#Japan #Hammock #AssetView #Ichihara

Implementing AssetView: A Case Study of Ichihara City

Introduction

Ichihara City, located in the Chiba Prefecture of Japan, has recently adopted the integrated IT management software, AssetView, developed by Hammock, a software manufacturer headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This move intends to enhance the management of IT assets across its extensive municipal operations.

Background on Ichihara City

Ichihara City stands as the largest municipality in Chiba, covering an area of 368.2 km² and housing a population of around 270,000 residents. The city is renowned for its intricate industrial complexes, picturesque landscapes characterized by lush forests, and a wealth of historical and cultural sites, earning it the nickname "a microcosm of Japan." In January 2020, the city gained international recognition for its geological significance due to the Yoro River basin, which is an exemplary site for studying geomagnetic reversal phenomena.

Given its size, the management of over 3,000 PCs across various locations made asset management increasingly complex. Previously, Ichihara City utilized Excel spreadsheets, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for asset and update management. However, the fragmented nature of this approach necessitated a more cohesive solution.

Challenges Faced

Ichihara City faced several challenges in managing its IT assets, including:

• - Manual Management with Excel: The reliance on Excel resulted in time-consuming processes and a higher potential for errors.
• - Network Load during Update Management: With limited bandwidth in some remote locations, it was crucial to optimize updates without overburdening the network.
• - Efficiency in Help Desk Operations: The need for a more efficient system to handle requests from city employees was evident.

Choice of AssetView

Upon reviewing various products, Ichihara City opted for AssetView due to its user-friendly interface, flexible pricing that could accommodate budget constraints, and its efficient update management capabilities that cause minimal network strain. This choice reflected a commitment to improving IT asset management processes while remaining cost-effective.

Benefits Realized from AssetView

Since the deployment of AssetView, several key benefits have emerged:

• - Automation in Inventory Management: The automation of inventory tasks significantly enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
• - Enhanced Security: By ensuring proper software management, the city could bolster its cybersecurity posture.
• - Efficient Updates in Closed Environments: AssetView facilitated Windows Update and Microsoft 365 management in secure environments, which was previously a hurdle.
• - Streamlined Help Desk Operations: The remote console feature improved the efficiency of help desk support, allowing quicker response times to IT issues.
• - Reduction in Dependence on Specific Individuals: The intuitive interface reduced the reliance on key personnel for training and asset management, thereby ensuring smoother operations.

Comments from Ichihara City Officials

Naoki Nakata, Head of the Information Policy Division, commented on the importance of security in their operations, particularly when handling citizens' personal information. He stated, "While advanced security measures like zero trust are critical, proper organization and management of information serve as the essential foundation. AssetView has made it possible for accurate IT asset management, allowing us to visualize necessary next steps for future enhancements."

Conclusion

The adoption of AssetView marks a significant advancement in Ichihara City's approach to IT asset management, facilitating a more centralized and secure framework for managing critical IT resources. With over two decades of experience in creating tailored IT solutions, Hammock's commitment to providing high-quality software continues to make a substantial impact across various sectors in Japan.

For more information about Ichihara City, visit Ichihara City Official Website.

For detailed information on AssetView, you can check Hammock’s official page on AssetView.