5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Business Equipment

by Stephanie Faris on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 14:30

No matter what type of work you do, chances are you rely heavily on electronic equipment every day. From the servers that hold your files and applications to the computers and smartphones that connect you, it’s important that each device operate efficiently. Unfortunately, electronics have a limited lifespan, varying from two to six years depending on a variety of factors. If you replace items too soon, you could waste money but if you wait too long, you may find that you’re less productive and, therefore, not able to serve your customers.

This guide will help you identify the signs that a piece of electronics has reached its end of life, as well as advice on how to set up an efficient replacement plan.

Updates Not Available

The security of your network relies heavily on the updates provided by your software manufacturers. Both Apple and Microsoft follow end-of-support schedules that are detailed on their websites. If you currently have machines running Windows 8, for instance, you’re nearing the end of support and your systems could be vulnerable to attack in a couple of weeks.

Repeated Help Tickets

You’ll get some of the best insight into your equipment needs from your help desk ticketing system. Are there devices that seem to need more repairs than others? Pay attention to the age of equipment on each ticket and consider replacing those items first, rather than solely looking at the age of equipment.

Server Glitches

If you’re still running on-premise servers, keeping those updated should be your top priority. When a computer or smartphone malfunctions, it affects one employee. A malfunctioning server can impact your entire operations. Watch for signs that a server might be aging and replace it before it becomes a problem.

Incompatibility

Unfortunately, a device can become outdated almost as soon as you’ve purchased it. But even if it’s still operating efficiently after several years, if equipment is holding you back from upgrading to a new hardware or software solution, consider trading it in.

Slow Performance

Performance issues can sneak up on a worker, only getting attention once they begin to interfere with daily work. If an employee tells you his or her device is sluggish, pay attention. If the equipment is older, consider replacing it and if not, determine whether the worker has the hardware necessary for the assigned work.

Experts recommend setting up a hardware replacement cycle for your business that includes servers, computers, printers, copiers, and mobile devices. This will allow you to spread the cost out evenly over multiple years, while also reducing costs associated with waiting until equipment dies to replace it. Once you have a plan in place, regularly monitor your help desk tickets to determine if you need to tweak your cycle to be more proactive in your equipment replacement.

As you bring in new equipment, you’ll need to find a way to safely offload old devices. National Computer Warehouse Services specializes in hard drive disposal, with mobile shredders and local recycling partners that can take your old equipment. Contact us to set up an equipment disposal plan that works for your business.