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Managing company assets comes with real costs — not just in the equipment itself, but in the software you use to track and maintain them.

Asset management tools range from free basic platforms to enterprise systems that cost thousands of dollars a year, and choosing the right option depends on your organization’s size, complexity, and budget.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common pricing models, share average costs across different plan tiers, and highlight the hidden fees HR and operations teams need to watch out for. By the end, you’ll know how to budget effectively and compare solutions with confidence.

How Much Does Asset Management Software Cost?

Asset management software can cost anywhere from $0 to $150+ per user per month, depending on the number of users, assets, and features included. Free or low-cost tools cover basic tracking, while enterprise systems with advanced analytics, integrations, and support can run into thousands of dollars annually.

Asset Management Software Pricing Models

Most asset management tools today use a subscription-based SaaS model, where organizations pay a predictable monthly or annual fee. However, there are other models worth considering, depending on your budget, IT resources, and long-term needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common pricing models:

Pricing ModelHow it WorksThings to Consider
Subscription-BasedPay a recurring fee (monthly or annually), usually per user or per asset. Includes updates, cloud hosting, and vendor support.Easy to scale, lower upfront costs, but long-term fees can add up.
Open-SourceFree to download and use. Optional costs for vendor support, integrations, or premium add-ons.Cost-effective but often requires in-house IT expertise to implement and maintain.
Perpetual LicenseOne-time purchase of the software, with ongoing fees for maintenance, support, or upgrades. Usually installed on-premise.Higher upfront cost, less flexible, but can be cheaper over the long term for stable needs.

Average Cost of Asset Management Software

Here's a breakdown of the average costs for different pricing tiers of asset management:

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free / Low Cost$0–$10 per user/monthBasic asset tracking capabilities, limited support, and access to community resources.
Small Team$15–$30 per user/monthAsset tracking, basic reporting, mobile access, and email support.
Business$50–$100/
user/month
Advanced reporting, integration options, multi-user access, and priority support.
Enterprise
$150+ per user/month or thousands annually
Custom integrations, dedicated account manager, advanced security features, and full-service support.

These ranges are industry averages and can vary significantly depending on how many assets you manage, the number of users in your system, and whether you need premium features like integrations, compliance tools, or advanced security. Always request a tailored quote from vendors to understand the total cost for your organization.

Additional Asset Management Costs to Consider

Beyond subscription fees, there are several other costs to factor into your budget when evaluating asset management software:

  • Upfront Costs: Some vendors charge implementation or setup fees, especially for on-premise deployments.
  • Recurring Costs: Expect ongoing subscription fees, plus possible charges for additional users, premium support, or advanced modules.
  • Hidden Costs: Features like advanced reporting, integrations, or compliance tools may be locked behind higher-tier plans or add-on pricing.
  • Data Migration: Moving asset data from spreadsheets or legacy systems can involve consulting fees or internal resource strain.
  • Training: Ensuring staff adoption may require vendor-led training sessions or dedicated time for onboarding.
  • Maintenance & Support: Cloud systems often include this, but on-premise solutions may require separate contracts for updates and support.
  • Hardware & IT Infrastructure: Depending on your setup, you may need equipment like barcode scanners, RFID tags, or access control devices — plus potential IT upgrades to support them.

Factoring in these extra expenses will help you evaluate vendors based on total cost of ownership, not just the advertised subscription price.

Proving the ROI of Asset Management

Justifying the cost of asset management software comes down to demonstrating the value it delivers. Instead of focusing only on upfront expenses, highlight how the system saves time, reduces errors, and prevents asset-related losses.

Here are some of the most common ways organizations see ROI:

  • Focus on Cost Savings: Highlight how asset management reduces waste and prevents unnecessary purchases. You can present data showing how much the company can save by maintaining optimal asset usage and avoiding overstocking.
  • Emphasize Risk Reduction: Explain how real-time data from cloud-based asset management systems aids in making informed decisions. These solutions provide instant access to analytics, helping organizations optimize asset usage and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
  • Showcase Improved Efficiency: Discuss how streamlining asset tracking can free up employee time for more strategic tasks. With better visibility and automated workflows, teams can reduce time spent on manual tracking.
  • Highlight Compliance Benefits: Mention how asset management helps in adhering to regulatory requirements. You can illustrate this with scenarios where compliance leads to avoiding fines and maintaining a good industry standing.
  • Talk About Data-Driven Decisions: Explain how real-time data from asset management systems aids in making informed decisions. Show how this data can support strategic planning and forecasting, which is crucial for long-term success.
  • Present Scalability: Describe how asset management solutions can grow with the company. Emphasize that investing in scalable solutions now can save money and resources as the company expands.
  • Illustrate Employee Satisfaction: Better asset management tools can improve employee satisfaction by ensuring they have the tools they need. Happy employees are often more productive and engaged, which benefits the company overall.
  • Leverage Success Stories: Share examples from other companies successfully implementing asset management. Use these stories to illustrate potential benefits and outcomes your company could achieve.

By linking these benefits to hard numbers—such as fewer lost laptops, reduced downtime, or lower annual procurement costs—you can demonstrate a clear return on investment that outweighs the software’s price tag.

Ongoing Support and Updates

Implementing an asset management solution is just the beginning—ongoing support and updates are essential to maintaining efficiency, security, and compliance.

Key considerations include:

  • Software Updates & Security Patches – Regular updates enhance functionality and address security vulnerabilities, with some included in subscription plans, add-ons and others requiring additional fees.
  • Technical Support – Support levels vary, from basic email assistance to 24/7 priority support, with some providers offering dedicated account managers at higher pricing tiers.
  • System Maintenance & Performance Optimization – Proactive monitoring and automation helps minimize downtime and ensures smooth operation.
  • Compliance & Regulatory Updates – Vendors provide updates to keep businesses aligned with evolving industry regulations, including security standards related to access control.
  • Customization & Scalability – As needs change, organizations may require new features, integrations, or consulting services to optimize their systems.

Questions to Ask Asset Management Vendors

When you're looking for an asset management solution, it can be overwhelming to consider all the options available.

I've faced the same challenges and know how crucial it is to ask the right questions to determine whether a provider meets your needs.

Here are some key questions to guide your conversations with potential vendors:

  • What are the total costs involved, including hidden fees, additional charges, and pricing based on the number of users?
  • How easily can the solution scale as our organization grows?
  • Does the software integrate seamlessly with our existing technology stack and improve our asset management workflow?
  • What are the ongoing maintenance requirements, and who is responsible for them?
  • What kind of support is available, and during which hours?
  • How long does the onboarding process take, and what does it entail?
  • Are there any customization options available to tailor the solution to our specific needs?
  • Can the system handle multi-location or remote asset management efficiently?
  • How frequently are updates or upgrades provided, and are they included in the cost?
  • What security measures are in place to protect our data?

Armed with these questions, you'll be ready to dive into discussions with asset management vendors and make informed decisions. One last thing to remember: always ask for references or case studies from similar organizations to see how the solution has worked for others.

Final Tips for Managing Asset Software Costs

When you're diving into asset management, getting the pricing right is just one piece of the puzzle. The implementation process is crucial, so make sure you've got a plan that aligns with your team's needs and capabilities.

Choosing between cloud-based and on-premise solutions plays a key role in cost management. While cloud-based systems offer lower upfront expenses and more effortless scalability, on-premise solutions may provide greater control over security and customization.

It's about value, not just price. Always keep your specific requirements in mind, and don't hesitate to ask potential vendors the tough questions. This approach will help ensure you’re making decisions that benefit your operations in the long run.

Methodology: We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software since 2019. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.

Our pricing guides and software reviews are backed by extensive research and data from a large number of software vendors, users, and testers.

Disclaimer: As researchers and independent reviewers, our aim is to share information on typical software pricing structures to help our readers contextualize their purchase decisions. We are not providing financial advice and encourage you to consult with a financial specialist as needed for your unique business case.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching asset management software pricing, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.


Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.