Manage your firm's device fleet to control costs

Whether you see markers of a recession in the market or have begun to expect that one may not materialize after all, the fact remains that businesses across the U.S. continue to focus on the potential impact of an economic downturn.

It's a reality that's spurred many accountants and financial services firms to advise caution. No doubt, proactively controlling costs can help hold the ship steady in the face of turbulent economic headwinds. It's also just good business.

To help control costs, many businesses let employees use their own mobile devices for work. But that's a high-risk choice that can cost businesses big money in the long run. 

Device-as-a-service, on the other hand, offers businesses a simple, secure, cost-effective mobile solution that's easy to manage. Here I'll go over how adopting DaaS can help you manage your firm's device fleet in the age of recession and beyond.

Standardize mobile device costs

Buying and managing mobile devices can be costly. From procuring phones to installing firm-specific security and software to training employees on how to use their devices, the investment is ongoing and time-intensive. If you choose DaaS to rent mobile devices, however, you can consolidate the various costs associated with device ownership and operation into a single, predictable, recurring monthly fee. 

No matter the size of your firm, the benefits of adopting DaaS will be immediately apparent. For example, instead of handling the collection, wiping and re-provisioning of owned devices internally, a firm utilizing DaaS can simply return a departing employee's device to the DaaS provider and discontinue payment for that device. 

Additionally, since support, repair and replacement services are included in the monthly fees, DaaS allows for more predictable device support budgets. This financial reality, along with the reallocation of IT resources, positions organizations to take advantage of new opportunities that may require immediate cash on hand.

Maintain security for all employees

Whether you purchase phones for your employees or they bring their own device to work, it's likely that you already depend on a mobile device management system. MDMs simplify the adoption and administration of security features like multifactor authentication. And they help ensure timely device and application updates.

If you manage MDM tasks on your own, you likely lean on your IT team or pay outsized costs for additional remote security software (and, potentially, updates to that software). With DaaS, however, security software and remote management services are included in your subscription, eliminating the need for supplementary expenses.

Simply put, DaaS helps you take actions to protect against malware and phishing, such as:

1. Restricting app access and downloads;
2. Enforcing password policies; and,
3. Pushing software updates.

Moreover, mobile devices rented through a DaaS partner can be partitioned to support multiple profiles. This benefits employees by offering them a personal profile (in essence, a cost-free personal device). At the same time, with separate personal and business profiles, any malicious software inadvertently accessed on a personal profile won't pose a threat to your business data, even if dedicated security software hasn't yet detected and isolated the problematic file.
And in the event that a company device is lost, damaged or hacked, your DaaS partner can remotely lock the device and erase all business data before any harm is done.

Support your firm's sustainability goals

Often, employer-provided devices aren't used to the full capacity of their lifecycle. And whether the reason is that an employee left for another position or dropped their phone down the stairs, the result is the same: wasted resources.

If you own your devices, there's little you can do to recoup such losses. And while we've touched on the impact to your bottom line, there are broader environmental impacts to consider when devices are thrown out, including:

• Wildlife conservation: Mobile phones contain components, such as lithium and silicon, that can harm animals and damage their natural habitats.
• Energy conservation: When other components, like gold, silver and palladium, are recycled, it reduces the need to expend energy mining new materials.

With benefits like these in mind, DaaS providers offer businesses a practical, sustainable solution by minimizing waste through refurbishment and recycling practices. This helps make the service an even more appealing option for those who prioritize sustainability.
But beyond that, your DaaS membership actively contributes to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions by supporting projects like reforestation, which helps reduce or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. And to reflect these initiatives, the DaaS co-use model offers companies the opportunity to obtain carbon-offset certificates. (Note: When selecting a DaaS partner, use a critical eye. Carbon offsetting below $20 per ton is usually a scam or, at best, greenwashing.)

Adopting DaaS means that when a device reaches the end of its lifecycle or when your firm no longer requires it, you'll be able to give that device a second life and help the environment.

DaaS helps relieve work-related stress

From managing your firm's finances to ensuring your clients' (and your business') data is secure, running an accounting firm is complicated. Clients' needs are dynamic. You've got to balance the requirements of local regulations, GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. Managing staff across fluctuating seasonal workloads is never easy. All this, understandably, can quickly lead to decision fatigue.

Partner with the right DaaS provider, however, and you offload the management of an employee benefit program, enhance security and streamline their costs while offering employees an easier way to work.

The results? Increased employee satisfaction, fewer operational gaps and less stress.