Individual Software and configuration at each workplace might sound like flexibility, but Alexander Jawinski explains why this approach the company takes up valuable resources and how standardized Workstation Set-ups are the solution.
In many companies, there is no workplace is like the other. Different Laptop models, different Software versions, configurations, – what looks at first glance, for flexibility, quickly reveals itself as an efficiency Killer. When a new employee starts, take the device to their place of work hours, or days. If a Problem occurs, you must find out the IT Support only, what special configuration is present. The Jawnet IT Services LTD developed for customers of standardized Workstation Set-ups to eliminate these problems and still get the necessary flexibility for different user requirements keep.
Standardization initially sounds like a restriction. However, jobs in IT, is the opposite of the case of. Alexander Jawinski has in his many years of practice, time and again witnessed a lot of time and money company by the lack of standardisation of wasting: “A customer had 50 employees, and it felt like 50 different job configurations. Each Set-up of a new employee took half a day, because nothing could be prepared. Each Problem required individual analysis.” The Jawnet IT Services LTD developed for their customers thought standardization of concepts, the use of the advantages of uniform systems, without losing the flexibility for various requirement profiles. The result is that New employees are in under an hour, ready to use, helps us solve problems faster, and Updates can be automatically rolled out.
What is standardization in the case of Workstations means?
Standardization does not mean that all employees will receive exactly the same equipment. Rather, it’s about creating a custom configuration profiles, which are based on actual requirements. A graphic designer needs to be other Hardware as a Controller, a sales person other Software as a developer.
Jawnet IT Services developed typically three to five standard configurations per customer. A basic configuration for Office jobs with word processing, spreadsheet and E-Mail. A more advanced configuration for Power Users with more demanding applications. A mobile configuration for field staff. And, where appropriate, special configurations for specific requirements.
Each of these configurations is defined:
- Hardware specification (Laptop or Desktop model, RAM, screen size)
- Software (applications with fixed versions)
- Default Settings (Including Network Drives, Printers, E-Mail Accounts)
- Security Policies (Password Requirements, Encryption, Updates)
This standardization creates predictability. If a Problem occurs, you know the Support immediately, which configuration is present. When Updates are rolled out, work the same way on all systems.
What happens if someone needs special equipment?
Standardization does not exclude exceptions. If an employee requires special Software or Hardware, this is provided of course. The difference is that Such exceptions will be documented and justified. Jawnet IT Services helps customers real needs of Wishes to distinguish. This reduces the number of exceptions to what is really Necessary.
Time-saving when Onboarding new employees
The most obvious advantage is the saving of time in new Set-ups. Rather than having to configure each workstation individually, is recorded in a predefined Image. Within 30 to 60 minutes a new job is furnished with all the needed programs, the correct settings, and access to all necessary resources.
The advantages of a standardized Set-ups in the Jawnet IT Services LTD
This time savings is multiplied. In the case of a company with 100 employees and an average turnover rate of 10 percent a year, 10 new jobs will be created. If each Set-up will take 4 hours instead of 30 minutes, the 35-saving hours per year – almost a full work week.
However, the benefits go far beyond that. Standardized systems are easier to maintain. Software Updates can be automatically rolled out, because it is clear that they will work on all systems. Security Patches can be applied.
The Support also benefits enormously. If an employee has a Problem, the technicians of the Jawnet IT Services LTD immediately see which configuration is present. Often, problems can be solve remotely, because the system environment is known.
Standardization also facilitates the documentation. To maintain instead of for every workplace individual documentation, submit documentation for the standard configurations. This saves time and ensures that information is kept up to date.
Cost advantages due to Hardware standardization
Also, the Hardware procurement standardization pays. Whoever buys the same models, you can negotiate better terms and conditions. Spare parts must only be for a few models kept. And if a device fails, it can often be a replacement device from the inventory provided without tedious configuration is needed.
The road to standardization: inventory and analysis
Many companies standardize want to, but do not know where to start. Alexander Jawinski always begins with a thorough inventory. What Hardware is currently in use? What Software employees actually use? What are the configurations?
Often, this analysis shows surprising results. Software that is installed on many systems, it is hardly used. Expensive licenses are broke. Outdated Hardware is used out of habit more.
From this analysis, the default configurations, then arise. The Jawnet IT Services LTD grouped jobs according to actual requirements. Which employees have similar needs? What Software is needed?
Important is the involvement of users is. Standardization will only work if the employees are able to work with the Standard Set-ups productive. Therefore, the proposed configurations are discussed with representatives of various groups of users and, if necessary, adjusted.
According to the Definition of the Standards, the gradual implementation begins. Usually, the Migration is performed – for new hires, in the case of Hardware-renewals or according to a fixed schedule.
Documentation as a basis for the standardization
Standardization stands and falls with a good documentation. Each standard configuration is documented in detail: hardware specs, installed Software with version numbers, configuration settings, network integration. This documentation serves as the basis for Image creation, Support, and future adjustments. The Jawnet IT Services LTD attaches great importance to understand, to-date documentation.
Image Management and automated deployment
Modern standardization working with Images – pre-defined system images that contain all the necessary components. Jawnet IT Services created for each of the standard configuration of an Image that can be installed on new Hardware.
These Images contain not only the operating system, but also all the necessary applications, drivers, and configurations. When a new job is furnished, has only played in the right Image, and a few user-specific settings.
For larger organisations, sets the Jawnet IT Services LTD automated Deployment solutions. New devices can be provided over the network automatically with the correct Image.
Also, Updates can be more efficient to manage. Instead of updating each System individually, it will update the Master Image. If required, then can be individual systems or specifically updated to be played in.
Typical challenges in the introduction of
The biggest challenge of the resistance to change is often. Employees are accustomed to their individual Set-ups, and fear of restriction. Here, transparent communication about the benefits and the involvement in the planning process help. Alexander Jawinski stresses that successful standardization takes the needs of its users seriously, and not just from the top is prescribed.
Flexibility in spite of standardization
A common objection is: “But our employees have different needs!” That’s right, and of good standardization taken into account. Alexander Jawinski emphasized that standardization excludes diversity, but organized.
The different standard configurations to meet different requirement profiles. Within these Profiles, there is also room for individual adjustments. Personal preferences, individual Desktops, preferred Browser – all this remains possible.
Also, new requirements can be integrated. If a new Software company is widely introduced, it is included in the relevant Standard Images. Standardization is not a static concept, but rather developed with the needs of the company.
The most important success factors for sustainable standardization:
- Regular Updates of the Standard Images
- Integration of new Software versions to the test phase
- Adaptation to changing requirements
- Continuous Documentation Of Care
- Feedback loops with users
Many customers of the Jawnet IT Services LTD reports that standardized Workstation Set-ups are one of the most important IT improvements of the last years. The time savings, the cost of reduced support and the higher the stability of the system of numbers on a daily basis.
