Does tech depreciation factor into your IT budget planning?
Are you aware of the total cost of ownership (TCO)?
Have you considered how selecting the right tech devices can boost productivity, improve employee satisfaction, and mitigate depreciation costs?
Unsure about those questions? This blog is your go-to resource! We're delving into tech depreciation, providing insights that can maximise your IT budget's efficiency. Discover how to turn depreciation from a challenge into an opportunity for sustainability and cost savings.
Introduction to Tech Depreciation
In an era where technology adoption is rapid, devices depreciate in value just as swiftly. This depreciation isn't just a mere consequence of physical wear and tear; the reduction in value is also influenced by factors such as software updates, market demand, and the introduction of newer models. Some of these are out of your hands.
How Tech Depreciation Can Impact Your Business
Tech depreciation affects more than just the book value of your assets—it also impacts your company's operational efficiency and budget. For instance, clinging to obsolete technology could lead to increased maintenance costs and decreased productivity due to slower performance or incompatibility with newer software.
Understanding Depreciation Rates
Every tech device has a depreciation rate, typically calculated as a percentage loss in value over time. For example, studies showed that smartphones could lose about 40% of their value in the first month after release, and up to 80% by the end of the first year. Laptops, on the other hand, might depreciate at a slower pace.
Understanding these depreciation rates will help you determine the current value of your devices and make informed decisions about the best time to trade-in & upgrade.
Grasping Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in IT
When purchasing tech, it's crucial to go beyond the initial price and understand the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This concept encompasses all expenses associated with an IT asset across its lifecycle, from acquisition and deployment to operation, support, and retirement.
Understanding TCO allows for smarter tech investments. For instance, a refurbished laptop may have a lower TCO compared to a new one, considering reduced acquisition and retirement costs. This makes refurbished tech a compelling choice for businesses seeking to optimise IT budgets and champion sustainability.
Finding the Right Time to Upgrade
Knowing when to upgrade your tech assets is crucial. Upgrade too soon, and you might miss out on getting the most out of your current device. Wait too long, and the trade-in value could plummet, while maintenance costs rise.
A general rule of thumb is to consider an upgrade when the cost of maintaining a device surpasses its depreciated value or when its performance starts to significantly hamper productivity. This is usually when the cost of replacing the device is more cost effective than repairing it.
New devices with energy-efficient chips offer sustainability through reduced power consumption and improved longevity. Coupling this with the use of refurbished tech—pre-owned devices restored to original performance—helps businesses manage tech depreciation, cut costs, reduce e-waste, and contribute to the circular tech economy.
Conclusion: Managing Tech Assets Effectively
Effectively managing tech depreciation helps you extract maximum value from your devices, optimise your tech budget, and ensure your business stays at the forefront of technological advancement.
Remember, depreciation is an inevitable part of tech ownership. But, with the right strategies and understanding tech depreciation, you can turn this from a challenge into an opportunity. By understanding and planning for depreciation, businesses can reduce expenses, increase their return on investment, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
At Klyk, we specialise in turning your current tech estate into a more sustainable resource. We offer refurbished & sustainable new laptops as a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution, supplemented with our IT support and cybersecurity services. By working with Klyk, you can manage your environmental impact, save money and keep your business secure. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you understand tech depreciation
