Oct 17, 2023

Hardware procurement entails so much more than mere device purchasing. The modern supply chain is full of multiple touchpoints and regulations set throughout the process. As a result, dynamic workflows are creating a high demand for operational visibility, consistent team communication, and reliable accuracy. When assessing enterprise systems, IT teams must consider multiple factors, including the following listed below:

• Ease of Adoption – Upgraded systems should be relatively simple for your teams to adopt in order to avoid extensive training time and expenses.
• Future Scalability – Experienced solution providers should strive to match challenges with adaptable technologies that embrace future obstacles.
• Typical Device Lifespan – A device lasting less than three years may not be suitable for the high-demand workflows present in warehouses and logistics.
• Durability Standards – Devices venturing beyond the four walls may need higher IP ratings, shatter-resistant screens, and rugged casings to minimize breakdowns.
• Prioritized Workflows – A preliminary workflow assessment can help identify tasks struggling to produce acceptable KPIs.
• Budgetary Limitations – Between acquisition, training, and maintenance costs, decision-makers often work within a defined budget to modernize systems.

Hardware procurement lead times can be extensive, with some solution developers reporting up to 22 months to finalize purchase decisions in complex industries such as the public sector. After navigating such an intricate process, it would be counterproductive to purposefully leave vulnerability gaps within your new system. However, this is exactly what happens when teams choose to disregard software updates.

Don't Let the Convenience of Skipping Updates Put You at Risk

Skipping software updates can seem like an easy way to save time and avoid cumbersome rollouts, especially for busy teams heavily relying on their devices to get work done. However, trying to save the workforce from having a small amount of planned downtime may eventually lead to less downtime in the future.

Failing to update software systems exposes businesses to a range of risks compromising your security, privacy, and productivity. While the dangers of unpatched software systems vary depending on your industry, the following risks are commonly shared across the supply chain.

1. Unmanaged Gaps within the Internet of Things

One of the most significant risks of skipping software updates is leaving your device vulnerable to security threats. To keep up with new hacking tactics and threats, software developers often release new patches and updates within popular programs to protect systems from malware, viruses, and other types of cyberattacks. If you skip an update, you may be leaving your device exposed to these threats; however, the issue compounds exponentially if your device is connected to an IoT network.

While most decision-makers are aware of security patches deployed within mainstream devices – such as mobile computers and tablets – it is easy to disregard peripheral and supporting IoT devices such as printers, cameras, and even HVAC systems. Consequently, reports found that 33% of security decision-makers reported a cyberattack targeting an IoT device. Because these devices may not always be front and center in your team’s daily tasks, a missed software update can result in an overlooked entryway for cyber threats.

2. Reduced Performance

Skipped software updates may also lead to reduced device performance. Software updates not only address security vulnerabilities but also improve the overall performance of your device by fixing bugs and glitches that may be causing it to slow down. By skipping updates, you are missing out on these performance-enhancing improvements, which can lead to a frustrating user experience and reduced productivity.

Moreover, as consumer demands increase, distribution centers leveraging outdated software may not be able to keep up with expected throughput rates, setting companies behind the competition and contributing to missed sales. 

3. Compatibility Issues

Issues are not limited to outgoing information. When software updates are disregarded, you run the risk of missing compatibility improvements that ensure a device works seamlessly with the rest of your systems. Much like our consumer-grade smartphone, applications and device features relying on updates can malfunction or, worse, not work at all until updates are completed, effectively halting productivity.

This can lead to lagging data transmission between systems, enabling blind spots within your visibility systems. Therefore, communication breakdowns may become more prevalent along with increased worker frustration.

4. Lack of New Features

Skipping software updates means that you are missing out on new and improved features that can enhance the user experience and productivity such as intuitive shortcuts and new button placements for better ergonomics.

Updates often include new features that make it easier to perform tasks, improve usability, and provide a better overall user experience, which later empowers faster adoption rates. In other words, bypassing a current update can later add to extensive training times for new hires struggling to adopt outdated systems.

5. Reduced Support

Recurrent missed updates may lead to reduced support from the software manufacturer. Manufacturers often provide support for the current version of their software. As new updates are released, they may no longer provide support for older versions. Depending on current contracts, this may also impair warranties and coverage plans for breakdowns associated with a missed patch.

6. Increased Operational Costs

Finally, prolonged avoidance of software updates leads to increased costs in the long run. Between security breaches, data loss, and compatibility issues, businesses may note dwindling losses stemming from:

• Repair Services
• Correctional Costs
• Replacement Devices
• Missed ETAs
• Inconsistent Inventory Visibility

Additionally, if you need to upgrade your software to a newer version in the future, you may need to pay a higher price than if you had kept your software up-to-date.

Skip the Headaches with a Comprehensive Device Management Plan

Managing systems in real-time requires teamwork and communication; however, when done well, it can save businesses from missing out on software updates, available hardware upgrades, and other optimization opportunities currently hiding in everyday tasks. To streamline device management and software upgrades, consider creating a management plan that includes:

• Access to leading hardware manufacturers for greater flexibility
• Asset tracking and monitoring to catch software updates
• Assisted rollouts and reconfiguration
• Experience with Android since it’s the leading OS for enterprise

By keeping devices updated, you can protect teams from security threats, enjoy improved performance and usability, and stay in step with consumer demands. Take the time to meet with a solution developer to create a management plan and best support your entire solution.