Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Technology. If your business uses some form of technology, acquiring new hardware and getting rid of your old hardware may require some coordination. When you’re looking to upgrade, someone else may able to use your old devices. Also, for your own operations, you might consider acquiring equipment that may have been used. The following contributed post is entitled, Give Business Devices And Machines A Second Life.
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Every business has a technology strategy that determines not only which technology they should purchase but also how to use it. The typical approach establishes the expected lifetime of equipment, machinery, and electronic devices against the organization’s budget. As such, each organization replaces the current technology in use at a scheduled date, whether it is every year, every five years, or every ten years. How long you are going to use the same technology depends on a variety of factors, including your financial situation, the business objectives, and the market requirements. As such, when it’s time to invest in new or more innovative tech, the business has the opportunity to prolong the life of their equipment, even after it’s left their offices.
Indeed, environmentally-friendly commitment and procedures play a significant role in the disposal of used equipment. However, businesses can also consider strategies that allow for the best use of second-hand machinery and devices. Aside from environmental consideration, there is also an economic perspective to embrace.
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Recycling your electronics
What happens to the old mobile devices that you finally decide to replace? Electronics is one of the fastest business investments to wear out. With new smartphones and laptops being produced every year to the latest tech standards, it’s fair to say that businesses that keep their devices for a little too long expose themselves to cyber threats. Old machines are more vulnerable to hacking. As such, you might find that your old business electronics hold no value to anybody. But it doesn’t mean it’s suitable for the bin.
On the contrary, electronics can be recycled sustainably. Does it mean that manufacturers can make another phone using your ancient mobile? The answer is no. Chances are that the components inside your device can’t be used for the same purpose. But they can be repurposed in other industry sectors.
Consider businesses that sell used equipment
Not every old gadget and piece of equipment is a magnet to hackers. Devices that connect to a network are more likely to be targeted. However, equipment that doesn’t require any broadband connection, such as industrial machinery can be bought second hand from businesses such as Revelation Machinery, at a lower cost and with no risk for the company. Saving money while bringing your business to the next level, that’s precisely why second-hand heavy-duty equipment is such a fantastic opportunity for small companies. Additionally, if you are concerned about environmental cost, it’s worth noting that buying used equipment means that manufacturers produce less, and therefore you lower your impact on the planet.
Pixabay – CC0 License
Give back to the community
Can you donate the devices you don’t use anymore? You’d be pleased to know that many organizations around the world collect computers and laptops to support charities and education centers. If you want to help them, you can get in touch with a charity such as the World Computer Exchange, which accepts working devices with at least 450MHz and no more than 9-year-old. Other organizations take non-working computers that can be repaired before being sent to nonprofits.
Your technology strategy needs to include a plan to remove old devices and equipment with the best possible outcome for the planet. As a company, you can choose to recycle, donate, or sell your used machinery. There is only one rule: Make sure your decision will help someone else. Be the business that gives further.
