Data Center Inventory Audit

---

The Layer 8 Solutions data center inventory audit process ensures that all the hardware and other IT assets within the data center are accounted for and properly identified. This process is a critical prerequisite to any data center relocation project and a great baseline document for incorporating annual audits/reviews.  Here are the general steps involved in the data center inventory audit.

1. Define the scope: Agree upon the scope of the audit, including which sites and assets will be audited.
2. Baseline: Identify any existing audit baseline and naming convention to be used for the audit. Create a list of all the assets within the data center, including servers, storage devices, networking equipment, software licenses, and other IT equipment. Identify each asset by make and model, serial number, location, useful name, and any other  agreed upon relevant information.
3. Verify asset details: Verify the accuracy of the asset details, including physical location, team ownership, and any other agreed upon relevant information.
4. Audit physical assets: Conduct a physical audit of all the assets within the data center to ensure that they are present, current and of operational status.
5. Cable Map: Identify the source and destination of each cable type connected to servers, network and storage assets.  This optional feature of the audit is a critical requirement for relocations and DCIM implementations.
6. Compare and Update the inventory: Cross check any existing inventory and update the inventory to reflect any changes identified during the audit process, including the addition or removal of assets, changes in asset ownership, or changes in location.
7. Summary report: Generate reports summarizing the results of the audit, including any discrepancies or areas of concern, and recommendations for improving asset management practices.

It's important to conduct regular reviews of the data center inventory to ensure that all IT assets are properly accounted for. The frequency and extent of the review may vary depending on the size and complexity of the data center, but typically it's recommended to conduct spot checks every month, and full audits at least once a year.