Effectively managing devices has become a strategic imperative for organizations looking to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance employee satisfaction. Our recent webinar, led by Dean Norton, National Manager of Device Services at All Covered, delivered valuable guidance on how to streamline every phase of the device lifecycle from acquisition through retirement.
Here are eight important items we discussed on how to succeed at device lifecycle management:
1. Reframing the Device Lifecycle Management: From “Acquire” to “Retire”
Too often, organizations approach device lifecycle management from a narrow procurement perspective. Dean presented a more comprehensive model: “From acquire to retire.” This end-to-end approach emphasizes maximizing device uptime, improving user experience, and securing full value from each asset. It encompasses deployment, support, maintenance, and secure decommissioning.
2. Tracking the Right Metrics
Visibility drives smarter decisions. The team discussed the importance of tracking KPIs that show the effectiveness of your device lifecycle management, including:
- Real-time inventory status
- Device configuration and deployment timelines
- Security compliance rates
- Loss and theft prevention
These data points enable IT teams to act proactively, optimize resources, and remain agile during periods of change.
3. Security as a Device Lifecycle Management Priority
Security must be integrated throughout the entire device lifecycle. From initial onboarding to certified data erasure at retirement, each step plays a role in protecting sensitive information and maintaining regulatory compliance. Device lifecycle management contributes directly to a strong, multi-layered security strategy.
4. Elevating the User Experience
A seamless and personalized onboarding process can significantly improve employee engagement and productivity. Features such as branded packaging and efficient setup are great ways to reflect company culture while reducing time-to-productivity.
5. Solving the Inventory Puzzle
Lack of real-time inventory insight often leads to overspending and delays. By improving tracking and inventory accuracy, organizations can align device availability with business needs and avoid unnecessary purchases.
6. Balancing Flexibility with Financial Discipline
Strategic device management involves more than just reducing costs. By finding the right mix of capital and operational spending, leveraging warranties, and optimizing repair cycles, companies can extend device life, minimize downtime, and enhance ROI.
7. Collaboration Across Teams
Device lifecycle management succeeds when IT, finance, operations, and sourcing work together. Aligning these groups helps ensure that device strategy supports broader business objectives and delivers measurable results.
8. Driving Improvement Through Feedback
Ongoing feedback and user engagement help refine lifecycle processes over time. Learning from challenges and making iterative improvements leads to better outcomes and greater long-term value.
Let’s Build a Better Device Strategy Together
Whether you're designing your first device lifecycle management plan or optimizing an established one, our experts are ready to support your goals.
Ready to watch the whole webinar? Find it here, or better yet, connect with a Device Lifecycle Specialist at All Covered to schedule a consultation.
