As CIO of Electro Rent, I’ve come to accept a hard truth: no matter how strategic we want IT to be, we often get pulled into long-term projects. Nowhere is that more evident than in how we manage end-user computing.
For years we scrambled to procure laptops, juggled inconsistent specs, configured devices under pressure, and dealt with the logistics of shipping, storing, and securing hardware. It was unpredictable and expensive.
We’re a mid-sized company with a lean IT staff. That means our people wear a lot of hats. One day they’re troubleshooting a VPN issue, the next they’re onboarding a new hire, and the day after that they’re trying to track down a laptop that got lost in transit. It’s not sustainable. And it’s not the best use of our team’s time or talent.
So, we made a change.
We decided to shift our entire end-user laptop strategy to a Hardware-as-a-Service model that delivers fully configured, secure, and support-ready devices at a predictable monthly cost—freeing up IT resources and reducing capital expenditures. This is not just for temporary rentals or special projects, but it has become our default approach for provisioning laptops across the organization..
Here’s why we did it, and what we’ve learned.
The Problem: Tactical Work was Draining Strategic Capacity
Our IT team was spending too much time on low-value, high-effort tasks. Every new hire meant a scramble to find the right hardware, configure it to our standards, ensure compliance, and get it delivered on time. Multiply that by dozens of new hires each quarter, and you’ve got a full-time job that no one was hired to do.
We also faced hidden costs. Storing spare equipment, managing asset depreciation, and dealing with returns or repairs added complexity and overhead. When things went wrong—delays, misconfigurations, or missing devices—it reflected poorly on IT and, by extension, the company.
Worse, it was burning out our team. We were missing opportunities to focus on more impactful work like improving our security posture, optimizing infrastructure, and supporting business growth.
The Solution: Hardware-as-a-Service (HaaS)
We needed a better way. One that would let us scale up or down quickly, ensure consistent quality, and free up our team to focus on what really matters. That’s where HaaS came in.
We now provide users with ready-to-go laptops that arrive pre-configured, secure, and are in compliance with our standards. Devices are shipped directly to the user, whether they’re in the office, remote, or somewhere in between. No more warehousing. No more last-minute imaging. No more shipping headaches.
The onboarding experience has improved dramatically. New hires get their laptops on time, with everything they need to hit the ground running. Our IT team spends less time on logistics and more time on enablement.
When someone leaves the return process is just as seamless.
The Results: More Strategic Focus, Less Busy Work
Since making the switch, we’ve seen a measurable difference in how our IT team operates. We’re no longer bogged down by the day-to-day grind of hardware management. Instead, we’re spending more time on initiatives that move the business forward.
We’ve also gained flexibility. Whether we’re scaling up for a new project or adjusting to changing workforce needs, we can do so without friction. That agility has been a game-changer.
Most importantly, our team is more energized. They’re not stuck chasing tracking numbers or troubleshooting BIOS settings. They’re solving real problems and delivering higher value.
A Note for Fellow CIOs
If you’re in a mid-market organization with a small IT team, I encourage you to take a hard look at where your people are spending their time. Tactical work may be necessary, but it doesn’t all have to be your team’s burden.
Outsourcing laptop provisioning through a HaaS model has helped us reclaim time, reduce stress, and improve the employee experience across the board. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s been a smart, sustainable shift for us.
We partnered with a provider who understands the needs of companies like ours and delivers consistent, reliable service. In our case, that partner was RUSH Computer, and they’ve helped us turn a pain point into a strength.
If you’re considering a similar move, I’m happy to share more about our journey.
Need help implementing a HaaS model? We can help! Review our Device Lifecycle Services.
About the Author:
Mike Baron
Chief Information Officer
Electro Rent
mike.baron@electrorent.com
