Technology has made remote working not only possible, but a major contributing factor to greater productivity across multiple industries. When it comes to providing teams with the right equipment to do their jobs, one size doesn't fit all. It’s critical that devices are well-suited to the employee and the work they do; to empower productivity, streamline processes and improve the customer experience.
Categorize End Users to Determine the Best Device for the Job
Choosing the right devices to equip each member or your tech company starts with considering the types of work end users perform, and where they do it from. Keep the following key user categories in mind when developing an end-user/device strategy that balances needs and costs:
Non-mobile Users
For employees who mostly work at a desk/stationary location—with limited/no travel—there are many device types available, including laptops, All-in-One's (AIO), desktops, etc. For example, in hot-desk situations, laptops make sense, while customer-facing roles may benefit more from AIO devices.
Mobile Users
Frequently traveling executives and field-based sales reps require mobile devices—sometimes multiple types—to effectively do their jobs. When choosing devices, consider balancing thin and light form factors with battery life and performance. Need anti-glare screens? Is WiFi performance ideal? While smartphones and tablets provide connectivity benefits, laptop PCs provide greater productivity results.
Advanced Users
In high tech, software research and development engineers, QA teams and big data analysts require high-performance devices, multi-monitor setups and specialized applications/software. Examine your advanced users. Is everyone at a desk? Working on the go? Both? With increasing numbers of this user group, multiple options can create an ideal work environment that fits everyone’s needs:
- Workstations run powerful applications with efficiency, speed and stability and easily adjust to work load changes.
- Desktops provide ease-of-use, reliability and powerful productivity in a range of energy-efficient form factors.
- Notebooks enable and enhance mobility and flexibility without compromising power and performance.
As the balance of user types change, developing "good, better, best" solution options for each user type/needs is useful. Use it to drive internal discussions on investments and priorities, balancing desired capabilities with budgets accordingly.
