What’s Worth Governing? A Framework for IT Asset Prioritization
What’s Worth Governing? A Framework for IT Asset Prioritization
Not every asset in your IT environment needs the same level of attention—and that’s not an oversight. It’s good governance.
As IT teams juggle growing inventories of devices, applications, and connected technologies, the real challenge isn’t tracking everything—it’s knowing what’s worth tracking. That’s the difference between over-engineered spreadsheets and an IT Asset Management (ITAM) strategy that delivers real business value.
To help IT leaders focus where it counts, MCPC applies a simple but powerful decision-making framework built around one essential question:
“Is this asset worth governing?”
Here are four questions to help you find the answer. Each question ties to a core principle of governance—financial value, security risk, compliance exposure, and operational importance to follow IT asset management best practices.
1. Financial Value: Is it Worth the Investment?
Whether it’s a single high-cost item or a fleet of lower-cost devices, financial impact matters. Think beyond price tags – consider replacement cost, volume, and lifecycle planning.
Example – Digital Signage:
Consider a set of digital signage displays used in retail storefronts. Individually, each display might cost around $500 – $750, which doesn’t immediately scream “high-value asset.” But consider that a national retailer may have 50 locations with 2 or 3 displays totaling 100 – 150 units.
Managing these displays requires scheduled updates, firmware support, and lifecycle planning—especially at scale. They directly influence customer engagement, promotions, and brand perception – making them part of the revenue engine.
Bottom line:
While not mission-critical in the traditional IT sense, the financial and strategic value of these displays makes them worth governing.
Governing Principle:
If it represents a meaningful investment, it’s worth managing.
2. Security and Privacy Risk: Can it be Compromised?
Any asset that connects to your network, stores data, or could be exploited is a potential threat. That includes legacy hardware, unmanaged SaaS, and remote devices.
Example – Smart TVs in corporate conference rooms:
At first glance, these might seem like harmless AV equipment, but they are connected to corporate Wi-Fi for screen sharing or streaming and have embedded operating systems.
These often run outdated or unpatched firmware, making them vulnerable to exploits. And even worse, some models store cached content, browsing history, or even login credentials for apps so if they are compromised, they can serve as entry points for lateral movement within the network.
Bottom Line
Even though they’re not traditional IT endpoints, smart TVs can introduce real cybersecurity risks – and should be governed accordingly.
Governing Principle:
If it can be compromised, it needs to be controlled.
3. Compliance: Is It Tied to Legal, Regulatory, or Contractual Obligations?
From HIPAA to GDPR to software licensing, some assets come with strings attached. Even low-cost items can create risk if they’re subject to compliance requirements. Lower-cost assets, like barcode scanners in clinical settings, can create serious exposure if they’re left unmanaged.
Example – Digital cameras for quality assurance documentation:
These might seem like simple tools for internal use, but they can carry significant compliance implications. In industries like aerospace, automotive, or pharmaceuticals, visual documentation of production steps may be required for audits or certifications (e.g., ISO, FDA).
They may be subject to data retention policies where the images are stored securely and retained for a specific period. If used in environments where chain-of-custody is critical, the devices and their data must be governed to ensure integrity. Lastly, some clients may require visual proof of quality control resulting in contractual obligations.
Bottom line:
While these cameras may not seem like high-risk IT assets, their role in meeting regulatory and contractual obligations makes them essential to audit readiness and customer trust.
Governing Principle:
If auditors care about it, so should your ITAM program.
4. Operational Impact: Does It Keep Things Moving?
Some assets are essential to how your teams work or how your business delivers value. That includes field devices, customer-facing tech, or tools that support innovation.
Example – Barcode label printers in warehouse and logistics operations:
These devices are often overlooked because they’re inexpensive and not “smart” in the traditional sense. But they likely have critical workflow dependencies. If a label printer goes down, it can halt picking, packing, and shipping processes. Without proper tracking, IT teams may not know where these devices are located or how to quickly replace them. Further, effective provisioning and standardization of models, drivers, and consumables across locations improves consistency and reduces support tickets.
Bottom line:
Even though they’re low-tech, these printers are tightly woven into operational workflows. Governing them ensures smoother logistics, fewer disruptions, and better service delivery.
Governing Principle:
If it powers your people, products, or services, it warrants governance.
From Checklist to Strategy
You don’t need to govern everything – just the things that matter. By applying a consistent ITAM framework, IT leaders can reduce noise, increase visibility, and drive smarter decisions across security, compliance, operations, and finance.
But here’s the catch: context matters. An asset that’s mission-critical in one organization might be irrelevant in another. A barcode printer in a logistics hub? Essential. The same device in a marketing office? Unlikely. That’s why governance decisions should be grounded in your unique environment, not a generic checklist.
In the end, the best ITAM programs aren’t the ones that track everything—they’re the ones that govern what matters. At MCPC, we help organizations move from reactive tracking to proactive governance – turning asset data into business intelligence. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your ITAM program, we’ll meet you where you are.
Because in IT Asset Management, clarity isn’t optional – it’s strategic.
Ready to move from tracking to governing? Let’s talk about how MCPC can help you build a smarter ITAM strategy.