TRG Exterminates Refurbished Hardware Problems and More for a Global Pest Control Company
CUSTOMER SINCE: 2014
DESCRIPTION: Global pest control company
INITIAL INQUIRY: Refurbished Hardware
SERVICES:
PRODUCTS:
The Problem
This multi-billion-dollar pest control and disinfection company operates on a global scale and, as part of its growth strategy, completes several acquisitions per year throughout the world.
With each acquisition per year, the company found it increasingly challenging to obtain hardware, manage device deployments and maintain the fleet. In addition, the company was using fairly outdated hardware and needed assistance with repair services, ongoing maintenance and spares pool management.
The Solution
TRG began working with the company’s U.S. hardware manager in 2014, first selling off some old hardware and beginning maintenance on 6,000 handheld devices.
To ensure they had better performing equipment that could be purchased and deployed in a more efficient and cost-effective manner, we helped the company obtain refurbished mobile computers that worked perfectly for their applications. These devices featured a barcode scanner, cellular connectivity and rugged construction at a lower price point than newer hardware solutions.
TRG took over all device repair and spares pool management, servicing 150 to 200 devices per month while managing the logistics of all inbound and outbound device shipments. For units that were out-of-warranty or covered under our in-warranty repair authorizations, we performed the repair ourselves. If the item was in-warranty or we were not authorized, we managed the logistics to and from the OEM. We also provided spares pool management – maintaining and managing a pool of ready-to-ship devices from our state-of-the-art facilities.
We set up an integrated help desk, managed all user setup and device configuration and staged/kitted/deployed all equipment to ensure each piece of hardware was ready to be used out-of-the-box. Each time the company made a new acquisition, we would procure and deploy around 400 pieces of refurbished hardware to the new subsidiary.
We then assisted with a new challenge: a new software application with conflicting performance and compatibility requirements. TRG identified a device that could accommodate the new software and ensure the appropriate wireless settings. Employees were now outfitted with two devices — one for each software needed - but these devices were refurbished, allowing the company to overcome its challenges for less than the cost of a single new unit. Ultimately, we sold and deployed 800 handheld devices and terminals, which kept them productive while they worked on a comprehensive software rewrite.
The pest control company chose to lease this equipment — enabling them to get the devices faster, without the budget approvals typically required for capital expenditures and with no money down. TRG provided a flexible deal structure, which included a custom allowance to return any device whenever a new device was needed.
With time, we worked with the company on several other initiatives. Over time and as Windows Mobile devices began to cycle out, TRG assisted the company with migrating device operating systems to Android. We also helped integrate an existing help desk ticketing system into our online asset management portal, ServiceHub, for ease of oversight and management.
The Result
Thanks to the variety of services we provided, the company was able to save on its overall technology spend while providing its new subsidiaries with equipment they needed. This also enabled the acquisitions to properly and quickly integrate, preventing any hiccup in operations. And with the cost of each device around $400 (new devices would have been significantly higher), the parent company was able to bring its new subsidiaries into the fold without incurring excessive costs.
Today, we continue to partner with our customer on any of their hardware, repair or deployment needs. If your organization is facing any challenges similar to those discussed here, a solution is within reach. Contact TRG today to learn how we can help.
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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.