Snipe-IT is a popular open-source IT asset management system that helps you keep track of your hardware, software, and other assets. In this post, I’ll walk you through setting up Snipe-IT on your help desk homelab using an installation script. This automated approach will save time and ensure a repeatable deployment process.

Prerequisites Link to heading

Before you begin, make sure you have the following in place:

  • A Server or Virtual Machine: Debian 12
  • Git: To clone the Snipe-IT repository or your custom install script repository.
  • Basic Linux Command Line Knowledge: Familiarity with editing files and running shell commands.

Overview of the Installation Script Link to heading

The installation script automates several tasks:

  1. Environment Setup: It checks for required software (Docker, Docker Compose) and installs missing dependencies.
  2. Configuration Files: It creates necessary environment files (e.g., .env) for Docker Compose with default Snipe-IT settings.
  3. Docker Compose Up: It uses Docker Compose to spin up the Snipe-IT container along with any required services like MySQL/MariaDB.

This approach simplifies the process and minimizes manual configuration errors. If you need a setup script for everything. You can use this ansible script. This will install docker and setup the user ‘user’ and the password of ‘password’

Step-by-Step Setup Link to heading

1. Clone Your Installation Repository Link to heading

First, clone your installation script repository (or create a new script file in your homelab setup directory):

wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/snipe/snipe-it/master/install.sh
chmod 744 install.sh
./install.sh

2. Install process Link to heading

  1. The first question is going to be what is your FQDN of your server. Just put your ip address of the server or the domian name pointing of the server.

  2. Do you want to automatically create the SnipeIT database user password? (y/n). Type ‘yes’ without the quotes

  3. Q. Do you want to configure mail server settings now? This can be done later too.

    • You will need mail server address, port, user and password among other items. (y/n). Type “no” without the quotes

3. Web portal Link to heading

  1. Go to the port http://
  2. Click next till you get the Create an admin user
  3. For admin user. Just fillout the informate about your orgization and your admin account you want to create

4. What can you track in Snipe-it Link to heading

  • Hardware Inventory:
    Keep comprehensive records of all your physical IT assets, including desktops, laptops, monitors, printers, and peripherals. Each asset record can include detailed specifications like model number, serial number, purchase date, warranty status, and current condition.

  • Software Licenses:
    Track software installations and manage licenses efficiently. Snipe-IT can record information about software versions, license keys, assigned users, expiration dates, and renewal schedules to help ensure compliance and prevent overspending on unnecessary renewals.

  • Mobile Devices:
    Monitor smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. Track asset allocation, current location, and user assignment, which is especially useful for organizations with mobile workforces or remote teams.

  • Consumables and Accessories:
    Although primarily designed for larger assets, Snipe-IT can also help you manage consumables and small accessories such as keyboards, mice, cables, and other items that might otherwise be overlooked.

  • Asset Assignments & Histories:
    Beyond static inventory details, Snipe-IT maintains dynamic records of asset assignments over time. This includes tracking which employee or department currently uses an asset, as well as the asset’s assignment history, making auditing and transfer management straightforward.

  • Maintenance & Warranty Information:
    Track routine maintenance schedules, service contracts, and warranty expiration dates for your hardware. This proactive management helps avoid costly downtime and unexpected repair expenses.

  • Custom Fields and Reporting:
    For organizations with unique asset tracking needs, Snipe-IT allows the addition of custom fields. You can tailor the asset records to capture specific details relevant to your operations, and utilize robust reporting tools to generate insights for strategic decisions.

By centralizing asset management in a single platform, Snipe-IT not only enhances visibility across your IT inventory but also streamlines operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and compliance is maintained.