Manage Computer Equipment With Remote Workers Overview: Remote working was an appealing option, way before the pandemic. The chance to work without the daily tiresome commute and be in familiar surroundings is a pretty good idea, more so for millennials.
For employers, the chance to allow employees to work remotely fully or part-time has become an attractive perk to attract and retain good employees. With all the upsides, however, managing a team of remote workers is not without its challenges. One of these is computer equipment management.
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Managing Computer Equipment
Organizations invest heavily in their systems, including computing equipment. These have to be properly managed not only to ensure costs savings but also to ensure business continuity.
Here are some pointers to help you with this.
1. Implementing Secure VPNs
Virtual Public Networks (VPNs) protect your data when your employees are online. A VPN maintains the same functionality, appearance, and security levels as all other computers in your organization’s networks.
This protects you from, among other things, cyber-attacks. In addition, the best managed IT services in Montreal use high levels of encryption to send and receive data. This is a must-have in today’s business environment.
2. Security Protocol Training
Many cyber-attacks come through the weakest link in an organization. Remote workers are always a vulnerable target.
As you already know, network security issues can paralyze operations and make your business hemorrhage money. When working with a remote team, equipment usage training is just as important as training them on data protection. This training compliments VPNs.
Such training should help employees learn how to create stronger, safer passwords, filter spam, and ensure their antivirus is updated at all times.
3. Have Systems With Easy Access
In-office workers have an advantage in that they can reach their IT guys quickly when needed. Small IT issues need not be lengthy or disruptive. However, remote workers lack this resource.
A good way to solve this problem is by having systems that allow your IT support team to access all gadgets remotely. This will make it easier to troubleshoot and resolve computer-related issues quickly.
4. Have Formal Company Equipment Policies
Business operations are fluid. This means that some employees will be moved to different roles, exit the company or even get higher positions. Sometimes, there is no follow-through on where assigned equipment goes after these changes take place.
All organizations need to have clear policies that capture the terms of device usage. These should include:
- Equipment usage;
- Return policies;
- How to handle equipment during transitions, including termination of contracts.
5. Integrate IT Into Asset Management
It’s not uncommon to find organizations with top-of-the-range computer equipment leaving these items off their asset lists. This, unfortunately, creates loopholes.
Find a way to list and control IT inventory like you do any other assets. This will make it easier to track the lifecycle of your assets from onboarding to reclamation.