Are there clear benefits to looking at an end-user device roadmap for my SME business?

30th April 2024

benefits of end user device roadmap for small businesses sat
Table Of Contents

An End-User Device Roadmap: Benefits For SME Businesses

Read to the end to discover our ‘ROI Desktop Calculator’ offer.

A ‘DaaS’ – Desktop as a Service’ program is really an acronym for having a clear program or roadmap that has clear timelines as to the asset lifecycle of your users hardware including desktops, laptops and other connectivity such as mobile phones.

Many businesses we speak with do not have a clear technology planning document or strategy and do not analyse the number of tickets, issues and business interruption that users suffer consequently in running an old device that performs poorly. It is a massively under discussed topic which also can in severe instances effect staff motivation and productivity in a massive way.

The benefits and immediate wins following adoption after implementation were found to be:

  • Makes IT less complex and maximises your budget
  • Frees Up Cashflow (lease options over asset lifecycle)
  • Improve your employee experience!
  • Minimise security risks (many older devices are a security risk)
  • Reduction in the number of helpdesk tickets – Reduced cost of business losses due to device related problems
  • Improved employee productivity –> leading to increased customer satisfaction
    Reduced number of vendors to manage (one helpdesk/standardisation of vendors)
  • Improved device asset management & deployment with (Mobile Device Management.
IDC Graph

A report from IDC showed that companies that are at an advanced level on the maturity model experience 2X better business outcomes:

The report also showed that the average device replacement cycle is 4 years.

Uncovering the hidden costs of ageing IT equipment

There are several people who consider purchasing hardware a cost, but we believe that is the wrong way to look at. It should be considered an investment with the stark reality that not doing something will cost your business more.

Advanced businesses that have developed a technology roadmap which can also now include the remote setup of endpoints (unit is shipped to your staff remember, machine is switched on and the device is automatically configures) are seeing some of the following results:

29% reduction in hours an employee is without access to an application / network or other resources when a new PC is being deployed.
44% fewer users of newly deployed PCs that report problems, lost data or settings after deployment

The explicit costs of legacy hardware:

  • Ongoing Maintenance

  • Tech Support

  • Licensing

  • Environmental Costs

  • Staff Costs

Ongoing maintenance costs

Running outdated desktops or laptops might result in large, recurring expenses that are frequently disregarded. First off, newer, more energy-efficient types of hardware typically use less power than outdated ones.

Over time, this results in increased electricity expenditures, particularly in settings where several old devices are in use. Furthermore, as these gadgets get older, there is a greater chance that they will experience hardware faults and breakdowns, requiring maintenance or replacement.

Maintenance expenses can mount up quickly, particularly if manufacturing discontinuation results in a shortage or inflated cost of spare components.

digital display guide

 

Furthermore, ageing computers and laptops frequently experience a decline in performance over time, which reduces user productivity and efficiency. On outdated hardware, tasks that would be quick on new hardware can become slow and time-consuming, which eventually affects output and workflow.

Businesses may experience indirect expenses because of this loss of productivity due to lower personnel efficiency and lost opportunities. Moreover, antiquated hardware could find it difficult to run contemporary operating systems or software programmes, requiring expensive upgrades or functional and security compromises.

Moreover, using outdated desktops or laptops can put you at risk for serious financial losses due to security vulnerabilities. Older hardware is more susceptible to viruses, cyberattacks, and data breaches because it frequently lacks crucial security measures and could not be receiving manufacturer maintenance or upgrades.

Investing in extra cybersecurity measures, possible legal fees in the event of a breach, and reputational damage that could jeopardise customer confidence and commercial prospects are some of the costs related to risk mitigation. Thus, even while it can seem economical to keep using outdated PCs or laptops, the hidden costs associated with energy use, upkeep, lost productivity, and security flaws may eventually offset any early savings.

Helpdesk tickets / Downtime

Users that use outdated desktop or laptop computers may incur significant costs due to downtime and troubleshooting time. First, deteriorating hardware is more likely to crash, freeze, and slow down frequently, which can interfere with workflow and reduce productivity.

Every downtime event results in lost time, either in trying to debug the issue or in waiting for the system to reboot. Such disruptions can be especially expensive for users in fast-paced work situations, resulting in missed deadlines, postponed projects, and irritated coworkers or clients.

Moreover, those who use outdated desktops or laptops frequently discover that they must spend a lot of time asking help desk or IT support staff for assistance. Outdated hardware increases the likelihood of software compatibility problems, driver conflicts, and other technical difficulties that require professional assistance to fix.

In addition to taking up valuable work time, waiting for a technician to fix a problem results in indirect costs for the company in the form of resources and salary for support staff. Additionally, the aggravation and strain brought on by persistent technical issues can have a detrimental influence on employee morale and work satisfaction, which lowers overall effectiveness and efficiency even more.

Furthermore, using antiquated gear might cause lengthy troubleshooting procedures and delays in the discovery of workable solutions. Helpdesk staff may find it difficult to diagnose and fix problems with outdated systems because of a lack of resources for troubleshooting old hardware, a lack of documentation, or problems with newer software tools not working properly.

Because of this, users might have to wait for a resolution for extended periods of time, which would increase the overall costs related to downtime and decreased productivity. Customers incur an actual cost when they spend time troubleshooting outdated PCs or laptops due to missed opportunities, decreased productivity, and a greater need for outside support.

how to use technology to attract and retain your staff

Improved Security – Increased Importance

A close up of a computer screen showing a search for securityModern desktop and laptop hardware has sophisticated security features that protect confidential information and lessen online hazards for businesses. Integrated biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanners, is one noteworthy feature.

By adding another level of protection to passwords, these authentication techniques lower the possibility of illegal access to networks and devices.

Businesses can improve identity verification procedures and reduce the risk of password-related security breaches by utilising biometric authentication, which will strengthen their entire cybersecurity posture.

Hardware-based encryption is another important security element included in contemporary desktop and laptop computers. Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs), or dedicated encryption chips, are found in a lot of modern products, enabling hardware-level data encryption.

This guarantees that private or proprietary data, or other sensitive information kept on the device, is safeguarded if it is misplaced or stolen. Businesses can improve data security and regulatory compliance efforts by protecting sensitive data from ransomware attacks, unauthorised access, and data breaches by utilising hardware-based encryption.

Furthermore, thanks to innovations like AMD PRO Security and Intel vPro, modern desktop and laptop hardware frequently includes remote management and security features. Regardless of the actual location of the devices, these systems allow IT managers to remotely monitor, manage, and protect devices across the organization’s network. Remote management features improve overall security posture and streamline IT operations from software upgrades and security policy implementation to troubleshooting and remediation. Businesses can lower their risk of data breaches and cyberattacks by utilising these skills to effectively manage their fleet of devices, proactively discover and address security issues, and maintain regulatory compliance.

 

If you would like a copy of our Desktop Calculator that shows your ROI (Return on Investment) based on the age of your equipment or would like a chat please contact keith.bird@digital-origin.co.uk

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