Deployment was smooth and took just two weeks to complete with Windows Autopilot
There are times when technology refreshes are necessary. The fact is that all computers eventually become obsolete and need to be replaced. This is especially important when employees complain about losing valuable time waiting for their devices to start up, open applications, or reboot. These are all signs that the end is near.
Financial planning company Private Wealth Management (Pty) Ltd recently had to refresh its fleet of laptops as they were outdated and out of warranty. They were no longer working efficiently, multiple units would break down at the same time, and it was both costly and time-consuming to have them repaired.
In addition, the new world of work has led to highly demanding requirements for performance, audio and video collaboration features, graphics capabilities, and battery life – none of which the aging fleet was able to live up to.
Private Wealth Management (Pty) Ltd set out to identify and work with a supplier that could not only act as a “one-stop-shop” for all its IT hardware needs but also required a strategic partner that is able to provide value-add services, enable cost savings, and create greater efficiencies in the supply and deployment of IT equipment. Managed services provider Netsurit was chosen as that partner.
The challenge was that devices at 11 branches across the country had to be replaced quickly, with as little downtime as possible for users. Netsurit proposed a Windows Autopilot deployment strategy that would enable the company’s financial planners to unbox their machines from the factory.
Windows Autopilot is a collection of technologies used to set up and pre-configure new devices, getting them ready for productive use. This enabled the users to turn on their machines, enter their username and password, and watch as their new laptop auto deployed the necessary software requirements in the background. Because no intervention was needed from technology consultants, there was little to no downtime for the end users.
“Netsurit exceeded Private Wealth Management (Pty) Ltd.’s expectations by delivering a cost-efficient and highly successful supply and installation model with the absolute minimum disruption to the day-to-day operations of the business,” says Michelle Jackson at Private Wealth Management (Pty) Ltd. “A total of 51 laptops were shipped directly to the various sites across our 11 branches. Deployment was smooth and took just two weeks to complete with Windows Autopilot.” Netsurit assigned a designated contact person to Private Wealth Management (Pty) Ltd, ensuring that any questions or challenges were addressed immediately. The contact person was full-time during the duration of the project.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Windows Autopilot and how does it work?
Windows Autopilot is a collection of Microsoft technologies designed to simplify the setup and configuration of new Windows devices. Employees can receive devices directly, sign in with their credentials and allow required applications, settings and configurations to be deployed automatically.
2. How can Windows Autopilot simplify laptop deployment?
Windows Autopilot reduces the need for IT teams to manually configure every laptop before it reaches an employee. Devices can be shipped directly to users, helping organisations streamline deployment across offices, branches and remote working environments.
3. How long can a large-scale laptop refresh take?
The timeframe depends on the number of devices, locations and deployment approach. In this project, 51 laptops were shipped to 11 branches and the deployment was completed in just two weeks using Windows Autopilot.
4. How can businesses reduce downtime when replacing employee laptops?
Businesses can reduce downtime by planning device replacements carefully and using automated provisioning technologies. Predefined configurations can allow employees to sign in and begin device setup without waiting for extensive manual IT intervention.
5. What are the benefits of refreshing outdated business laptops?
Refreshing outdated laptops can improve performance, reliability, battery life and support for modern collaboration tools. It can also reduce the disruption and maintenance costs associated with ageing or out-of-warranty devices.
6. Can new laptops be shipped directly to employees or branch offices?
Yes. With an appropriate Windows Autopilot deployment strategy, new devices can be shipped directly to employees or branch locations. Users can then sign in and allow the required business configuration and software to be deployed.
7. Why should businesses replace out-of-warranty computers?
Out-of-warranty computers can become increasingly expensive and time-consuming to maintain, particularly when multiple devices begin failing. Replacing ageing hardware can improve productivity while reducing the risk of recurring repairs and unexpected downtime.
8. Why use a managed IT services provider for a laptop refresh?
A managed IT services provider can coordinate hardware procurement, deployment planning, configuration and ongoing support. This is particularly valuable for organisations replacing devices across multiple branches or supporting distributed employees.
