Effectively managing a fleet of devices is essential in today’s business world, but it often presents complex challenges that can impact security, productivity, and costs. Many companies are finding that Device as a Service (DAAS) can alleviate common issues, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic tasks rather than day-to-day device management hurdles.
Here’s a look at 10 common mistakes in device management and how DAAS can help your business overcome them.
1. Neglecting Efficient Device Onboarding and Configuration
Onboarding devices for new employees can be time-consuming and inconsistent, especially when each device requires unique setups. Many fast-growing businesses rush through onboarding without standardized procedures, leading to a lack of consistency and potential security gaps.
Solution: Automate onboarding with DAAS and mobile device management (MDM) tools. Pre-configuring devices with essential software, security settings, and permissions ensures a consistent setup, accelerates deployment, and boosts security across the organization.
2. Overlooking Security and Compliance Needs
Keeping devices secure and compliant across a distributed workforce can be challenging. Many companies don’t have dedicated resources to monitor security, or they rely on manual processes that are difficult to enforce consistently, leading to unpatched vulnerabilities and compliance risks.
Solution: With DAAS, remote security controls and MDM solutions allow IT teams to enforce policies, manage encryption, and conduct regular compliance checks, minimizing vulnerabilities and ensuring adherence to industry regulations.
3. Losing Track of Devices and Inventory
Tracking devices (where they are, who is using them, and their condition) is tough as companies scale. Many rely on spreadsheets or manual methods, which are error-prone and can lead to misplaced assets, increased costs, and wasted resources.
Solution: DAAS platforms offer real-time asset tracking, allowing IT teams to monitor inventory, usage, and location of devices in a centralized system. This reduces the risk of losses and enables data-driven decision-making for more effective device management.
4. Failing to Keep Software Updated
Outdated software exposes devices to security threats and can create compatibility issues, but coordinating updates across multiple devices can disrupt workflows if not managed well. Companies often hesitate to roll out updates for fear of productivity loss or lack a streamlined update process.
Solution: DAAS and MDM tools enable automated software updates and patches, ensuring all devices receive critical updates promptly. Scheduling updates during non-business hours minimizes disruptions, keeping devices secure and productive.
5. Inadequate Support for Remote Troubleshooting
With remote work on the rise, providing support to remote employees can be challenging without physical access to devices. Many companies still rely on in-person troubleshooting, leading to delays and decreased productivity for remote teams.
Solution: DAAS providers often include remote support tools that allow IT teams to diagnose and troubleshoot issues from a distance. This minimizes downtime, enabling IT teams to resolve issues quickly, regardless of location.
6. Ignoring Data Backup and Recovery
Device malfunctions or accidental data loss can be highly disruptive, yet many companies overlook backup and recovery, assuming data stored on individual devices is secure. This puts companies at risk, especially in remote setups where data may not be regularly backed up.
Solution: Cloud-based backup solutions within DAAS automate regular data backups, ensuring data is secure and recoverable if needed. This safeguard minimizes the risk of data loss, keeping business operations running smoothly.
7. Allowing Device Lifecycles to Lapse
Over time, devices degrade, slowing performance and increasing the risk of breakdowns. To save costs, companies often delay replacements, leading to unexpected downtime and reduced productivity when devices fail.
Solution: DAAS models offer proactive lifecycle management, with devices monitored for health and usage to ensure timely replacements before performance issues arise. This approach reduces downtime and ensures employees have reliable, up-to-date tools.
8. Struggling to Scale Device Needs
Adjusting device numbers to match workforce needs can be challenging with fixed asset purchases, as growing businesses may find themselves either short of devices or holding a surplus, making it hard to manage costs and logistics efficiently.
Solution: DAAS offers flexibility to scale device numbers up or down as needed, without upfront purchases. This subscription model helps businesses meet changing demands with ease and adapt to workforce size fluctuations.
9. Underestimating the Importance of User Training
Without training, employees may misuse devices or overlook essential security features, increasing tech support requests and security risks. Many companies lack standardized training programs, leading to inconsistent practices that reduce productivity and increase risk.
Solution: DAAS solutions can integrate regular training programs to educate employees on device features, security best practices, and maintenance. This reduces support requests and enhances security compliance, empowering employees to use devices confidently.
10. Failing to Manage Costs Effectively
Managing device costs effectively is difficult, as expenses like repairs, replacements, and maintenance add up over time. Many businesses underestimate these ongoing expenses and rely solely on initial purchase costs, leading to budget surprises.
Solution: DAAS offers predictable, subscription-based pricing that covers maintenance, support, and upgrades in one monthly fee. This helps businesses avoid unexpected costs, manage expenses better, and stabilize device budgets.
Final Thoughts
Managing a fleet of devices is no easy task, but a DAAS model can help simplify and enhance device management, offering solutions to these common mistakes. By addressing these challenges proactively, businesses can increase security, maintain productivity, and improve cost efficiency.
Ready to streamline your device management? Contact CTS Mobility to explore our DAAS solutions and take the hassle out of device management for your business.