Educational institutions nationwide are finding unexpected budget relief through better technology tracking. Recent studies show schools waste nearly one-fifth of their tech budgets on tools they don't need, while nearly half of all software licenses in education go completely unused.

These findings reveal a significant opportunity for K-12 districts struggling with tight funding and growing classroom technology needs.

"School leaders often put off organizing their technology until they realize it's costing them thousands," explains Hiren Hasmukh, Founder and CEO of Teqtivity, an IT asset management solutions provider. "When schools start tracking what they actually have and use, they typically free up 15-20% of their tech budget right away."

This welcome budget relief comes at a perfect time for schools facing funding challenges. As classrooms become more digital, keeping track of devices and software has become increasingly difficult. Many schools still rely on outdated methods:

• Simple spreadsheets that quickly become outdated
• No clear picture of which software teachers actually use
• Buying in panic mode rather than planning ahead
• Tech, budget and classroom teams working separately

The money drain goes beyond unused software. Industry data on school technology revealed:

• Emergency technology purchases cost schools up to $35,000 yearly
• School staff spend 25+ hours monthly just tracking devices
• Over 10% student devices can go missing each year

"When schools move from 'spreadsheets and crossed fingers' to automated tracking systems, they don't just save money – they completely change how they support learning with technology," Hasmukh notes. "One district we worked with went from knowing where only 13% of their devices were to over 95% within just one month."

Better Learning, Not Just Better Budgets

While saving money is important, teachers and students benefit in other ways as well:

• Equitable technology access ensuring every classroom gets what it needs
• Less frustration with broken or outdated equipment
• Quick setup of new learning tools
• Better security through knowing exactly what's connected to school networks

Connected Schools Work Smarter

Forward-thinking schools are discovering that good technology tracking isn't just about counting devices; it's about creating a system where everything works together:

1. Automatic setup for new students and staff
2. Smarter device replacement based on actual classroom use
3. Early maintenance warnings to prevent classroom disruptions
4. Built-in safeguards ensuring proper licensing
5. Budget transparency showing exactly where technology dollars go

"Tracking technology will always be a smart investment," emphasizes Hasmukh. "When we show school leaders that similar districts have saved $50,000 yearly through better management, they immediately see the value."

Getting Started: Making the Complex Simple

For schools ready to stop wasting technology dollars, Hasmukh recommends focusing on four key areas:

• One source of truth: Ending confusion about what technology is available
• Automation: Eliminating tedious manual tracking
• Connected systems: Making sure all school technology tools work together
• Actionable insights: Getting timely alerts that prevent problems

As classroom technology advances, schools implementing comprehensive ITAM strategies are better positioned to maximize their technology investments while improving student learning.

"The most successful schools are shifting from constantly reacting to thoughtfully planning," concludes Hasmukh. "In today's tight budget climate, smart technology management isn't just good financial practice – it's essential for giving all students access to the tools they need."

For more information about managing school technology more effectively, visit https://www.teqtivity.com/itam-for-education