Many enterprise workers are provided with mobile devices — such as smartphones and tablets — by their employer to carry out assigned tasks. In recent years, the mobile workforce has grown, with IDC research predicting steady, continued growth through 2024. At the end of the forecast period, IDC expects mobile workers will account for nearly 60% of the total U.S. workforce.
How well your mobile workforce performs depends on the quality of the technology it uses. Older technology simply won’t get you the same performance as new technology in areas such as device uptime, efficiency, productivity, and more. However, keeping up with the latest technology in a world where it advances so quickly can be costly to enterprises.
To arm the growing mobile workforce, enterprises must be careful about procuring new devices while minimizing strains to budgets. One way to achieve this is through trade-in programs. Much like consumers trading in their phones, enterprises can overhaul their fleets of mobile devices for rebates and savings on new equipment.
Keep reading to learn why an enterprise mobility trade-in program may be right for you:
The Value of Enterprise Device Trade-Ins
New devices aren’t cheap — that’s why many enterprises are turning to trade-in programs to acquire new technology without breaking the bank. Luckily, trade-in programs are a model where everyone wins. Enterprises get new devices in exchange for their old ones, while OEMs get hidden value through repurposing the technology. Further, trade-in programs are a win for the environment as they keep devices from being discarded before their useful end of life; OEMs will recycle devices that have been traded in or dispose of them safely for free.
However, the enterprises are the biggest winner; receiving technology and getting rid of older technology simultaneously while saving money through rebates can’t be beaten. Further, the tech upgrade can simplify workflows, endure harsh mobile environments, and be easily managed via mobile device management (MDM)programs.
Security Can’t Be Overlooked in Trade-Ins
Security is of the utmost importance for every enterprise. Historically, trade-ins have been viewed as a risky business because they posed security threats. Many enterprises were worried their data from their old mobile device would be accessible by the next user. However, trade-in programs have evolved and no longer pose the same security threats. In fact, they’re more secure than ever.
A well-managed enterprise trade-in program affords economic benefits along with the comfort of data security while keeping their mobile workforce productive with the latest devices and applications. Valuable, sensitive data is stored on mobile devices and must be transferred/removed from old devices before trade-in. Going above and beyond a factory reset, SIM and memory cards should be removed and destroyed. Further, your trade-in partner will have software capabilities to quickly and efficiently remove all data from devices. Once all data is removed, quality controls and audits are performed to ensure the device is ready for its next use, and none of your data will carry over to the new device owner.
A fundamental requirement for any organization involved with trade-in business is to retain their Responsible Recycling (R2) certification. If devices are data-cleared, but are too old or broken for resale, they will be recycled for their materials, guaranteeing green disposal. Every step of the process requires an auditable electronic certificate to be retained to ensure fidelity of the process.
What to Look for in an Enterprise Mobility Trade-In Partner
It is wise to choose a trade-in program with a tie-in to an organization with enterprise mobility management (EMM) or MDM capabilities. Without these services to manage all of your mobile devices, confidential data stored on your devices may be at risk. If a mobile device is lost or stolen, MDM or EMM can remotely lock and wipe all data to avoid a data breach. With a trade-in program with these capabilities, you can retain more control over your devices and data.
The most value is found in finding a trade-in partner and carrier that makes the process of unloading old devices and procuring new ones as easy and seamless as possible for your enterprise. Make sure the trade-in program allows you to trade in devices from any brand. An ideal program will accept a wide variety of products, such as mobile computers, printers, tablets, and more.
A workforce is only as good as the technology they use, and as the mobile workforce continues to grow, enterprises need to equip their workers with up-to-date technology. It’s time that enterprises leverage mobile device trade-in programs to update their tech and optimize their old tech value. While saving money and securing their data, this win-win partnership will ensure that enterprises receive new devices and that OEMs receive hidden value through repurposing old ones. An ideal partner should accept a wide variety of products and provide you with mobile device management capabilities. If your partner doesn’t make the entire overhaul as easy as possible, they’re not right for you.
Don’t waste any more time and money overhauling your entire fleet of devices by yourself. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can modernize your workforce’s devices without breaking the bank, contact Informs, Inc. for all things related to mobility trade-in programs.
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