How to get device lifecycle management right in 2026

In 2026, workspace IT teams are being asked to do more than ever. With expectations to improve the digital experience for their people, modernise devices for Windows 11 and start preparing for AI-enabled hardware such as Copilot+ PCs, they are also expected to manage tighter budgets with limited resources and ongoing supply chain issues.

For many organisations, success isn’t just about choosing the right devices, it’s about managing the entire device lifecycle more effectively.

Across the conversations I’ve had with customers this year, one theme consistently crops up – delivering a better technology experience requires organisations to rethink how devices are sourced, deployed, supported and eventually retired.

Smarter device strategies for an AI-ready workplace

Many organisations are already taking steps to modernise their device estates and ‘future‑proof for AI’ to stay competitive in the market. Standardising on Windows 11 is often the starting point, while Copilot+ PCs are beginning to appear in targeted deployments where local AI processing can deliver clear productivity benefits.

At the same time, organisations are becoming more data-driven and looking at how they can optimise and automate their processes to get the right devices to the right end users. Monitoring and management tools, Digital Experience Management platforms and user surveys are helping our customers understand how devices perform in the real world.

This feedback helps to increase uptime, improve user experience day-to-day, and ensure they get the right devices in their users’ hands. These insights also allow organisations to make smarter investment decisions. By maturing their tool stack and processes, they can take advantage of the newest innovations such as Copilot + PCs with AI-capable hardware, as well as keeping budgets steady by making conscious choices to repurpose or upgrade existing equipment. In some cases, remanufactured devices can be a cost-effective option for the lower-end requirements of their user-base.

The result is a more balanced approach to device investment, ensuring users have the right technology for their role, while maintaining control over budgets.

The missing link of device lifecycle management

Choosing the right devices and monitoring performance is only part of the picture. The real challenge is often around how devices move through the organisation.

From onboarding new starters and supporting existing users, to managing warranties, handling damaged equipment and securely dealing with devices at their end of life, the complexity of device management can quickly grow. When these processes are inefficient or fragmented, the impact is felt by end users, and we are increasingly being asked to provide flexible, automated and easy to consume services that efficiently deal with these areas.

All of these potential improvements only work if there is a corresponding effort to mature and streamline device lifecycle management operations, and this year we’re seeing many of our customers putting significant focus on this area. By making sure these processes are efficient and, where possible, automated, IT teams can focus on more forward-looking technology investments such as security, AI adoption and digital transformation, rather than spending valuable time tracking claims, building laptops or dealing with couriers.

Moving beyond traditional supplier services

Gone are the days when the idea of added value from suppliers amounted to tacking on an asset tag, holding some stock and shipping a pallet over to an office. Today, organisations need far more integrated support.

We’re seeing a growing demand for services that provide seamless onboarding and offboarding employees, rapid device replacement when issues occur, clear lifecycle visibility and sustainable recovery or buyback options at end of life. We understand that organisations want device lifecycle operations that just work, without creating additional admin for already stretched IT teams.

Softcat’s Technology Lifecycle Service

Here at Softcat, we have been working hard over the last year to redesign our Joiner, Mover and Leaver (JML) service offerings to meet our customers’ evolving needs. We’re excited to soon be launching our new ‘Technology Lifecycle Service’, designed to simplify and streamline device lifecycle management for the majority of our customers.

The service brings together lifecycle capabilities, from procurement and deployment  through to support, recovery and sustainable disposal, under a single, easy-to-consume model.

Our customers will benefit from the complete cradle-to grave service offering from our partners under one inclusive model, with a clear, simple bill each month with pre-agreed volumes and pricing, and a modern, information-rich portal for serving any device lifecycle need or management information request. There is also the option to integrate this directly via API into their ITSM or other systems.

Connecting device strategy with user experience

For many organisations, device lifecycle management is the missing link when they look to improve user experience. It’s all well and good to identify and right size modern devices for their workforce, or to monitor and manage how well they perform, but actually getting devices to people efficiently, built correctly and supported or replaced throughout their lifecycle is often more complex than it should be.

When these processes work well, employees notice, often because the technology simply works the way they expect it to.

If you’re planning a Windows 11 standard build or piloting Copilot+ PCs, our Technology Lifecycle Service connects device choice with day‑one readiness, support and sustainable recovery. Speak to your Softcat Account Manager or our Sales team to get started.