Managing an organization's device environment is a complex and ever-evolving challenge. IT Asset Managers are responsible for ensuring connectivity and compatibility across a diverse range of devices and peripherals, while also minimizing the support needs of end users.
For Omarr Williams, the Global IT Asset Manager at Cushman & Wakefield, managing his device environment means overseeing devices that span multiple teams and global boundaries, with over 60,000 employees worldwide, all submitting their device requests and support tickets to Omarr and his team of 18.
Omarr works closely with Curtis Vallee, a StarTech.com Solutions Engineer, to ensure that Cushman & Wakefield’s device environment stays easily manageable. Together, they’ve created an environment that overcomes its size and works seamlessly through standardization.
Cushman & Wakefield
The Challenge: Growing needs and a demand for connectivity
Omarr has noticed an increasing demand for display and performance connectivity within his device environment. He explained, "In the past, it was mainly the IT team that used dual monitors, but now even our accountants working from home are setting up triple-monitor configurations with docking stations." Adding to this is the complication of securing devices across multiple countries, though each national team can often settle on a device available in their region, global availability frequently means that the standard device differs from country to country.
Omarr also found that alongside standard devices for common roles, specialized team members often seek out unique devices that meet the demands of their roles. Omarr shared his thoughts on these requests.
“Developers and graphic designers need something a little beefier and more powerful, while executives need something slim that can travel almost like a tablet with a keyboard, and then you also have different operating systems as well.”
With all these challenges in mind, Omarr and his team needed a connectivity solution that meets all three of these challenges. Their solution needs to have connectivity across multiple device platforms, while meeting high-performance demands and providing seamless connectivity to ensure optimal productivity.
“Developers and graphic designers need something a little beefier and more powerful, while executives need something slim that can travel almost like a tablet with a keyboard, and then you also have different operating systems as well.”
-Omarr Williams, Global IT Asset Manager, Cushman & Wakefield
The Solution: GPU-Agnostic Docking Stations
As a Solutions Engineer at StarTech.com, Curtis Vallee collaborates closely with asset managers, such as Omarr, to identify connectivity solutions that address their specific challenges. For Cushman & Wakefield’s environment, Curtis recommended a GPU-agnostic docking station, a popular and powerful connectivity accessory. These devices leverage DisplayLink technology to connect to any peripheral connected to the dock seamlessly. This not only accommodates Cushman & Wakefield’s diverse global environment but also enhances the functionality of laptops connected to the dock. Omarr describes the impact of this solution: "It sounds trivial, but in an enterprise environment, laptops, monitors, keyboards, they need to work together cohesively and easily. Without that, it creates numerous issues. The StarTech.com dock solves that." By deploying the docking station, Omarr’s team only needed to worry about a single source of connectivity. As long as the device connects to the dock, then everything else is managed.
The Benefits: Simplified Management and Ongoing Support
Standardizing on the StarTech.com GPU-agnostic docking stations was a game-changer for Cushman & Wakefield. Omarr highlights the benefits: “Having a universal dock has been a lifesaver. We've standardized on one dock for 60,000 users, making updates and support management so much easier.”
The successful implementation of this solution has led to further collaboration between Omarr and Curtis. They continue to work together to standardize and simplify other aspects of the Cushman and Wakefield device environment, including adapters and cables. Omarr appreciates Curtis's proactive support: "Curtis is always helping us out. He keeps an eye on our orders and lets us know if there's something better or more cost-effective."
“Having a universal dock has been a lifesaver. We've standardized on one dock for 60,000 users, making updates and support management so much easier.”
-Omarr Williams, Global IT Asset Manager, Cushman & Wakefield
Conclusion: A Trusted Partnership
The partnership between Cushman & Wakefield and StarTech.com exemplifies how support from a solutions engineer and focusing on standardization can make an IT Asset Manager’s job easier. By providing a standardized, universal solution, IT Asset Managers can ensure seamless connectivity, reduce support workloads, and meet the diverse technological needs of their global workforce.
If you face connectivity challenges and need support from a Solutions Engineer like Curtis, don't hesitate to contact our Customer Success Team. Our team’s collective expertise and innovative solutions can help you achieve a simplified and standardized device environment.