Why Device Lifecycle Management Matters
The one thing we can always count on is change, especially when it comes to Device Lifecycle Management. Being prepared to manage through change is a must have for any successful organization. Changes affecting Device Lifecycle can be brought on by numerous factors including operating systems, carriers’ contracts, personal vs corporate policies and most importantly, business changes.
Having a process around Device Lifecycle Management is crucial for businesses, below we will outline many reasons why this all matters.
Operating system updates may no longer support older devices requiring you to proactively upgrade devices to avoid security issues. In Q4 2019 iOS 13 was released which no longer supported iPhone 6 or older. Millions of iPhone 6 devices existed throughout enterprises that needed to be upgraded. Having a policy and process around how and when your company’s devices are updated with Device Lifecycle Management helps mitigate security risks while keeping employee working on the latest technology.
Enterprises change wireless carriers. To migrate from one carrier to another may require you to change all connected devices and/or their SIM cards. Without knowing what you have and where they are this becomes an arduous task.
Some organizations have migrated from BYOD to Corporate Liable, Corporate Liable to BYOD or have changed the qualifications to participate in either. Having detailed information on devices and the program they fall under is critical to understanding the impact to employees and support resources. OVATION’s Device Lifecycle Management helps our clients quickly know how many devices may need a security update, or how a device is utilized based on job function so that if there are shifts in the business we can assist in re-deploying devices based on the business needs.
Lastly, acquisitions, divestitures, reorganizations, expansions, downsizing, and other forms of change are a constant reality in corporate America. Without a Device Lifecycle Management program in place, knowing what devices are associated with each employee and each business unit make re-aligning devices and their subscriptions an impossible challenge.
Proactive Device Lifecycle Management puts you in charge of managing wireless IT assets and costs for many reasons:
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- Controlling equipment costs by implementing guidelines on the timing and types of devices each employee can receive will reduce overall monthly equipment costs.
- Making sure your employees are equipped with the best tools to improve productivity and performance is a key part of an effective mobility program.
- Out-of-date devices can impair productivity and cause malfunctions that can be potentially harmful to business. Maintaining approved, functioning devices across your enterprise is key to maximizing efficiency and cost-effective technology. Proactively completing device refresh projects will ensure that your employees have the appropriate technology to do their jobs.
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While having all-new devices can be beneficial, it can also be costly. Instead, consider offering a limited selection of device models that still fully function but may not be the “latest and greatest” on the market. Additionally, limiting models can simplify support needs for customer support and help desk tickets.
The Modern Workplace and Device Lifecycle Management The pandemic has resulted in increased demand for remote work-from-home and mobile working, with few organizations prepared to meet the challenge. Device Lifecycle Management is an area critical to supporting remote workplace models with the service levels and efficiency expected.
Device lifecycle management was one of the largest and more complicated hurdles that IT organizations had to overcome during the workplace shift in 2020. Many enterprises are still struggling to achieve the balance, in both service levels and efficiency, that they had before the pandemic. IT organizations that weathered the early stages of the crisis the best had already invested in processes and tools that were location-agnostic, and those who had removed the physical handling of devices from the device lifecycle supply chain.
Device Procurement Today, companies typically provide each employee with a standard device on the day they join the organization. Much of the first day or two will be spent setting up the device, installing applications, and requesting access as needed.
Organizations with a more modern workplace approach allow new hires to access a portal before they join. There they can choose the device that best suits their personal work style and needs from a selection of curated makes and models. Then, on their first day, whether that’s in the office or at home, the employee receives the device, unboxes it, plugs in the power and logs in with their corporate credentials.
Within just a few minutes, the device will be fully provisioned with all the corporate settings and applications that the user needs, with the appropriate level of enterprise access enabled. In organizations that do this, new employees are connected (and productive) from their very first day.
Having a systematic approach to procurement of the correct device, apps and accessories with complete visibility to all can save organizations valuable productivity time and ensures an efficient program.
Reclaimed and Recycled Devices And finally, let’s not forget one of the most important functions of a complete Fulfillment & Device Lifecycle Management service, reclaiming the old device(s). In today’s world with data security as being king, businesses must perform best practice device wiping and recycling ensuring a complete end-to-end lifecycle management of the mobile assets in their enterprise.
OVATION’s systematic process of a comprehensive Device Lifecycle Management program includes everything discussed to this point as well as the final step of recovering old devices, wiping them securely and then recycling to deliver cash savings to help offset other business costs. Contact OVATION today for an assessment of your company’s enterprise mobility program.
