The faster technology advances, the more difficult it becomes to manage the mountain of IT assets effectively. That’s why many companies prefer to skip the headache altogether and outsource their IT asset management to a third party.
One of the more popular services is Hofy (now Deel IT), an IT Asset Management solution. Their centralized IT asset management software and recent acquisition by Deel, who offer payroll, compliance, HR, and more, means they can be a robust option for some remote and distributed companies.
However, Deel IT isn’t fit for every company, and some may find their solutions overwhelming or cumbersome. That’s why we’ve rounded up five options that offer their own significant advantages and how they deliver results.
What Is ITAM and How Does It Work?
IT Asset Management (ITAM) is a strategic approach companies will use to purchase, secure, and manage their IT devices. Essentially, it breaks down into six parts:
- Discovery – Creating a comprehensive list of every piece of software and hardware the company owns.
- Inventory – Once the company has an overview of its IT assets, the nitty gritty details come into play. The IT department will create a detailed inventory that catalogs every make, model, location, user, and software contained for each hardware asset. So if Sarah loses her work phone on a trip, the IT department would know they need to remove her access to their mobile time tracking app and lock the phone down, if possible.
- Management – This is the ongoing phase where assets are monitored and maintained. Software updates, firmware upgrades, replacements, managing warranties and licenses, etc. Basically, the admin for ITAM.
- Lifecycle management – This is sort of like Part 3, except it focuses solely on the asset’s lifecycle, from acquisition to its eventual decommissioning. A good lifecycle management strategy ensures the asset is optimized throughout every phase of use so that it does what it’s supposed to do, and does it well.
- Reporting – You don’t know what you don’t know…you know? This is why reporting is so critical for IT logistics. Regular reporting will give companies insight into the costs associated with each asset, as well as utilization, lifecycle stages, and so on.
- Compliance – This is the big one, ensuring regulatory compliance across the board. Things like data security, licensing, and correct disposal procedures are all critical pieces of IT. Compliance is also a moving target as local and federal rules update and change to adapt with new technology, so this part requires constant management and oversight.
- Disposition – At the end of an IT asset’s lifecycle, the asset must be disposed of correctly, so that hardware is either securely recycled, refurbished, or destroyed in compliance with regulatory standards. Sensitive data must be wiped to prevent breaches, and materials are to be recycled responsibly. Responsible disposition helps companies avoid risks, reduce waste, and also recover value from assets.
Why Some Companies Choose Hofy
What Hofy does well is streamlining this into an easy-to-understand process. Using simplified systems for IT automation and logistics, they do the heavy lifting for their clients, breaking these complex parts down into easily digestible processes that their clients can understand. It’s like IT management for those who get overwhelmed at even the slightest thought of upgrading their OS.
Some Opinions on Hofy (Now Deel IT)
While Hofy is a popular option for IT asset management, there are a few comments that users make (apart from the price).
- Limited customization options
A well-oiled ITAM strategy requires adjusting to your business needs. Hofy’s logistics are powerful, but they’re not very customizable. You may often feel that you’re changing your business practices to fit into their company when it should be the opposite.
- Steep learning curve
There’s no doubt that Hofy’s product suite is full of features, but it’s a double-edged sword. Sure, it’s great to have lots of bells and whistles…until you’re the one who needs to learn about them. For some customers, particularly those without internal IT departments, the learning curve can be pretty steep and frustrating.
- Integration issues
Every company is unique and utilizes multiple software tools, IT automation systems, etc. Unfortunately, this is a major roadblock for using Hofy as they just don’t have a lot of third-party integration options. This could lead to redundant work processes or create an information gap across different platforms.
- Minimal reporting and analytics
An important aspect of IT Asset Management is the ability to gain meaningful insights from asset data. Hofy’s minimal analytics and reporting capabilities might lead to feeling as though you’re lacking the necessary information for strategic IT decision-making, including asset utilization, life-cycle costs, and trend analysis.
- Wishy-washy customer support
Businesses live and die by the customer support chain. Looking across review sites, you’ll find multiple former Hofy customers reporting frustrations with delayed responses and unresolved issues.
5 Favorable Hofy (now Deel IT) Alternatives for ITAM Software
Hofy isn’t the only one in the ITAM game. Here are five alternatives you may find to be more up your alley.
- Dots
Dots aims to revolutionize IT asset management, turning complexity into simplicity for companies with distributed teams. Its platform combines powerful ITAM software with a top-tier logistics network, delivering unmatched efficiency and automation. Unlike Hofy, which primarily focuses on equipment provisioning, Dots takes it one step further, offering comprehensive IT management solutions that set the gold standard for remote work. Dots isn’t just designed to facilitate—it’s designed to innovate, easing IT burdens and driving business success.
Dots offers a free-forever tier which allows users to integrate their company through MDM or HRIS or use smart workflows to upload their employees and assets. Dots IT procurement is available in 150+ countries.
For Pro users, Dots prides itself on managing the full IT asset lifecycle, from IT procurement and remote onboarding to IT asset disposition and remote offboarding. With unlimited company seats, Dots doesn’t get more expensive as you grow: Rather, Dots supports your growth, and the platform stays affordable. Dots Pro users can use automated features such as employee kits for smarter onboarding and stocking, and store IT equipment in global warehouses.
For Enterprise users, Dots offers a dedicated account executive and a dedicated Slack channel for support. Enterprise users can also request custom integrations.
✅ Dots offers IT asset management in 150+ countries
✅ Dots brings smart and automated workflows for getting started
✅ Dots has a free-forever tier for IT asset management and IT procurement, however many employees your company has
✅ Dots offers easy-to-navigate self onboarding, so you can try out the platform with nothing but a company email and a few spare minutes
- Workwize
Workwize’s IT asset management platform is a user-friendly option for those overwhelmed with Hofy’s steep learning curve. They offer robust analytics and reporting features, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making and creating seamless workflows thanks to their ability to integrate way more third-party solutions than Hofy.
✅ Global asset management and monitoring
✅ Global repair services for IT hardware
❌ Workwize has more transparent, upfront pricing
❌ Workwize offers more customizable data reports
Zetta Technologies
Zetta Technologies specializes in scalable IT infrastructure, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, offering AI-driven, enterprise-grade services for digital transformation. Unlike Hofy, which focuses on remote team equipment provisioning, Zetta focuses on more comprehensive IT solutions to optimize operations across industries.
✅ Global IT device management
✅ Offers decommissioning services to optimize device performance
❌ Zetta focuses more on developing telecommunication infrastructure, while Hofy focuses on asset management
❌ Zetta’s services are tailored more for IT systems build for offices, while Hofy’s services cater more towards remote work teams.
Topia
Topia provides global talent mobility solutions, streamlining relocation, compliance, and remote work management through its platform. Unlike Hofy, which focuses on remote team equipment, Topia specializes in workforce mobility and compliance.
✅ Offers remote employee management services
✅ Creates workflows that improve efficiency and reduce time spent monitoring assets
❌ Topia caters more to HR, while Hofy targets IT
❌ Topia assists clients with visa and travel risk management, tax compliance, and immigration hurdle navigation, none of which are available via Hofy.
Retriever
Retriever is an asset-tracking platform that optimizes inventory and equipment management for industries like logistics and manufacturing. Unlike Hofy, which focuses on remote work equipment, Retriever focuses on getting your equipment back.
✅ API Integrations to handle smooth asset return
✅ Asset Disposal
❌ Retriever does not handle full lifecycle management, just asset returns
❌ Retriever does not handle laptop repair
What to Do Next
Choosing the right IT asset management platform isn’t easy, we know. While Hofy offers a comprehensive product, they’re not always a good fit for businesses that need something a little more custom-tailored to their needs. By understanding what your business values most. Whether it’s scalability, compliance, or streamlined operations, you can find a partner that not only supports your distributed workforce but also drives innovation and growth.
Dots offers a free-forever tier with free sign up and smart integrations and workflows to get your company started. Why not give it a go right now? Sign up to Dots.
