New Equipment or Refurbished?

Economic Developments in the EU

We anticipate that investment willingness in the EU will decline. The economy is difficult to gauge: it’s not performing terribly, but it’s not thriving either. Take France, for instance, where the national debt increases by €2 billion daily. Or consider Germany’s automotive industry, which will require €1,400 billion by 2030 just to keep pace with China.

The Dutch economy is also struggling. A simple example is the housing market: if first-time buyers can’t purchase homes due to a lack of availability, they won’t renovate, design gardens, or buy furniture. This creates a ripple effect that slows everything down. We foresee people becoming more cautious about investments over the next two years.

Contradictions in Enterprise Mobility

In our industry, two opposing trends emerge. On one hand, Enterprise Mobility products typically have a lifespan of 4-5 years. After this period, the operating system becomes outdated, or security patches are no longer available. You simply cannot use a system for 20 years. The reason is clear: technological advancements occur so rapidly that new devices are no longer compatible with older systems.

On the other hand, we can assist our clients who, for various reasons, wish to extend the lifespan of their equipment. Through refurbished devices, we ensure continuity while waiting for a more favorable moment to upgrade.

This allows customers to choose based on their preferences. Economic considerations and sustainability are significant factors here. Sustainability, in particular, is high on the agenda for all our major clients. Choosing to extend the lifecycle of existing equipment through refurbished devices can be a decision rooted in sustainability.

Safety, Continuity, and Costs

How do you decide between new and refurbished? Often, clients seek our advice when faced with this decision. We are happy to think along with them.

1. First, we assess system security. Can the system be properly maintained? Are security patches still being released? If there’s a risk of the system being hacked or compromised, refurbished equipment is never a viable option.
2. Next, we evaluate organizational continuity. Can the software still be updated? Can we provide an additional device if one breaks down?
3. Lastly, we consider costs. Repairs must not be overly expensive. We analyze operational costs: what will refurbished devices cost compared to investing in new ones?