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How to plan a branch device refresh without disrupting business
A branch device refresh is as much a logistics project as a technical one, and its success depends more on the order of the steps than on the device model. This is what we have learned from rollouts for Saudi banks, including a 4,000-device refresh in about two months.
Before the purchase order
Start the branch plan in parallel with procurement
What delays these projects most is rarely the hardware; it is waiting for branch data. So the branch plan starts with the purchase order instead of after it: location, device and monitor count, rollout date and a named contact for every branch.
Agree early on the allowed working windows at each branch, access permits, and any branches with special conditions, such as sites inside shopping malls.
In the warehouse
Prepare every device centrally before shipping
Anything that can be done in the warehouse should not be left to the branch. Central preparation keeps install day short and predictable.
- Receive the devices and record the serial number of every device and monitor.
- Install the customer-approved image and test a sample.
- Apply the customer's asset tags.
- Allocate devices to each branch per the branch plan and pack them by branch.
At the branch
Install day
The goal is for staff to start their day on the new devices with no break in customer service.
- Install outside customer-service hours or before the branch opens.
- Move user files, printers and core applications, and check them with each user.
- Collect the old devices and hand them over under the customer's policy, including disk destruction.
- Get a signed handover note for every branch.
Closing
The asset register is the real deliverable
The project ends with a complete asset register: for every device and monitor, the manufacturer service tag, serial number, customer asset tag and assigned branch. IT relies on this register for support, warranty and audits for the life of the devices.
From our projects
4,000 devices for a Saudi bank's branches
We applied these steps to refresh the branch devices of a leading Saudi bank across the Kingdom in about two months.
Planning a branch device refresh?
Send us the number of branches and devices and your target date, and we will prepare a rollout plan and a quote covering supply, preparation, shipping and installation.
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