Deciding how to manage your business devices—whether to keep it in-house or outsource to a specialist provider—is a key choice for any UK small or medium-sized business. Device management means ensuring all your computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones are secure, up to date, and running smoothly. It covers tasks like installing updates, managing user access, protecting against malware, and ensuring data is backed up. Getting this right helps avoid costly downtime, data breaches, and compliance issues.
Why device management matters for UK SMEs
Without effective device management, your business risks interruptions that affect staff productivity and customer service. For example, outdated software can leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks or cause incompatibility with critical tools. Poorly managed devices can also lead to data loss or breaches, which may trigger fines under UK GDPR and damage your reputation. Ensuring devices are properly controlled and monitored supports compliance with standards like Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001, which many clients and suppliers now expect.
A typical scenario: balancing expertise and resources
Consider a UK company with around 50 employees, using a mix of office desktops and remote laptops. The internal IT lead is skilled but stretched thin managing day-to-day support alongside device security and updates. Without dedicated focus, some devices fall behind on patches, increasing cyber risk. An outsourced IT partner can provide specialist tools and processes—like automated patch management, multi-factor authentication enforcement, and regular security audits—that reduce risk and free internal staff to focus on business priorities. This partnership also helps prepare for audits and supplier questionnaires by maintaining clear device inventories and access logs.
Key questions and checks to guide your decision
- Ask your current or prospective IT provider: How do you manage device updates and patching? What tools do you use for remote monitoring and management?
- Check their approach to security: Do they enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password policies on devices? How is access controlled and logged?
- Review backup and recovery processes: Are device data backups automated and regularly tested?
- Compare service levels: What response times and support hours do they offer for device issues? Are there clear escalation paths?
- Perform internal checks: Can you easily identify all devices connected to your network? Are software updates current? Is there a formal process for decommissioning or replacing devices?
Common pitfalls to avoid
Trying to manage devices in-house without enough expertise or resources can lead to gaps in security and compliance. On the other hand, outsourcing without clear SLAs or understanding of your business needs may result in slow response times or insufficient control. A hybrid approach—where you retain strategic oversight and partner with a trusted managed IT provider for specialist device management—often works best for SMEs.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your business size, IT skills, budget, and risk tolerance. Speaking with an experienced managed IT provider or IT consultant can help clarify what approach fits your needs, ensuring your devices support your business securely and efficiently.