An Overview of the ServiceNow Plugin for Asset Reclamation by ReadyCloud

The Growing Need for a Smarter Return Workflow

Hardware asset returns are no longer an in-office drop-off. With hybrid work here to stay, returns now span cities, states and sometimes countries. Manual processes like emailing instructions, coordinating labels, or relying on spreadsheet trackers can’t keep up.

Without a proper system in place, it’s not just assets that are lost—it’s time, trust and compliance. Security breaches, audit risks, and inflated hardware budgets are all symptoms of weak return systems. That’s where ReadyCloud’s plugin fills the gap. It creates a secure, repeatable, and fully automated return lifecycle within ServiceNow, solving the biggest challenges IT teams face today.

What Makes the ReadyCloud Plugin Different?

This isn’t just another plugin—it’s a purpose-built solution aligned with real-world workflows and challenges. Here’s what sets it apart:

Fully Native to ServiceNow

There’s no external login or third-party software needed. The plugin lives entirely within your ServiceNow instance, making it easy for admins and users alike.

Automated from Start to Finish

Once an offboarding is triggered, everything is handled: asset identification, return requests, label generation, tracking updates and final status reporting.

Secure Remote Workflow

No need to collect employee addresses. ReadyCloud handles all logistics behind the scenes while protecting employee privacy and staying compliant.

Return, Reuse and Recycle

Returned items aren’t just logged—they’re evaluated and reallocated. You reclaim the asset value and reduce unnecessary purchases.

Feature Deep Dive: ReadyCloud’s Plugin Capabilities

Let’s look at the full set of tools included in the ReadyCloud ServiceNow plugin:

One-Click Initiation

IT or HR kicks off the asset return process with one click. The system automatically identifies assigned assets in the CMDB and prepares them for return.

Shipping Automation

Labels are pre-generated, pre-paid and sent to the departing employee. QR codes ensure easy scanning and error-free routing.

Real-Time Return Status

Track every shipment through ServiceNow in real-time. Know where the asset is, when it’s picked up, and when it lands back at HQ or the third-party processor.

Secure, PII-Free Workflow

The system removes the need for manual address collection. All shipping details are tokenized and stored securely, reducing PII handling risk.

CMDB Sync & Lifecycle Updates

Once the item is received, it’s automatically updated in the CMDB. ReadyCloud integrates with your asset lifecycle policies to flag items for reuse or disposal.

Photo & File Uploads

Employees and field techs can upload pictures of asset condition, return receipts, or any documentation directly to the ServiceNow ticket.

Remote Teams Need Remote Solutions: ServiceNow Remote Offboarding

Managing offboarding for remote employees presents unique challenges that require specialized solutions. ServiceNow addresses these challenges by offering features tailored for remote offboarding.

Common Bottlenecks:

• Uncertainty in Hardware Return Procedures: Remote employees may be unsure of how or when to return company assets.
  
• Lack of Pre-Paid Return Labels or Kits: The absence of return logistics can delay the return process.
  
• Untracked Issued Hardware: IT departments may lack visibility into what hardware has been assigned to remote employees.
  
• Locally Stored Data on Personal Devices: Ensuring the secure retrieval of company data from personal devices can be challenging.

ServiceNow Remote Offboarding Solutions:

• Automated Return Kit Generation: Facilitates the creation and dispatch of return kits to remote employees.
  
• Shipment Tracking: Provides real-time tracking of returned assets to ensure accountability.
  
• Device Check-In Status Synced with Employee Status: Aligns hardware return status with employee offboarding status.
  
• Flags for File Backup and Secure Data Wiping: Ensures that all company data is securely backed up and wiped from returned devices.

Integrating these solutions ultimately means that organizations can effectively manage the offboarding of remote employees, ensuring the secure and timely return of company assets.

The Hardware Handoff: Optimizing the ServiceNow Offboarding Process

A structured approach to hardware asset returns is crucial for an efficient offboarding process. ServiceNow facilitates this through its Asset Management capabilities.

Optimizing Hardware Returns in ServiceNow:

1. Asset Tracking: Utilize Asset Management to monitor all issued hardware, tying device IDs to user profiles and employment dates.
   
2. Automated Return Requests: Trigger return requests and label generation through Lifecycle Event automation.
   
3. Inventory Updates: Track when returns are received and automatically update inventory records.

Key Considerations:

• Include Clear Instructions: Provide departing employees with detailed instructions on returning hardware.
  
• Notify Relevant Departments: Inform finance or procurement teams for replacement planning.
  
• Secure Data Management: Make sure files are backed up properly and wiped clean from any returned device.

Implementing these practices speeds up the refresh cycle and ensures that hardware is ready for redeployment to new hires.

Designed for Every Offboarding Scenario

Whether it’s voluntary resignation, termination, or a department reorg, the ReadyCloud plugin supports all asset reclamation scenarios. Here’s how:

Corporate Offboarding

HR notifies IT of a departure. The plugin kicks in, identifies all hardware tied to the employee and launches the return sequence.

M&A Transitions

In large-scale mergers or spin-offs, asset reclaims are triggered in batches. The plugin handles these cases as smoothly as individual returns.

Contractor & Remote Team Wrap-Up

Contractors and freelancers often operate remotely and globally. ReadyCloud ensures returns happen regardless of location—with minimal effort from your IT staff.

Measurable Results, Real Business Impact

Organizations using ReadyCloud’s plugin have reported game-changing results in their asset return programs. Here’s what you can expect:

• Up to 95% Return Completion Rate
  Automated reminders, easy-to-follow instructions and QR code tracking get hardware back faster and more reliably. 
• 50% Less Time Spent Per Return
  No more email follow-ups or spreadsheet updates. The system handles communication and tracking on its own. 
• Better Audit Compliance
  Complete visibility and documented status updates meet audit trail requirements without extra manual labor. 
• Reduced Hardware Replacement Spend
  With more devices coming back in good condition, there’s less need for emergency buys and over-provisioning.

Implementation is Fast and Painless

You don’t need months of custom development to get started. ReadyCloud offers a rapid implementation process that’s designed to go live in weeks—not quarters.

Steps to Launch:

1. Discovery & Planning – Align the plugin to your offboarding and asset workflows 
2. Configuration – Customize tracking rules, return templates and shipping partners 
3. Integration – Embed the workflow directly into your ServiceNow instance 
4. Pilot & Launch – Test with a subset of users, then scale with confidence 
5. Support & Optimization – Get ongoing updates and support from the ReadyCloud team

Whether you manage returns in-house or with third-party logistics partners, the plugin adapts to your internal processes and scales with your needs.

Recommended Best Practices

Ready to roll out ReadyCloud’s ServiceNow plugin across your enterprise? Keep these tips in mind for a smoother experience:

• Define Asset Ownership: Keep your CMDB clean and ensure assets are assigned to active users. 
• Use Lifecycle Triggers: Set return workflows to trigger automatically on offboarding events. 
• Establish Timelines: Give employees clear timelines and steps to encourage fast returns. 
• Assign Accountability: Define who owns the asset return at each step—HR, IT or both. 
• Monitor Return KPIs: Track metrics like average return time, lost asset rate, and reuse frequency.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

What is the ReadyCloud ServiceNow plugin for asset returns?
It’s a native ServiceNow plugin that automates the process of hardware asset returns during employee offboarding.

Does it work for remote and international employees?
Yes. It supports domestic and international shipping with no need to collect or store personal address info.

Can it integrate with multiple ServiceNow workflows?
Absolutely. The plugin works with any offboarding or asset lifecycle flow you already use.

Is this plugin version‑specific?
No. It’s compatible across all ServiceNow versions.

Can I see a demo before buying?
Yes. ReadyCloud offers one-on-one consultations and live demos.

How secure is the address and tracking data?
All personal data is tokenized and handled within compliance frameworks.

What happens if an employee doesn’t return the asset?
The system provides status reports and automated reminders. You can escalate or log the case based on internal policy.

Is there training involved?
Minimal. The system runs inside ServiceNow, so your IT team will already be familiar with the interface.

How do I get started?
You can book a demo or free consultation at ReadyCloud.com to begin implementation.

ReadyCloud Is Ready for Your Hardware Return Challenges

ReadyCloud’s ServiceNow plugin is a purpose-built solution that bridges the gap between IT asset management and secure returns. It reduces manual work, boosts asset recovery rates, and strengthens compliance—all within your existing ServiceNow environment.

Whether you manage returns across departments, continents or work-from-anywhere teams, this plugin gives you the tools to do it smarter.

Ready to see it in action? Contact ReadyCloud today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s reclaim your lost assets, save your IT team time, and turn hardware returns into a process you can actually rely on.

Make Offboarding Returns Seamless with ReadyCloud

Want to stop chasing down laptops and start checking off completed offboards? ReadyCloud integrates with ServiceNow to simplify equipment returns, automate shipping, and give your HR and IT teams time back.

Let’s make offboarding effortless—for you and your team.

Learn more about how ReadyCloud can enhance your servicenow offboarding process.