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Davis Powers

The Role of an MSP in Hardware Lifecycle Management 

Outdated hardware is more than just an inconvenience. It can become a security risk, a drag on productivity, and a source of unnecessary expenses. For many businesses, keeping up with device age, warranty status, and replacement schedules is a challenge without dedicated processes in place. 

That is where a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can make a real difference. 

At Davis Powers, we help clients manage the full hardware lifecycle, from purchase and deployment to proactive upgrades and secure retirement. Our approach is powered by tools like ScalePad and Datto RMM, and guided by our internal DPI Way process to keep things consistent, transparent, and easy to understand. 


What Is Hardware Lifecycle Management? 

Hardware lifecycle management means tracking and maintaining your IT assets throughout their usable life. It includes: 

  • Sourcing and configuring new devices 
  • Monitoring performance and health over time 
  • Managing warranties and support coverage 
  • Replacing devices before they fail 
  • Properly decommissioning and wiping retired equipment 

When done well, it keeps your systems secure, reduces downtime, and brings predictability to your IT budget. 


Why It Matters 

Security: Older hardware may be incompatible with current operating systems or security tools, leaving vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. 

Performance: Aging systems slow down over time, frustrating employees and creating more helpdesk tickets. 

Cost: Waiting for equipment to fail often leads to emergency purchases, overnight shipping, and costly service interruptions. 

Compliance: Certain industries require that systems meet support and security standards. Unsupported or unpatched devices can lead to compliance issues. 


How Davis Powers Simplifies the Process 

We follow what we call the DPI Way. It is a standardized method for keeping hardware lifecycles on track without adding administrative burden to your team. Here is how it works: 

Real-Time Monitoring with Datto RMM: Using Datto’s Remote Monitoring and Management platform, we track system performance, patch levels, and device health 24/7. This lets us catch issues early and flag devices that are beginning to slow down or fail. 

Risk Scoring with ScalePad: We use ScalePad to generate a risk score for every device in your environment. This score takes into account the device’s age, warranty status, operating system version, and general reliability. Clients get a full asset report, showing which devices are ready for replacement and which still have time. 

Strategic Planning and Forecasting: Our customer success team schedules regular review meetings to help you plan upgrades and replacements before they become urgent. We tie lifecycle decisions into your IT roadmap so you can budget in advance, rather than react under pressure. 

Procurement and Deployment: Once you approve a replacement plan, we handle the sourcing, configuration, and setup. Devices arrive prepped and ready to go, with the right apps installed and user profiles transferred. 

Secure Decommissioning: When hardware is retired, we wipe all data and provide proper documentation of disposal. This is especially important for businesses with compliance or privacy obligations. 


The Value to Your Business 

Working with an MSP like Davis Powers on lifecycle management gives you: 

  • A complete and accurate inventory of all hardware 
  • Predictable timelines for upgrades and replacements 
  • Fewer technical surprises and service interruptions 
  • Stronger endpoint security 
  • More control over long-term IT spending 


You get better outcomes, fewer headaches, and a support team that stays ahead of problems. 


Ready to Take Control of Your IT Assets? 

Whether your current inventory is a spreadsheet, a list in someone’s head, or spread across multiple locations, Davis Powers can help. Our process will give you visibility, control, and a clear plan to keep your hardware current and your users productive. 

Let us run a quick asset health check using ScalePad and show you where to begin. Contact us today to schedule a review.