IT Support
Why you should move from internal to outsourced IT support
In this digital age, IT has never been so important. With the post-pandemic move to remote and onlin...
Hardware procurement_
Get the equipment you need to grow, upgrade or optimise your IT operations, sourced by licensed and knowledgeable experts.
What is hardware procurement?
Hardware procurement is the process of acquiring computer hardware, including servers, desktops, laptops, networking equipment, peripherals and other physical IT components. This process encompasses everything from identifying the organisation’s hardware needs and researching available products to negotiating with vendors, placing orders, receiving and installing the equipment and managing warranties and support.
A well-defined hardware procurement process typically involves several key steps. It begins with a needs assessment to determine the specific hardware requirements based on business objectives, user needs, and budget constraints.
This is followed by research and evaluation of available products, considering factors such as performance, reliability, compatibility, and cost. Vendors are then contacted, quotes are obtained, and negotiations take place to secure the best possible pricing and terms.
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Why do you need outsourced hardware procurement?
Outsourcing hardware procurement offers numerous benefits, particularly for organisations lacking the internal expertise or resources to manage the complex process effectively. By partnering with a specialised procurement provider, businesses gain access to a team of experts who understand the intricacies of the hardware market, including product availability, pricing trends and vendor relationships.
Outsourced hardware procurement streamlines the entire acquisition process, freeing up internal IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives rather than tactical purchasing tasks. This efficiency not only saves time and resources but also reduces the administrative burden on internal teams, allowing them to concentrate on core business activities.
Finally, leveraging an outsourced procurement partner can lead to significant cost savings. Providers often have established relationships with vendors, enabling them to negotiate favourable pricing and volume discounts.
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The benefits of hardware procurement_
Cost savings: Leverage vendor relationships and volume discounts for better pricing and lower total cost of ownership
Expertise: Access specialised knowledge of hardware products, pricing trends and vendor landscape
Streamlined procurement: Efficient handling of the entire procurement lifecycle, from needs assessment to delivery and tracking
Reduced administrative burden: Free up internal IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives rather than tactical purchasing tasks
Improved vendor management: Benefit from established relationships with vendors and streamlined communication
Faster procurement cycles: Accelerated acquisition process reduces delays and ensures timely availability of hardware
Optimised hardware selection: Expert guidance ensures the right hardware is chosen to meet specific needs and budget
Scalability and flexibility: Easily adjust procurement efforts based on changing business requirements
What Infinity Group do to help_
If you want a specific piece of equipment, we can discuss your requirements and give technical recommendations of the best products, alongside their price. This ensures you get the right fit for your business.
If you want something more complex, like a new desktop, we can help you to gain all the pieces of equipment you need for it to slot into your operations, including any required software or licenses, and manage the set up.
We can help you get hard-to-obtain equipment, using our reseller relationship with multiple vendors, to giving us access to a wide range of products. This can include everything from servers to headsets. We’ll also utilise our IT expertise to recommend better alternatives when they exist.
Areas of procurement_
Assessing: Our team will discuss your requirements to ensure we find the best equipment for your needs and your IT processes.
Sourcing: Using our strong vendor relationships, we can source and obtain the products you need, covering a wide range of suppliers
Set up: Where required, we’ll provide you the labour hours you need to set up your hardware and get started smoothly
Lifecycle management: Our wider IT contracts provide proactive maintenance across your hardware, offering you greater value
FAQs_
What types of hardware can be procured through outsourcing?
Outsourcing can cover a wide range of hardware, including servers, desktops, laptops, networking equipment (routers, switches), storage devices, peripherals (printers, monitors), and specialised hardware for specific industries. Essentially, any IT hardware need can typically be addressed through outsourced procurement.
How does outsourced procurement integrate with our existing IT infrastructure?
We will work closely with your internal IT team to understand your existing infrastructure and ensure seamless integration of new hardware. We’ll also coordinate with your IT staff on installation, configuration and ongoing maintenance.
How does outsourced hardware procurement save money?
Cost savings come from several areas. Procurement providers often have better negotiating power with vendors due to volume purchases. They also optimise hardware selection to avoid overspending and streamline the procurement process to reduce administrative overhead. Finally, they can help avoid costly mistakes due to lack of expertise.
What is the typical contract length for outsourced hardware procurement services?
Contract lengths vary depending on the provider and the specific needs of the organisation. Some providers offer short-term contracts, while others prefer longer-term agreements. Carefully review the contract terms and conditions, including cancellation clauses and renewal options, before signing.
What is hardware lifecycle management, and why is it important?
Hardware lifecycle management encompasses all stages of a hardware asset’s life, from procurement to disposal. It includes asset tagging, warranty management, maintenance, repair and eventual replacement. Effective lifecycle management maximises the value of hardware investments, minimises downtime and ensures compliance.
