The Importance Of Having A Technology Equipment Repair Solution
Having tech equipment functioning at optimal levels keeps companies running smoothly and reduces headaches for users, leadership and the IT team. When something’s not working quite as it should, the top of the FAQs is whether to repair the equipment or replace it outright.
Companies sometimes rush to replace production hardware even when it’s more appropriate as well as cost- and time-effective to repair it. It seems easier to just get something shiny and new without having to jump through hoops to repair it. Manufacturers sometimes incentivize new purchases and upgrades by making life difficult for those who try to repair their devices.
But with e-waste as a huge problem in the United States, and companies finding full-scale replacement an enormous strain on their budget and resources, repairing is becoming a much more sought-after solution.
Deciding to repair comes with new, further decisions to make (of course). There are several ways to go about it depending on a number of factors.
What’s the Skill Level of the Internal Team?
Some companies have IT professionals that are highly skilled at refurbishing and repairing equipment and devices. In this case, simply finding the right replacement parts and getting the job done in-house is a good option. But if that person or team doesn’t exist on staff, a third-party technology repair company, such as TRG, can help identify the parts needed and complete the maintenance, repair or refurbishment.
Contract or Time and Material?
When evaluating service options for repairing devices, third parties can offer to price at a flat contract rate, or based on the time and materials (T&M) necessary for the project. The right option depends on the scope, repairs needed, and historical performance, as well as a company’s personal preference.
Fixed contract pricing gives a predictable payment option and covers clearly defined and outlined services set at the beginning of the agreement. This gives full transparency into what is expected from each party up front. T&M, on the other hand, is a payment option where a company will pay a third party based on the time spent on the project plus any costs associated with materials needed to complete it. This is a more flexible option that allows for dynamic scopes.
If a company is unsure which option is best for them, it’s recommended to go with T&M at least to start. However, the best course of action is best determined by simply having a conversation about the current situation, the historical performance of enterprise devices, and what the goals are.
Choosing a Provider
When looking at a third party to perform repair services, companies need to consider their capabilities at a holistic level. A good provider has a solid reputation for quality repairs, a proven record of meeting customer SLAs, and is someone willing to work with businesses closely on customized support and package options. Providers with a large number of experts and technicians on staff will deliver the best results, fast. Companies should compare providers’ service and payment options to make sure they align with the organization’s needs.
Some providers are vendor agnostic, with multiple facilities around the country or even globally. It helps if the provider can supplement the equipment pool with refurbished or rental equipment as well, to keep turnaround time at a minimum. If they offer a variety of supporting long-term services through all aspects of enterprise mobility, including staging, kitting, configuration, in-warranty logistics support, out-of-warranty repairs, scaling operations, etc., that would be ideal for seamless operations.
Preventive Maintenance Reduces Downtime
It’s hard to know when a device or piece of hardware is going to fail, but there are ways to mitigate the risk. TRG works with businesses to go through the previous 12 months of repair needs to see what patterns emerge and compare repair speed, time and cost. This helps to not only plan out preventive maintenance schedules but also to show cost savings and downtime reduction using the managed services and preventive maintenance solutions.
Ready to learn how you can best extend the life of your technology assets through repair? Contact us today to learn more about our services and support.
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About TRG
TRG is a global managed solutions provider focused on mobility, point of sale and payments. With facilities across the United States, Canada and Europe, we provide the most comprehensive suite of lifecycle management services – from warehouse to boardroom and deployment to retirement. Our mission is to Make Technology Simple, helping customers accelerate projects, drive application success, improve employee/customer experience and maximize ROI. We’re relentless in our drive to find innovative, effective ways to enhance customer operations and challenge conventional thinking along the way. Learn more about why The Difference Is Us at www.trgsolutions.com.