Maximise business efficiency with asset optimisation

Shield your business from downtime with expert care and enjoy a worry-free approach to hardware maintenance.

There is no denying that businesses today face the constant challenge of staying competitive while managing their budgets effectively. One key strategy that can significantly impact the bottom line is asset optimisation. This approach – while not new, involves maximising the efficiency and longevity of IT hardware, ultimately saving costs and freeing up budget for investment in other critical areas of the business. 

While the main goal is to maximise the utilisation of existing IT assets, it can also lead to the realisation of improved efficiency, and significant time savings – by not having to constantly plan, configure, and replace devices, which can be expensive. 

Common challenges in managing hardware maintenance

Navigating the complexity of hardware maintenance for an IT professional dealing with multiple sites and on-premise devices can be a daunting task. The sheer volume of physical devices under management poses a challenge, especially when dealing with end-of-service-life products that are still in use. The challenge grows when you have to deal with issues like OEM SLAs proving too slow for business-critical devices. Another example is when devices are out of the standard OEM support period (typically ranging from 3 to 5 years) which can add a further layer of complexity.

In Australia, where parts sourcing for end-of-life devices can be particularly difficult, IT professionals find themselves grappling with the need for alternative maintenance solutions that can bridge the gap between the aging hardware and the evolving needs of the business. Balancing the demands of multiple sites, extending the lifespan of devices, and sourcing parts in this market requires strategic planning and a reliable partner with expertise in managing such intricate scenarios.

Why asset optimisation matters 

Asset optimisation matters for several reasons, but really it is about the impact it can have on the overall efficiency and financial health of an organisation. So, the concept holds significant potential for businesses looking to streamline operations, cut unnecessary costs and reallocate resources strategically.  

• Regain control of your IT budget: In a business landscape where every cent counts, optimising IT assets can lead to substantial cost savings.  
• Extend the life of your IT assets beyond OEM support​: IT hardware is a significant investment. Through the establishment of strategic maintenance plans, IT professionals can not only reduce the frequency of replacements but also plan their technology budgets more effectively. 
• Minimise your environmental impact: Extending the life of your assets aligns with sustainable business practices and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals 11 and 12 (Sustainable Cities and Communities and Responsible Consumption and Production). On average, an enterprise server emits approximately 1.28 tonnes of carbon over its four-year lifespan, equivalent to filling a 20-foot shipping container with CO2.

By adopting a responsible consumption approach and extending the life of your assets, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Minimising equipment disposal and optimising the extraction, manufacturing, and transport phases, brings you closer to your environmental goals and contributes to a more sustainable future.

• Proactive monitoring of your mission critical assets: When your performance is measured in uptime, the ability to detect and address potential issues before they become outages makes all the difference.   

Where to start?

Top Three Considerations for asset optimisation: 

1. Comprehensive assessment: Before implementing an asset optimisation strategy, organisations need to conduct a thorough assessment of their current IT infrastructure. This includes evaluating the age, performance, and maintenance history of each component to identify areas that require immediate attention.  
2. Strategic planning: Asset optimisation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Businesses must develop a customised plan that aligns with their specific needs, budget constraints, and future growth objectives. This includes scheduling regular maintenance, upgrading components strategically, and planning for eventual replacements. 
3. Partnering with experts: Partnering with experienced service providers, such as Interactive, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of asset optimisation efforts. A reliable partner brings industry knowledge, best practices, and the latest technology solutions to the table, ensuring that organisations stay ahead of potential issues and maximise the value of their IT investments. 

Benefits of partnering with Interactive

• Interactive’s systems maintenance services are designed to identify potential issues before they escalate into costly problems. Through regular inspections, upgrades, and repairs, businesses can avoid sudden hardware failures that often result in unplanned expenses. 
• Interactive’s expertise lies in extending the lifecycle of IT hardware through strategic maintenance plans. This not only reduces the frequency of replacements but also allows organisations to plan their technology budgets more effectively. 
• Interactive’s systems maintenance services provide a proactive approach to IT management, freeing up internal resources to focus on core business activities. This shift from a reactive to a proactive stance empowers organisations to make informed decisions and allocate resources more efficiently.

To find out more about Interactive’s systems and hardware maintenance services visit: Systems & Hardware Maintenance Services: 30 Years Experience (interactive.com.au)