Why lifecycle management is critical in 2026
Kennis
January 16, 2026
Miranda van Tellingen
The hidden costs of outdated hardware
At Reverse IT, we often see companies continue using their mobile computers and scanners until they truly stop working. The reasoning makes sense: “They still work, so replacing them would be a waste of money.” But anyone who looks closely at the numbers can see that these old devices quietly end up costing a fortune.
At Reverse IT, we know that hardware shouldn’t be a cost—it should be a driver for your business. In this blog, we explain why a smart long-term strategy can actually save you money in the end.
What are the true costs of downtime?"
When a handheld scanner fails midway through a shift due to a worn-out battery or a faulty connection, it’s not just the device that stops. An employee is left idle, an order goes unpicked, and the transport schedule falls behind.
The costs of outdated hardware show up in several ways:
- Productivity loss: Employees have to wait for replacement devices or perform tasks manually.
- IT burden: The internal IT team spends hours “putting out fires” and repairing devices that should actually be replaced.
- Security risks: Older systems (such as Windows Mobile or outdated Android versions) no longer receive security patches, leaving your network vulnerable to cyberattacks.
From reactive to proactive: the total cost of ownership (TCO)
When purchasing hardware, the focus is often only on the upfront price. At Reverse-IT, we look at the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)—the total cost over a device’s entire lifecycle.
By adopting a proactive strategy, where devices are replaced or refurbished at the right time, you can avoid the costly spikes caused by unexpected failures. With AI-driven fleet analyses, you can even predict when a battery or component needs replacement, long before it causes noticeable problems for the user. This not only saves costs but also increases the reliability and continuity of your IT environment.
Hoe Reverse-IT de zorgen volledig uit handen neemt
We’re not just here to drop a box of new scanners on your doorstep. As a partner, we make sure you don’t have to worry about a thing. We do this through our specialized Managed Services, where our team handles the heavy lifting:
- Mobile Device Management: We manage your devices remotely. Updates and settings are deployed centrally, keeping your fleet always up-to-date and secure.
- Mobile Device Control: Full control over device issuance and returns. Employees log in with a password, and you get real-time insight into battery status to prevent surprises during shifts.
- Managed Printing Solution: It’s not just about handhelds—your label printing process needs to keep running too. We provide a seamless printing environment so shipping labels always keep rolling.
- Mobile Device Support: Our own support and IT team is ready to help. If your employees encounter an issue, we resolve it immediately to minimize downtime.
- Mobile Device Repair: If something does break, we handle it. While our focus is on preventing failures, we ensure that repairs don’t halt your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile Managed Services
In 2026, the supply chain is more complex than ever. Relying on technology that slows you down can significantly hinder growth. By choosing a partner that not only delivers but also manages and supports your devices, you turn your hardware into a stable asset for your organization. Reverse-IT handles the technology so you can focus on growing your business.
What are Reverse-IT’s Mobile Managed Services?
Mobile Managed Services is a complete solution for mobile device management. We take full responsibility for your mobile devices—from advising on the right hardware and setup to support, monitoring, and replacement through our trade-in program. This gives you one reliable partner for all your mobile IT, allowing your internal IT team to focus on strategic projects instead of ad-hoc maintenance.
When is a handheld scanner due for replacement?
Handheld scanners typically last around five years, depending on usage and environmental factors. It’s time for replacement if you notice:
- Rising repair costs
- Decreasing battery life
- Slowing performance
- Declining employee productivity
With our trade-in program, old devices are easily replaced with new ones, ensuring you always work with modern and reliable scanners and terminals.
Why is staging and configuration important?
Staging and configuration means devices are delivered ready-to-use, fully configured and operational. This saves time, prevents errors, and minimizes the burden on your internal IT team. Devices are “plug-and-play”: unbox, connect, and start working immediately.
What are the benefits of outsourcing mobile device management?
- Continuity and stability: always have fully functioning devices
- Cost control: no unexpected repair or replacement costs
- Focus on core business: internal IT can concentrate on strategic projects
- Quick deployment: new devices are ready for immediate use
How secure is the management of our data and devices?
At Reverse-IT, security comes first. All devices are configured to the highest security standards, and our management processes protect company data even in the event of device loss or theft. With ISO-certified processes, you can trust that your data is protected according to internationally recognized standards. Active monitoring and support ensure potential issues are resolved immediately, keeping your operations running smoothly.
How does Reverse-IT’s trade-in program work?
Our trade-in program makes it easy to replace old hardware. You return the old devices, we handle recycling or refurbishing, and deliver new devices ready for use. This ensures low costs, sustainable IT, and continuity in your business processes.