Global Manufacturing Org Avoids $22M in Software Costs Through Strategic Re-harvesting

The Challenge

This global organization has worked closely with Anglepoint to manage its Software License Management process. During this partnership, Anglepoint has provided a clear, data-driven insight into the company’s license entitlements and consumption, including detailed reconciliations to ensure an accurate Effective License Position (ELPs) and Risk and Opportunity Assessment Report (ROAR) for a defined portfolio of publishers. However, across the broader software and SaaS estate, the client’s spend was growing rapidly. The organization lacked the internal resources needed to translate Anglepoint’s licensing analyses into large-scale cost savings across its extensive software environment—at least not without significant planning and project overhead. As a result, the client continued to purchase additional software and licenses rather than re-harvesting desktop and SaaS assets for redeployment across the enterprise. In 2023, the client turned to its trusted partner, Anglepoint to initiate a comprehensive software re-harvesting program that would deliver company-wide ROI through software cost savings and avoidance.

The Solution

Anglepoint mobilized its Software Asset Management (SAM) Managed Services team, led by its Client Success function and supported by the newly formed Integrated Product Team (IPT). The IPT team included two newly appointed experts with deep institutional knowledge and a strong understanding of the client’s internal processes. Before realizing efficiency gains, Anglepoint needed to overcome two major challenges. First, the team had to fully understand the complex technology ecosystem supporting software procurement. With end users operating across multiple systems and the client transitioning from Microsoft SCCM to Omnissa WS1, the procurement process was inherently complicated, particularly in the context of re-harvesting licenses. Second, without formal governance or any clear chain of command, identifying the right starting point for re-harvesting was difficult. To address these challenges, Anglepoint designed a targeted re-harvesting strategy covering more than 30 software titles selected according to the client’s most critical needs. The team developed robust, well-defined processes to govern software procurement and request workflows, ensuring users could access required applications quickly and efficiently. This included coordination with the client’s Change Control Board whenever a re-harvesting request was triggered, as any change to the IT environment required formal approval. To appropriately harvest the data, Anglepoint used two complementary approaches:

1. Silent harvest—Software is removed without user interaction. This is particularly beneficial when applying security best practices or addressing compliance issues.
2. Targeted harvest—Users receive notifications requesting confirmation of continued need, and actions are taken based on their responses. This method helps minimize the need for additional purchases, making it easier to perform true ups.

Both of these processes formed a central part of Anglepoint’s re-harvesting strategy, enabling the team to conduct regular, efficient harvesting cycles. All actions, outcomes, and financial impacts were documented in detailed reporting provided to the client.

Results

$22 million in Costs Avoidance: Since 2023, the client has saved $22 million in cost avoidance through effective software re-harvesting. Improved Processes & Governance: New, clearly defined procurement and software request processes have streamlined user access and improved overall operational efficiency. Enhanced Operational Control: The introduction of structured re-harvesting workflows and governance has given the client greater visibility and control over its software estate. Strengthened Partnership: This initiative has further deepened the client’s long-standing partnership with Anglepoint, reinforcing trust and collaboration.