Organising Devices Increases Productivity
Do tasks on your devices feel like they take longer than they should? Perhaps your devices could use some organisation! Read our blog post for ways to declutter your device and why a spring cleaning is necessary.
Technology evolves rapidly, making devices outdated in just a few years. According to Statista, most consumers replace their devices every 2 to 3 years – but for businesses, non-profits or charities working with limited resources, deciding when to upgrade can be challenging.
Maintaining current technology is not merely about aligning with emerging trends. Contemporary devices provide enhanced security, increased efficiency, and superior support for digital services, which are essential benefits for organisations aiming to optimise their effectiveness.
This article will highlight seven signs that it’s time for your organisation to replace its devices.
7 Signs It’s Time for a Device Upgrade
1. Is Your Device Slow and Laggy?
Slow performance is a common indicator that a device may need to be replaced. If your equipment takes an extended amount of time to start up, open applications, or connect to the internet, it may not be able to meet current technological demands.
For charities that use technology to manage communications, coordinate volunteers, track donations, and deliver services, a slow device can decrease productivity and affect service delivery. When routine tasks such as emailing, scheduling, or accessing cloud-based tools become time-consuming, the overall impact increases.
Upgrading technology can save time and resources, enabling your team to concentrate more on organisational objectives and less on technical issues.
2. Frequent Freezing and Crashing
Frequent freezing or system crashes indicate that a device may no longer be suitable for use. Persistent issues – such as seeing the spinning wheel or having applications unexpectedly shut down – suggest that the hardware does not meet current software and performance requirements. Keeping devices up-to-date helps ensure smoother operations, reduces downtime, and allows teams to work without technical interruptions.
3. How’s You Battery Life?
Battery-related issues in phones, laptops, or tablets often signal that an upgrade may be necessary. If staff or volunteers need to recharge devices multiple times daily, or if the battery fails to last through typical working hours, productivity and performance can be adversely affected. A reliable device should be capable of supporting most daily tasks on a single charge.
Additionally, monitoring safety concerns is crucial. Indicators such as a swollen battery or frequent overheating suggest hardware failure, which requires prompt attention to prevent risks. For organisations relying on mobile technology for outreach, service delivery, or remote work, addressing these issues through timely upgrades is imperative to maintain efficiency, safety, and continuity.
4. Is Your Storage Always at Capacity?
Consistently running out of storage space indicates that your device may not meet your requirements. Limited capacity can prevent the installation of necessary applications, saving documents, or capturing new media – causing interruptions to workflow.
For charities managing digital communications, media assets, or donor records, insufficient storage can affect operational efficiency. Upgrading to a device with greater capacity enhances day-to-day functionality and supports long-term productivity and growth.
5. Are You Missing Out on New Features?
Modern devices often come equipped with advanced features such as superior cameras, high-resolution displays, faster processors, and increased memory – capabilities that can significantly enhance user experience and productivity.
If your current device no longer supports the latest software updates, you may be missing out on critical performance improvements, security enhancements, and functionalities. The age of a device is a crucial factor in its efficiency; smartphones generally remain effective for two to three years, while laptops tend to perform well for approximately three to five years. Beyond this timeframe, older hardware may struggle to run contemporary applications smoothly, making an upgrade worth considering.
6. Are Repairs Costing Too Much?
Repairing older devices can often be more costly than upgrading to a new one. In certain situations, the expense of repairs may approach or even surpass the value of a new device, rendering an upgrade the more practical and cost-effective solution.
For instance, the repair costs for older devices tend to be disproportionately high, particularly when the device’s market value has significantly depreciated. An example is the replacement of the screen on an iPhone XS, which can cost upwards of £200, while a newer but used iPhone 12 may be purchased for as little as £150. This illustrates that the cost of repair exceeds the device’s current market value.
Considering the original purchase price, which may have been approximately £1,000 at the time of release, adding repair costs to this amount highlights that investing in a new device could be a more cost-effective choice in the long term. For organisations, especially those operating tight budgets, upgrading to a new device rather than incurring costly repairs may offer better value and extend the overall lifespan of their technology.
7. Does Your Device Support the Latest Software?
Older devices may have difficulty supporting the latest software, resulting in potential security vulnerabilities and lack of access to new features. If your device cannot update to the latest operating system, it may be advisable to consider an upgrade.
Outdated software generally has security weaknesses, which can expose data to threats. Devices running on older systems are often more vulnerable to attacks. This underscores the importance of keeping devices up to date.
Using an outdated device poses significant risks to data security because it does not receive the latest security patches or updates. To ensure comprehensive protection for your organisation’s data, upgrading to a new device compatible with the latest operating system version is essential.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
If you notice these signs, it is likely time for an upgrade. A new device can simplify your digital life, enhance enjoyment, and increase safety. Consider your needs and budget when choosing a new device.