Routine Maintenance Plan: Business Workstation – Hardware

If you rely heavily on computers for daily operations, making sure they keep running as smoothly and efficiently as possible is essential. When done right, maintaining your PCs, as well as other hardware, will ensure more efficient workflows and fewer annoying IT hiccups along the way. Fortunately, proper computer and hardware maintenance is something you can easily do, even if you don’t consider yourself particularly tech-savvy. Taking a few minutes to perform these tasks will help avoid having to revert back to paper and pen.

Regularly clean computer components

Make it a habit to keep your monitors and peripherals clean by gently wiping them with a microfiber cloth specifically designed for computer components. This ensures a static-free and scratch-less cleaning experience. Furthermore, when cleaning hard-to-reach areas like keyboard surfaces, a quick blast from a can of compressed air works wonders.

Do not underestimate the power of simple steps such as frequent cleanings. Your system relies heavily on its ability to cool itself in the midst of general and intensive tasks. This is especially necessary in environments with ambient temperatures that rest at a higher levels. Excessive dust accumulation can hinder a computer’s airflow however, impacting its performance.  Graphics cards, for reference, are known to throttle performance to reduce the load of the overheating hardware in attempt to cool down before crashing.  These encounters worsen or increase in frequency when dust accumulation occurs as the limited airflow disrupts the cooling process. Moreover, make sure to keep your workstation out of direct sunlight or heat exposure and ensure proper ventilation for optimal performance.

Properly organize your cables

It’s time to bring order to the chaos of tangled wires in your office by using cable organizers. Not only does organizing your cables keep your workspace aesthetically pleasing and uncluttered, but your computer’s performance is boosted in turn by preventing overheating and improving airflow as discussed prior.

And if you’re planning to move your workstation sometime in the future, streamlining your computer setup now can minimize the hassle of relocating later. Keeping those wires in order can save time, energy, and plenty of headaches down the road with just a bit of extra elbow grease now.

Don’t forget your printers

Printer maintenance is an important part of keeping your device in top condition. Take the time to deep-clean the outside and inside of your printers, paying special attention to paper trays, which tend to accumulate dirt. You should also clean and inspect parts and accessories such as printheads and cartridges, and make necessary repairs or replacements if needed.  Printers rely on the network connections to complete successful printers jobs, think USB, Ethernet or WiFi.  It’ll be critical to make sure the USB, Ethernet or WiFi cables and adapters are kept at tip-top shape to prevent any conflicts down the line. Lastly, to ensure the best performance from your printing devices, remember to download any available software updates immediately before putting them back into action.

Evaluate your inventory

An accurate record of all your hardware can help you optimize their life cycles and can inform purchasing practices. Maintain an accurate inventory list of all of your business’s devices, including details such as device type, serial numbers, owners, and locations.

Keeping track of your hardware will help prevent buying items already on hand while also allowing you to identify those that are nearing the end of their life span.

Establish and implement a robust hardware policy

Implementing a solid hardware policy and technology guidelines can help your organization reduce the need for costly repairs in the future. By providing clear instructions on how to use and store equipment properly, you can ensure that all of your business-critical resources are well maintained.  Furthermore, your equipment management can in turn feed you data on proactive planning of equipment replacement and upgrades. It’s ideal to establish these protocols now to efficiently manage both current and upcoming maintenance needs.

Reach out to Beringer today!

Modern practices and hardware management are important variables in infrastructure evaluation for our team here at Beringer.  Don’t tackle these items alone, schedule a consultation with our team to review your network’s infrastructure at your convenience!

Beringer Technology Group, a leading Microsoft Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training,  Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.