When old devices are retired in companies, there are several questions to consider: How to ensure all data has been removed from the devices? Should the devices be recycled or refurbished? Are employees interested in purchasing them? How to document the process and who is responsible for it?
These questions can be addressed through Mobile Device Lifecycle Management. This helps establish a secure management structure and a sustainable solution for company devices.
What is the Mobile Device Lifecycle?
The Mobile Device Lifecycle (MDL) generally refers to the lifecycle a mobile device goes through in a company. It encompasses all stages from acquisition, setup, usage, management, and ultimately disposal. Detailed guidelines dictate how to proceed at each stage.
Often, companies have guidelines for device acquisition and allocation to employees, but there are gaps in setup and management. This can lead to issues like unclear app usage policies, inefficient contact management, and other challenges. Mobile Device Management (MDM) can address these issues and prevent shadow IT.
Regarding old devices, they sometimes end up forgotten in drawers after being returned by employees. However, with the right concept, this doesn't have to be the fate of old company devices.
What Can You Do with Old Company Devices?
Sustainability is particularly important when deciding what to do with old company devices. First, categorize the devices:
1. Not reusable:
- Devices no longer receive OS updates.
- Devices have significant software or hardware damage (e.g., screen scratches, reduced battery life).
2. Outdated but usable:
- Devices still receive OS updates but are somewhat outdated.
- Hardware is in good condition.
3. Like-new, reusable:
- Devices are no more than 2 years old.
- Replaced for better devices or when users leave the company.
When many devices need to be replaced at once, categorizing each device can help determine the appropriate actions to efficiently dispose of old company devices.
Disposing of Old Company Devices Securely
Depending on how you classify old mobile devices, you can choose specific actions. Even if the device remains in the company, remove all accounts, passwords, and locally stored data from it. Using MDM software streamlines this process, allowing you to send a wipe command to the devices remotely.
Complete data deletion also prevents company data from circulating when devices are recycled, sold to refurbishers, or donated. Then, you can decide what to do with the devices based on their condition.
Recycling, Refurbishing, Donating – What's the Best Solution?
After sorting the devices and wiping the data, you must decide what to do next. Devices that no longer function should be recycled. If devices are still usable within the business context, they can be sold to refurbishers, who repair and sell them at a lower price.
Charitable organizations also appreciate donations. If there are initiatives in your city distributing used devices to people in need, this is another way to promote sustainability. For devices that can be restored to full functionality through updates, it's easiest to keep them within the company. They can be assigned to new employees or kept as backups in case regularly used devices malfunction.
With an MDM, this process is simplified further: all employees are already registered with their devices and apps, making device swaps straightforward. With MobiVisor MDM, you can simply scan a QR code for registration.
Conclusion
It's crucial for companies to have a clear plan for handling old, no longer needed mobile devices as part of their sustainability strategy. A detailed Mobile Device Lifecycle can assist with this. It documents all stages from acquisition to disposal, including important procedures like MDM registration and data deletion. The Lifecycle also determines which devices should be recycled or reused to ensure valuable resources are not wasted. A well-thought-out plan for the Mobile Device Lifecycle not only helps companies use their resources efficiently but also contributes to environmental protection and fosters a sustainable corporate culture.