Founded in 1903, Aberdeen Football Club was formed when Orion, Victoria United and Aberdeen amalgamated. Connected to the Club is Aberdeen FC Community Trust, providing support to people across a range of backgrounds to encourage healthy communities through education and football activities. The Club has around 250 employees, and the Trust employs 45 people, all based in Scotland.
HP DaaS solution rolled out with over 70 laptops configured
Definitive upgrade plan for three years’ time
24/7 support built into solution
The Challenge
With users mainly using desktop computers, the Club and Trust were finding limitations to flexible working, with no facility for remote working away from the desk or office. Ageing computers were no longer supported on Windows 10, with poor performance and issues arising daily, so it became evident that a hardware refresh was required. With options around purchasing and leasing, Aberdeen FC needed advice on the best approach for them that would support them well into the future.
The Solution
Aberdeen FC wanted solid hardware that allowed them to increase productivity and reduce calls to the support desk. Flexibility was the aim, so that users could work remotely; from alternative locations within the stadium, from home, or from the new offsite training facility, Cormack Park. A Device as a Service (DaaS) leasing option from HP combines hardware, software and support, allowing the Club and Trust to upgrade all their computers, with a flexible 36 month finance arrangement and a plan for upgrade in three years.
Their DaaS solution includes HP TechPulse, which provides insights to help the Club and Trust to proactively manage their hardware fleet. An overview of device utilisation, blue screen errors, memory space and more is all wrapped up within the solution, to help them to optimally plan and manage their devices. Enhanced support ensures they are covered 24/7, should they need assistance.
Solutions highlights:
• Enabled seamless transition to remote working during lockdown
• Reduced helpdesk calls around hardware performance close to zero
• HP TechPulse proactively highlights and resolves potential issues
The Benefits
The solution has resulted in reducing helpdesk calls around hardware performance close to zero. Productivity has risen as staff are benefiting from the flexibility that comes with a new and suitable device. The quality of content for the fanbase has improved as quick and effective communication has been made easier with reliable hardware.
The solution has been critical to the success of the Club and Trust throughout the COVID-19 lockdown, providing a seamless transition to the required home-working. Staff already had all the necessary equipment and were familiar with remote working.
HP TechPulse allows Aberdeen FC to proactively highlight and resolve potential issues before they happen and also assists them when troubleshooting.
Why Softcat?
Softcat provided expert advice and a solution tailormade to Aberdeen FC's requirements. A flexible solution with good aftercare and support was crucial, and Softcat provided a number of options to meet their requirements, looking at both purchasing and leasing, before walking alongside Aberdeen FC through the install, which took just a month to complete. With enhanced support as part of the DaaS solution, Softcat remain available 24/7, should any problems arise.