BPO leaders have to deal with tight margins. They have to hire a lot of people and there are always people leaving. Every new client means they need to fill seats. This growth makes IT hardware costs go up a lot. The good thing is that you do not have to choose between saving money and having equipment.
A good refurbished laptop program can help BPOs cut their IT hardware costs by half. This is because they can still have their agents be productive and handle support tickets easily.
When you buy brand laptops for every new hire you are paying for the latest designs and the newest technology. Most BPO jobs do not need the latest and greatest laptops to get the job done. Jobs like voice and chat support working with customers and using web-based tools can be done on laptops that’re a few years old. What really matters is how much these laptops cost over time. This includes repairs, downtime and the time your IT team spends fixing problems that could have been avoided.
Refurbished laptops are different. They cost a lot less to buy. They are still very useful. If you standardize on a models and refresh them regularly your agents will not notice a difference. It will feel like they have laptops but it will cost a lot less.
The reason BPOs can save around 50% on IT hardware costs
First refurbished laptops are cheaper to buy. Second you can make them last longer by adding memory using better storage and replacing old batteries. Third if you use models it is easier to support them and fix problems.
If you choose a refurbished laptop it will be built to last. It will have parts, like stronger hinges and keyboards and it will run more smoothly. If you get a warranty that lasts long as you plan to use the laptop you will not have to replace it as often. This means you will not have to buy laptops in an emergency and you will not have to spend as much time getting them ready for your agents.
Refurbished chromebooks can also be a choice.
Not every job needs a Windows laptop. If your agents just need to use web-based tools a refurbished chromebook can be an option. It is cheaper it starts up quickly. It is easy to support.
You should choose the device based on the job. If your agents need to use software or apps a refurbished Windows laptop is still the best choice.. If they just need to use a web browser a refurbished chromebook can save you money and make things easier.
Security is very important. You should not try to save money if it means putting your data at risk. The refurbished laptop programs make security a priority. They start by wiping all the data off the laptops then they reinstall the operating system and your companys software. They turn on full-disk encryption make sure people use passwords and manage the laptops remotely.
Refurbished laptops can be just as secure as ones if you set them up correctly. A new laptop with security is more of a risk than a refurbished laptop that is set up properly.
To make refurbished laptops work well you should treat buying them like a business process. Define what you need for each job decide what kind of condition you will accept and set standards for battery life and performance. Try it out with a group first then expand to more people.
Having laptops is very important. If an agents laptop breaks you can give them a spare away. This means they will not be down for long. You will not lose money. If you can get batches of the same laptops from your vendor your IT team will notice the difference.
Final Thought:
In the end BPOs need to grow while still being in control. They need to get new people started quickly keep service levels high and protect their clients trust. A smart refurbished laptop strategy can help them do this. By standardizing on a models making security a priority and using refurbished chromebooks when it makes sense many BPOs can cut their IT hardware costs by, around 50% and still give their agents a good experience. This is a win that can make a difference.
