAM) and FinOps platforms?”

The short answer is that AI accelerates insight but it is not held accountable. That gap introduces real risk.

For years, IT Asset Management (ITAM) has been about control: controlling spend, compliance, and risk across an increasingly complex technology estate. Now, artificial intelligence is reshaping that mission. AI isn’t just another tool we need to manage; it’s fundamentally changing how we work, what we manage, and where we deliver value. So how is AI already impacting the roles of ITAM and SAM professionals? And what makes it central to the job moving forward?

Gaining full visibility into siloed, hidden and hoarded IT assets allows organisations to see more, control more and spend less.

This is according to Alvin Barnard, Principal Solutions Consultant at OpenText, who says hidden assets, fragmented data and unmanaged software aren’t just operational headaches, they’re wasted budget, compliance risk and missed strategic opportunities.

Barnard says organisations should be working to achieve full asset visibility and insights to drive measurable financial and operational impact, optimise spend and enable smarter ITSM, ITAM and SAM governance.

“Total asset visibility (TAV) unifies asset data across IT, operations and finance. It turns fragmented IT asset data into real-time insights that you need to drive efficiency, reduce risk and unlock the true operational and financial value of all your assets,” he says.

Do you know what IT assets are being used in your organisation, and whether they’re accelerating your strategy, draining resources, or quietly introducing compliance and security risks? In a world of AI disruption, cloud adoption, intensifying regulation, and new IT asset classes, a strategic approach to IT Asset Management (ITAM) is the radar that organisations need to aim for to navigate ever-growing IT complexity and maintain control of IT assets.

According to recent research by Freshworks, organisational complexity accounts for 7% of total annual revenue loss for an average business. Software is a major contributor, with companies estimating a loss of $1 out of every $5 spent on total software due to complexity, including IT complexity. That’s time, talent, and money that could instead be fuelling innovation, improving customer experience, and driving expansion.

IT asset management (ITAM) solutions are one of the most effective ways to combat software complexity. They provide tools for recording, categorising, and organising technology assets, giving IT leaders visibility across hardware, software, and cloud resources. Beyond reducing cost and operational complexity, ITAM mitigates business risk: unused or poorly tracked software can create security vulnerabilities, increase points of failure, and expose organisations to audit and compliance issues—especially in regulated industries. Acting as a central hub, ITAM ensures accurate data, supports better decisions, streamlines operations, and maintains compliance.

Many organisations are unknowingly exposing themselves to major threats by allowing shadow IT to flourish.

A failure to understand how business units and individual employees are purchasing their own software and installing free applications, as well as continuing to use end of life (EOL) software, could have dire consequences. There are many cautionary tales of IT teams losing control of IT assets and being unable to stop sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorised personnel and shared on unofficial platforms.

Shadow IT can also make an organisation more vulnerable to a cyber attack and result in serious disruptions, affect compliance which leads to fines, and interrupt operations because the application does not integrate properly with a company’s IT infrastructure.

It is critical, therefore, to have an effective IT asset management strategy, and to put governance in place to discover and monitor shadow IT.

One of the most significant trends is the growing influence of automation and artificial intelligence (AI). As organisations embrace digital transformation, automation tools are leveraged to streamline asset tracking, resource allocation, and compliance monitoring.

Organisations can reduce manual errors and improve efficiency by automating routine ITAM processes. Another trend is the shift toward integrated solutions. As IT environments become increasingly fragmented, businesses recognise the importance of using a unified platform combining ITAM with other IT management functions such as IT Service Management (ITSM) and project portfolio management. This integrated approach allows for better visibility and control over all aspects of IT operations, leading to enhanced asset utilisation and more informed decision-making.

Finally, sustainability has risen to the forefront of ITAM practices. With growing awareness of climate change and environmental responsibility, organisations are exploring ways to optimise their IT assets to minimise waste and reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, responsible lifecycle management—such as extending the lifespan of hardware or implementing recycling programs—can significantly benefit the environment and improve an organisation’s public image.