Get Your Laptops Back: Secrets to High Return Rates

When an employee leaves your company, handling their laptop and other IT assets can be challenging. An efficient laptop offboarding process ensures that sensitive company data remains secure, equipment is returned in good condition, and future costs are minimized. 

Why Streamlined Laptop Logistics Matter

Data Security

60% of businesses experience data breaches due to poor offboarding processes (Source: Gartner, 2023). Improper handling of laptops during offboarding exposes sensitive company information to significant risks. By implementing a strict process, you can mitigate potential threats.

Cost Efficiency

On average, companies spend $1,000–$1,500 on laptops per employee (Source: Statista, 2023). A robust offboarding process ensures laptops are returned in good condition, minimizing costs for repairs, replacements, or loss of assets. Well-managed retrieval can save businesses up to 40% in equipment replacement costs.

Compliance

Regulatory compliance is critical. Non-compliance related to data protection and improper device offboarding can result in fines up to $10 million (Source: European Data Protection Board, 2022). A solid laptop logistics plan ensures your company meets all legal and regulatory requirements.

Employee Experience

Leaving a company may be a sensitive time for people. It’s critical to approach the process with clear and dignified communication to ensure that returning your company’s assets is easy, therefore increasing your return rates. 

Key Components of a Laptop Offboarding Strategy

Inventory Tracking

Maintain a real-time asset tracking system for laptops, knowing exactly who has which device and its condition. This practice reduces the risk of losing equipment and simplifies the recovery process. Using asset management software tools are key, but equally important, is using a reliable logistics partner with precise tracking for deployment, returns and storage.

Automated Retrieval Requests

Automating laptop recovery can reduce the time taken to initiate the process by 50% (Source: Forrester, 2022). Use software tools to immediately trigger return instructions upon an employee’s exit. 

Secure Data Wiping

Ensuring all data is securely wiped from laptops before redeployment is crucial. 43% of devices handed in without a proper offboarding protocol still contain sensitive company data (Source: Blancco, 2022). A standardized data-wiping process protects your company’s intellectual property. Using NIST 800-88 is a good industry standard for wiping and sanitizing devices.  

Refurbishment and Reuse

Returned laptops can often be refurbished and redeployed to new employees. 30% of businesses save on equipment costs by refurbishing devices (Source: ZDNet, 2022). This sustainable approach reduces e-waste and optimizes asset utilization.

Logistics Partners for Remote Workers

With the increase in remote work, relying on professional logistics partners to recover laptops from off-site employees can reduce delays. Partnering with a trusted courier service can speed up return times by 35%, ensuring smoother transitions (Source: McKinsey, 2023).

Benefits of an Optimized Offboarding Process

  • Reduced Security Risks: A structured approach to retrieving and wiping laptops minimizes data vulnerabilities.
  • Cost Savings: Efficient processes reduce replacement and repair costs, extending the lifespan of company assets.
  • Compliance Assurance: Meet industry standards and regulations, protecting your business from potential fines and legal actions.
  • Sustainability: Contribute to environmental goals by refurbishing and reusing laptops, reducing your carbon footprint.

Let Us Help You Streamline Laptop Offboarding

Our services ensure that your company’s offboarding logistics are handled with care, efficiency, and compliance. We provide end-to-end solutions from asset tracking to secure data wiping and refurbishing.

Sources:
Gartner (2023), Statista (2023), European Data Protection Board (2022), Forrester (2022), Blancco (2022), ZDNet (2022), McKinsey (2023).