Nothing throws off your day like a frozen screen or a sluggish computer. If you run a small business, you’ve probably dealt with outdated tech more than once. Sure, squeezing extra life out of old equipment feels economical, but it often costs more in the long run.
Small businesses lose approximately 98 hours per year, equivalent to 12 working days, due to technology concerns such as slow PCs and outdated laptops.
That’s why having an IT refresh plan matters. It keeps your team running smoothly, avoids unexpected breakdowns, and helps you stay secure.
Regardless of whether you outsource managed IT services or handle them in-house, a solid refresh strategy can save time, stress, and money down the line.
Why having a strategy in place is important
It’s easy to ignore old hardware until something breaks. But when things start falling apart, you have no choice but to look for better parts, deal with downtime, or even explain to your team and clients why things are slow.
The risks of not planning include:
- Unexpected downtime: even one broken laptop can stop an entire day of work.
- Productivity tanks: Outdated tech runs slower, crashes more often, and just can’t keep up.
- Security risks go up: Older systems miss out on key updates, leaving you exposed.
- Compliance issues: Especially if your business needs to meet certain tech standards or regulations.
- A little planning now can save you from a lot of headaches later.
Four simple strategies for a smart refresh plan
Replace as you go. Instead of replacing everything all at once, swap out equipment gradually. When a machine starts acting up or hits the end of its lifecycle, replace it.
Your IT support provider can help you set a realistic “expiration date” for each device. This approach spreads out the costs and keeps surprises to a minimum.
Schedule regular refresh cycles. If your team relies heavily on tech or you’d rather not wait for things to go wrong, consider refreshing your hardware on a set schedule. It’s a cleaner, more predictable way to keep your tech current and makes budgeting easier.
Watch for compatibility issues. Tech doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Waiting until something breaks or no longer works with your tools, puts your business in panic mode. Have your IT partner do regular checkups to make sure your equipment still plays nice with your software.
Don’t be afraid of leasing. If big upfront costs are holding you back, leasing might be worth a look. Many IT vendors offer lease options with flexible terms. If your company’s refresh cycle is every four years, for example, a four year lease makes sense. It’s a way to get the latest gear without blowing your budget all at once.
What to do next
1. Take inventory: Write down what you’ve got and how old it is.
2. Set your goals: Your refresh plan should support where your business is headed.
3. Talk to your IT services provider: They can help you figure out the best timing, budget, and options.
4. Create a simple schedule: A plan is better than winging it.
Stay ahead by refreshing smart
A good IT refresh strategy protects productivity, improves security, and future-proofs your business. Need help building yours? Contact us today at info@mytechexperts.com, or (734) 457-5000.