How to beat supply chain constraints by working with a solution provider

Supply chain component shortages have wreaked havoc on large organizations over the past few years, severely disrupting modern and hybrid workforce programs. Across all industries, adapting to supply chain disruptions is the number one priority for management when it comes to hybrid work.

Global organizations are relying on their IT service partners to hold more inventory than ever previously required. Working with a trusted partner to develop long-term plans over 12 to 18 months can help ensure your organization is prepared to source and configure future devices. In fact, SHI works with many global entities to provide end-user device provisioning and management services for remote workforces.

Making hybrid work

Supply chain shortages have caused many organizations to rely on facilities like SHI’s integration centers to stock devices and peripheral accessories. This stored inventory ensures access for future device rollouts. And it’s not just computers that are constrained. Peripherals required for hybrid working, such as docks, displays, webcams, and headsets, are all affected by supply issues. Having a ready stock helps to mitigate some of the issues organizations are experiencing.

Some global organizations handling provisioning internally are being forced into practical solutions to address device constraints. Procurement teams are assembling Frankenstein’s monsters of end-user device setups with laptops, docks, displays, and other peripherals from a range of OEMs, based on availability. For many organizations, the days of standardizing on one OEM for all end-user computing are gone.

SHI’s ability to buy, hold, configure, and deploy devices from a global network of integration centers gives organizations an advantage in the battle against modern workplace supply chain constraints.

Long live the end-user device

The focus on extending the lifespan of existing end-user devices has grown over the last few years. A typical three- or four-year device lifecycle may not be feasible during this current situation. But organizations need to ensure end-user productivity remains unaffected and worker satisfaction is not impacted by poor device performance.

By working with suppliers and partners on extending device warranties and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services to refresh existing devices, organizations can drive internal performance and increase productivity. SHI works with global clients to grade devices, perform upgrades, refresh hard drives and batteries, and then redeploy the devices back into the end-user environment.

A new solution is also available through the launch of ChromeOS Flex, enabling organizations to wipe older Windows laptops and redeploy as Chrome machines for workers who can operate on cloud-based SaaS applications.

Adopting modern management

Saving time and freeing up IT resources to focus on supply chain projects can be achieved by adopting a modern management process for end-user devices. The ability to drop ship end-user devices and use zero touch over-the-air provisioning allows IT resources to be utilized more effectively.

With organizations experiencing high turnover as workers adapt to hybrid working conditions, managing new end-user device provisioning with modern management — for example, VMware Workspace One or Microsoft Endpoint Manager — streamlines the process and gives end users an out-of-the-box experience.

Global organizations work with SHI to drive IT transformation and innovation in their workplace. We provide a compelling mix of OEM partners, technology experts, value-add services, and integration facilities to enable organizations to mitigate supply chain issues and achieve their business outcomes confidently and sustainably. SHI can help you select the right technology, lower costs, increase efficiency, and provide scale to any project.

Arrange a call with us to discuss your organization’s modern workplace goals and understand how global organizations are using technology to enable their business transformations.