These days, everything can be upgrades: Your car, your phone, even your workspace. When it comes to hardware, are these upgrades always smart--or do they leave your company on the back foot? Here's what to know and how to plan your next hardware upgrade.
Your Guide to a Smart Hardware Upgrade
Office technology is not immune to the upgrade craze. While you may not be as excited to get a new printer or copier as you would be to unbox the latest smartphone, the truth is that there are plenty of benefits to be found in a smart, well-timed hardware upgrade.
To make that happen, you need to understand three key elements: the "why," the "when," and the "how."
Why
The first step in planning an effective hardware upgrade is to step back and ask yourself why you're considering this change in the first place. Some reasons will quickly and clearly justify themselves; others will force you to think a little more about your motivations and maybe even reconsider whether this is really the best time for new hardware.
Good reasons: Maybe your existing hardware is on its last legs and has been costing you far too much in repairs and maintenance. It might also be slowing down your workflows and frustrating your employees, not to mention your customers. If any of these things sound familiar, you probably have at least one good reason to pursue a hardware upgrade.
Not-so-good reasons: It's easy to get distracted by the "upgrade craze." If you're considering a change just because you want to show off the latest machines or keep from falling behind the tech curve, you might want to reconsider. While it pays to stay current, it may also be possible to simply use your current hardware in smarter ways and upgrade later.
When
Once you've determined the reason for your upgrade, you're ready to take a look at timing. Much like motivations, there are good and bad times to pursue a hardware upgrade--and if you don't think ahead, you could be backing yourself into a corner.
Good timing: If your machines are about to fail, any time before a complete blackout is a good time. If, on the other hand, you have a little flexibility, you might want to aim for moments when your workflows are steady, your budgets are strong and healthy, and your teams are all on the same page. A hardware upgrade is also best timed around new product releases, whether you're getting the latest model or enjoying a discount on the previous generation.
Not-so-good timing: You shouldn't wait so long to perform a hardware upgrade that your hardware has already failed. On the other side of the coin, you shouldn't upgrade before you've gotten your money's worth from your current machines--otherwise, upgrades quickly become a money pit. Finally, don't wait to upgrade until just before a new product is released, or you'll have to watch everyone else get discounts and new features you were too impatient to enjoy.
How
The final piece of the hardware upgrade puzzle is perhaps the most important. Both "why" and "when" should be taken into consideration during this step--that way, you end up with a plan that works.
Here are some other things to consider:
- Cooperation: Choose hardware that fits nicely with your other devices and software. This is your chance to add big benefits to your tech stack.
- Notifications: Let internal stakeholders and customers know that you're going through an exciting change. (Hint: This is a great time for a "pardon our dust" or "under construction" email!) Remember to set realistic expectations about how the employee and customer experience will or won't be impacted.
- Scheduling: Make sure to plan your hardware upgrade in a way that doesn't impede day-to-day operations. You'll likely be moving machines around, unpacking boxes, and hooking up wires and network connections, so there's a chance you'll temporarily be in the way.
- Security: As you're preparing your new hardware, spend some time building good security habits. That means switching all the default settings and making secure connections to your network, mobile devices, accounts, and more.
Improving Your Future With a Hardware Upgrade
There's one more thing to consider when it comes to a hardware upgrade, and that's the future.
The truth is that upgrades will always be a part of life. If you use them effectively, they can help pave the way for great success--and that means identifying and preventing today's problems. Luckily, that's where Digital Watchdog comes in.
With Digital Watchdog protection, you can rest assured that your new hardware will be safe and reliable. You'll also be able to avoid some of the issues that may have driven you to an upgrade in the first place--like reduced efficiency due to incorrect security settings. Simply put, you'll get even more out of your new hardware, helping you prepare for a bigger and brighter tomorrow free from yesterday's mistakes.
In conclusion, a hardware upgrade is a great choice provided the why, when, and how are all figured out--and Digital Watchdog makes that choice even better.
Are you ready to improve your future with a hardware upgrade? Need a little help from Digital Watchdog protection? Contact us today!
