The hidden problem lurking in your office closet
It starts innocently enough. A few extra laptops from employee departures. A handful of chargers. Maybe even some old desktops that “might come in handy one day.”
Before you know it, your IT closet is overflowing with forgotten devices, tangled cords, and untracked assets.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many growing businesses struggle with IT asset management, often resorting to stuffing unused laptops and devices into unsecured storage spaces—without a clear plan for tracking, refreshing, or securing them.
The problem? Unsecured, unmanaged IT assets pose real risks, from data breaches to financial waste. Let’s talk about why your “storage solution” isn’t working—and how secure IT asset management can fix it.
The “closet problem” most businesses face with spare devices
Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, IT asset sprawl is real. Companies often:
- Hold onto unused devices because they “might be needed later.”
- Lack a structured process for tracking and managing devices.
- Forget about old hardware, leaving it vulnerable to security risks.
- Struggle with repairs and refreshes, leaving employees with outdated tech.
But here’s the kicker: IT assets aren’t just extra office supplies. They contain sensitive business data, and without a proper process, they can become security threats, financial drains, and logistical nightmares.
Why unsecured hardware is a liability
🔴 Data breaches & security risks
Even if a laptop is sitting in a closet, its hard drive may still contain sensitive company data. If stolen or improperly discarded, unsecured devices can lead to significant data breaches. According to Time, in 2024, there were 3,158 reported data breach incidents, marking a 70% increase since 2021.
🔴 Compliance issues
Inadequate IT practices can result in substantial penalties. The Wall Street Journal recently covered a story on Bayview Asset Management who faced a $20 million settlement due to cybersecurity weaknesses that led to a data breach affecting 5.8 million customers.
🔴 Operational inefficiencies
Poor asset management can create operational bottlenecks. Revnue reports consequences like operational downtime, productivity losses, and business disruptions which damage revenue streams.
🔴 Unnecessary costs
Holding onto old, untracked devices drives up IT expenses. According to McKinsey & Company, storing and maintaining extensive data repositories can consume between 15% and 20% of the average IT budget. Without proper IT asset management, organizations may face higher maintenance and replacement costs and reduced asset lifespan, all contributing to unnecessary expenditures.
The smarter solution: Secure IT asset management
Instead of letting spare devices pile up in storage, a structured IT asset management system ensures:
✅ Secure, centralized storage
A controlled environment (like Techvera’s hardware lab) ensures devices are properly tracked and protected.
✅ Full device lifecycle management
From intake and inventory tracking to repairs, refreshes, and redeployment, every device is accounted for.
✅ Seamless onboarding & offboarding
Employees always receive ready-to-use, secure devices, ensuring smooth transitions.
✅ Automated returns & recycling
A simple QR code return system makes it easy to track devices, ensuring they are either redeployed, repaired, or responsibly recycled.
✅ Compliance & security peace of mind
Every device is inspected, securely wiped, and refreshed to like-new condition, minimizing security risks.
Making the shift: How to move away from closet storage to a secure IT asset process
If your business is still relying on closet storage for spare laptops, it’s time for a smarter approach. Here’s how to get started:
- Take inventory: List out all unused devices and assess their condition. Track serial numbers, warranty info, and last known user.
- Assess security risks: Are these devices wiped and encrypted? If not, take steps to ensure data security.
- Establish a storage & management system: Instead of stuffing devices into a random closet, consider secure warehousing and IT asset management services that ensure each device is properly handled.
- Implement a lifecycle process: From intake to deployment, returns, and recycling, every device should have a clear path instead of being forgotten in storage.
💡 Want to learn more about secure IT asset management? Check out our employee device management services to see how we help businesses stay secure and efficient.
