Refurbished devices: cost savings and sustainable business practices

What do you do when a malfunctioning scanner needs to be replaced immediately, but the trusted model is no longer available anywhere? For many logistics companies, this is not just a theoretical problem. Chip shortages, higher prices, and the discontinuation of older models are making the transition to new hardware increasingly costly. Refurbished handheld terminals, barcode scanners, and rugged tablets offer an alternative: continuing to work with equipment that employees are already familiar with and that is compatible with the software and infrastructure in use. Wouter Turpijn, customer solutions architect at Reverse IT, explains how this choice supports business continuity and what considerations are involved.

Mobile devices in warehouses typically last for years. However, over time, manufacturers stop producing and supporting a particular model. Anyone looking to expand their device fleet or needing to replace a defective unit is then often advised to switch entirely to the latest model.

Reverse IT buys back used business hardware from organizations that are upgrading their equipment. These devices are refurbished and made available to companies that want to use their existing fleet for longer. "The software runs on them, all the accessories are included, and the employees are familiar with them. They’re often very happy with this arrangement. "This eliminates the need for new chargers, infrastructure adjustments, and extensive testing with business applications," explains Turpijn. "In addition, reuse reduces electronic waste and contributes to a circular and more sustainable business model."

Thorough inspection

"Refurbished" is not the same as "used." As part of Reverse IT's Certified Selection, every device is cleaned, inspected, and tested for functionality. Defective parts are replaced as needed, old data is erased, and the device is equipped with a stable software installation.

The battery also deserves attention. Reverse IT has software that can read the battery’s condition and estimated remaining lifespan. "This allows us to determine how many new batteries an organization actually needs," says Turpijn. Replacement batteries for older models are also available.

Every Certified Selection device comes with a standard 180-day warranty, which can be extended to a maximum of three years. Technical support, repairs, Mobile Device Management, and lifecycle management can further extend the device’s useful life.

Hidden Savings

According to Reverse IT, refurbished hardware can be up to 60 percent cheaper than new equipment. The actual savings go even further. A company can continue to use existing chargers and accessories, while software images and applications do not need to be reconfigured and retested. Furthermore, the device fleet can be renewed in stages, so that not all investments are made at the same time.

The calculation therefore revolves around the total cost of ownership. A cheap device that breaks down more often, has limited support, or requires modifications can actually end up being more expensive in the long run. According to Turpijn, this is especially true for some second-tier brands. He points out potential limitations regarding certification, compatibility, parts, and software support. ""Cheap is expensive’ is very apt in this industry,” he says.

Safe lower limit

There is a limit to how long you can continue using refurbished devices. Older versions of Android will eventually stop receiving security updates. Organizations with strict information security requirements must therefore determine in advance how long a model will continue to be supported. "It depends on how far back you go and what you’re currently using," Turpijn emphasizes. Sometimes the second-to-last model is sufficient; in other situations, new hardware is the wisest choice.

Reverse IT was recently acquired by TRG Solutions.