Table of Contents
Companies that want to save on technology costs usually adopt a technology expense management system (TEM). TEM is an automated system that features expense tracking, hardware inventory, data collection, and reporting. Besides the technology savings, it also helps with customer service, service level agreements, and contract negotiations. However, like all other automated systems, it requires time and care for proper implementation.
Why TEM?
Countless testimonials speak to the benefits of TEM services. It saves manpower and resources and is an invaluable tool for tracking what hardware is in use at different times. It’s especially handy when it comes to user-owned mobile devices. As a data aggregating tool, it is indispensable when it comes to network and telecommunications usage. It collects information and automatically generates thorough and accurate reports. Additionally, TEM can be used to install and upgrade software on all your different devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Planning for TEM
Prior to implementing a TEM system, you will need to map out the process. Your plan should cover the migration from your current system to the new, automated system. You can expect the TEM services to alter your workflows, so adjust accordingly and make sure that all employees are on board with ways that they can support the new system—and that the system can support them.
Implementation
The implementation plan will need to be approved by a number of departments within your organization, including human resources, IT, purchasing, and management. They must alter their procedures and policies to accommodate the new system.
This may seem like a lot of churn, but it will pay off quickly due to the efficiencies introduced by the system and its ability to collect valuable, actionable data that can boost your bottom line. The system can track the usage of every device on your network, and this data can be analyzed to forecast future use and anticipate network growth.
A TEM can be a lifesaver for a company, but it’s not something that you can order and walk away from. You must involve all departments in planning for the implementation. Expect kinks—no rollout goes 100 percent smoothly. When you stay on top of the challenges and troubleshoot errors as they come up, though, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can be up and running with the new system. It will be a bit of a trial and error process at first, but when you invest the energy and resources needed to get your TEM services working at maximum capacity, you’ll be rewarded by the time and money that the system can save you.