Intelligent CIO Europe Issue 36 | Page 73

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Software for Business

Powering the modern workplace

The modern workforce requires smart solutions to IT challenges – particularly when it comes to ensuring remote workers have everything they need to be productive . Lukas Gasparik , 4P Microsoft CSP ( SW ) Manager , Lenovo , tells us why organisations should consider taking a new Zero Touch approach for reduced downtime and business benefits .

tThe modern workforce

There ’ s no doubt that the modern workforce is vastly different to anything that has come before . Offices which once bustled with activity are now much more sparse , with employees able to work from anywhere . While remote working was increasing in popularity before COVID-19 , the pandemic has completely altered the way we work forever , with remote working now the ‘ norm ’ rather than an exception . And there are certainly benefits to this model , including increased flexibility .
However , as we continue to navigate this new working environment , it ’ s likely that organisations will face ongoing challenges as they seek to implement new strategies that keep their remote workforces both secure and productive .
The challenge
Previously , it might have been almost inconceivable that employees could start a new role from home . For IT departments , this would have been a headache , involving procedural tasks that would have been time-consuming for both the IT team and the employee . And as the rate of digtalisation continues , IT teams are being asked to do more , often with fewer resources . The modern workforce needs modern solutions .
Zero Touch solutions
In order to maintain productivity and minimise downtime , organisations need to consider offloading some of the most crucial – but often resource-intensive – tasks to Original Equipment Manufacturers ( OEMs ). One such example is that of Lenovo , which is offering a range of solutions – such as Microsoft Windows Autopilot – to streamline deployments and drop-ship ready-to-use devices to employees while keeping organisational costs in check .
What is Zero Touch ?
Zero Touch literally means IT teams get to be hands-off , with Lenovo able to configure , deliver and deploy new Windows 10 PCs to employees , wherever they ’ re working . Through Microsoft Windows Autopilot , the new machines can be preconfigured and provisioned to corporate standards and policies . Windows Autopilot also speeds PC repurposing , making device reset and redeployment secure and simple .
IT teams no longer have to come into physical contact with devices , as they can be shipped in a business-ready state from the factory straight to the employee . For employees , this means peace of mind , knowing their equipment will be delivered straight to them , with everything they need in place to be productive , reducing downtime . And employers save significant time and costs .
The key benefits of this Zero Touch approach include :
• Boost productivity and satisfaction by giving employees the technology they need to work more effectively , no matter where they ’ re located .
• Reduce your risk with enterprise-grade security settings , data encryption and automated updates . You can also remotely lock or wipe a device if it ’ s ever lost or stolen .
• Free your organisation to focus on higher-value activities . With Windows Autopilot , IT no longer needs to build and manually install custom images to deploy devices .
• Lenovo devices ready for Zero Touch deployment . All Lenovo devices meet the demanding requirements of the modern workplace and are ready to be deployed using Autopilot .
For busy IT teams which are the beating heart of our new ‘ digital-first ’ workforces , solutions like Zero Touch enable employee empowerment while increasing productivity and reducing downtime . •
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO 73