The benefits of device reuse in Higher Education

As Higher Education institutions face financial cuts and pressures to hit their sustainability targets, you may be wondering how to hit Net Zero without going over budget.  

One way you can introduce cost-saving and sustainable measures into your business practice is through your asset management. Specifically, the reuse of devices can be greatly beneficial to your institution, its goals and its bottom line. 

Budget 

The main benefit of reusing your devices is cost-savings. This is especially important considering declining funding in the Higher Education sector. Purchasing new equipment can be incredibly expensive, especially when staff turnover rates are at an all-time high.  

Existing devices can be securely wiped, refurbished and redeployed elsewhere in your institution at a fraction of the cost. This removes the financial burden of rebuying and reimaging new assets when the need arises.  

There are many areas within your university where devices can be reused. Not only can they be redeployed to new starters or movers, but they can even be repurposed for student use, by making them available to loan or offering them to your esports teams. Having these options available for your students could potentially draw applications, boosting your budget in the long run.  

When an asset reaches the end of its useful life (i.e. there is nowhere for it to be redeployed within your university) it can be securely wiped, refurbished and sold to a local business. This can be a great source of extra income. 

Sustainability 

Like many other Higher Education institutions, you’re probably looking to hit Net Zero by 2030. Whilst other policies can be costly, introducing device reuse cuts your upfront costs whilst promoting sustainability in your institution.  

Extending the lifespan of your existing devices can significantly reduce your production of e-waste, which is a huge problem in the UK. This in turn lowers your institution’s carbon footprint, bringing you closer to your Net Zero goals.  

Resource optimisation 

Many devices, especially laptops and desktops, retain sufficient processing power for tasks even after a few years. Reusing them for less demanding applications can optimize resource utilisation within your institution.  

Whilst a machine might no longer be useful to one department, it could be perfectly functional to another. Departments which require high-powered devices should consider passing their old tech down to those who don’t need as much computing power. 

So, where do you begin? 

Above all else, your biggest concern with device reuse is security, considering 92% of Higher Education institutions reported facing cyberattacks in 2022. Budget is also a point to consider when implementing new business practices. 

Working with a trusted IT partner can take these stressors away, collaborating with your institution to develop a device lifecycle which works for you. They should help you develop a holistic approach which includes all the stages leading up to device reuse- from procurement and provisioning to repairs, refurbishment and retrieval.  

You should also seek a partner who can offer you a device management platform or API. These offer thorough visibility over your assets, helping you keep constant track of your devices and what level of information they contain. This is particularly useful considering your tech might be moving between different departments.  

You can discover more about the benefits of implementing a device lifecycle in Higher Education here. Or, if you’re ready to get started, feel free to get in touch with a friendly member of our team to discuss how Direct 2 Desk could benefit your institution.