I recently visited one of my favorite big box furniture stores. I walked the vignettes, considering which design I thought might be a good fit. I noted my favorite items and prices and briefly chatted with my partner via text. Then I weighed logistics: project budget, haul or delivery, timing of such, box weights, assembly time, and help required (no, my seven-year-old doesn’t count). I also wondered how to price and sell our old furniture to avoid extra clutter. Needless to say, I left with a future execution plan and several pictures for ideation, but with no furniture in my cart.
Similarly, in business, we often generate strong ideas but struggle with execution due to overlooked logistics like stock availability, delivery and setup costs, depot services, employee training or additional infrastructure needs. Much like a trip to a furniture store that stalls before it starts, these oversights can and will hinder progress. Although we note mistakes and adjust our actions, in the world of healthcare, delays in technology deployment impact more than just time and budget. When patient outcomes are at risk, every moment and every penny invested matters.
A Holistic Lifecycle Management Approach
Traditional IT lifecycle management (ITLM) spans from asset procurement to disposal. Most resellers assist only at the start and end of this process. Connection takes a more comprehensive approach, by working closely with stakeholders to understand business challenges, ensuring our solutions are properly designed making the biggest impact on your financial, sustainability and financial goals. Our services cover not only asset acquisition, but preparation, integration, deployment, ongoing management, and end-of-life strategies.
Overcoming Logistic Nightmares in Supply Chain and IT Lifecycle Management
Over the years, Connection has developed systems designed to remove obstacles in delivering and implementing technology for healthcare. Whether you are looking for a plug-and-play replacement for current workstations on wheels or plan to open several new clinics in the next year, our solutions can make life easier for project management, procurement, IT, and the clinical staff. Imagine receiving 10 new medical carts, fully assembled and shrink-wrapped with all the peripherals in place: monitor, thin client, keyboard, mouse, scanners, printer, camera, and more—mounted, connected, imaged, and tested—so that you can roll them right off the delivery truck for the IT team to approve for deployment into production. Magical, right? But it’s a reality that can be executed. Let’s explore additional ways Connection can optimize your end-user experience with custom configuration services, convenient deployment options, and advanced inventory planning and rollout management—all backed by exceptional customer experience and support.
What Does Sustainability and IT Lifecycle Management Success Look Like?
According to Gartner, enterprise technology contributes nearly 400 megatons of CO₂ emissions, yet fewer than 30% of organizations implement sustainable IT practices.1 To address this, IT lifecycle management is critical for reducing environmental impact and optimizing costs.2
There are two common use cases for ITLM that can significantly advance sustainability efforts while also simplifying complex projects:
- Relocations and Consolidations—Accurate asset inventory can help you know where to relocate assets as necessary and plan for device end-of-life, including both disposal and resale options.
- Large Deployments—Consolidation and engineering of packing and transportation increase efficiencies and reduce shipping costs and waste.
At Connection, our approach includes end-to-end lifecycle services—from procurement and deployment to asset disposition and recycling. We accomplish this through programs like ConnectONE™ for device refresh, OS upgrades, supply chain optimization, and zero-touch provisioning. We measure our success through KPIs such as waste diversion,carbon footprint reduction, refurbishment rates, and cost savings, ensuring compliance and sustainability goals are met.
IT Outsourcing for the Win
A strong IT outsourcing (ITO) relationship drives trust, stability, and innovation beyond what low-cost contracts offer. When done well, ITO can play a big role in transforming your IT architecture and business. Global spending on ITO is expected to reach $2 trillion by 2028, driven by demand for cost efficiencies and digital expertise.3 Forrester, Deloitte, and Gartner all say strategic ITO gives access to expertise, efficiency, and time for innovation.
78% of businesses report positive experiences with IT outsourcing, citing improved service quality, cost savings, and strategic value.4 According to the IDC, managed device services offer a 65% lower cost of deployment of new devices and applications.5 This is the opportunity of ITO. Done correctly, it can drive long-term scalability, resilience, and simplicity in IT operations.
Proof Is in the Numbers
Connection adheres to the motto, “Change Happens. Expertise Wins,” with our metrics and investments reflecting a firm commitment to quality and excellence. Don’t just take our word for it—our numbers show it.
Net Promoter Score: Connection’s current Net Promoter Score stands at an impressive 79, with exceptional service levels identified as the leading factor in client retention.
Service Delivery:
- Inventory accuracy is maintained at 99.999% across over $1 billion in receipts.
- On-time order fulfillment and carrier performance:
- Priority, advance exchange, next day, scheduled rollout, and e-commerce orders (under 15 units) consistently meet same-day SLA above 98.5%.
- Carrier on-time delivery rate is 98.5%; next day delivery service achieves 99.2%.
- Comprehensive last mile and white glove services are available.
Upgrades and Expansions: Our facilities encompass 267,000 square feet, supported by 50Gb fiber, VPN connectivity, over 2,000 live connections, and customizable add-on services.
Security and Compliance: Connection maintains certifications for safety and compliance including SOC2 Type 2, ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018, ISO 22301:2019, and ISO 27001:2013 standards.
Secure Endpoints: Secure infrastructure components with best of breed solutions to ensure HIPAA compliance and protect against targeted cyber attacks.
Dedication to Sustainability: Packaging reduction and recycling initiatives contribute to lower freight costs and diminished fuel consumption, supporting environmentally responsible operations.
Partner with Connection
With over 40 years in the channel and 35 years’ experience in technology integration and distribution, we understand the impacts of supply chain on advancing your technological innovation. Our goal is to provide ongoing value that supports business outcomes, not just meet SLAs. For centralized management, visibility, coordination, scalability, customization, increased optimization and sustainability, and excellent client service, Connection is your ideal partner. For additional information on how you can contain costs, boost efficiency, and unburden your IT teams through optimized supply chain an IT lifecycle management, contact your Account Team or visit our Supply Chain and Lifecycle Webpage to learn more.
Additional IT Lifecycle Management Resources:
- IT Outsourcing and Lifecyle Services—How CTOs Are Using ITO to Find Real Gains
- Unlocking IT Outsourcing: Benefits, Pitfalls, and Proven Strategies for Success (video)
- Sustainability and IT Lifecycle Management: Integrating Environmental Responsibility with I.T. Operations—Invest in a Brighter Future
References:
- McKinsey Digital, 2022, The green IT revolution: A blueprint for CIOs to combat climate change
- Gartner, 2024, Gartner Says Most Cost-effective Sustainable IT Initiatives Are Underutilized
- Michael O’Grady, “Global IT Services Spend Will Reach $2 Trillion By 2028,” Forrester, May 1, 2024, https://www.forrester.com/blogs/global-it-service-spend-will-reach-2-trillion-by-2028/
- FullScale, 2024, Complete Guide to IT Outsourcing: Models, Costs, and Strategy (2025) https://fullscale.io/blog/complete-guide-to-it-outsourcing
- IDC, 2024, The Benefits of Integrating Managed Device Services
Kelly Kempf
Kelly Kempf is the Healthcare Strategy Manager for the Industry Solutions Group at Connection, Inc. Her key responsibilities are to contribute to the healthcare go-to-market strategy, support strategic client and vendor engagement, and lead healthcare training for the company. Kelly serves as a trusted advisor and vertical subject matter expert for both Connection employees and their clients, concentrating on healthcare organization business outcomes such as improving patient outcomes, clinical staff experiences and healthcare data security protocols. She also attends healthcare industry events throughout the country, representing Connection within the healthcare technology industry, and to maintain an exceptional level of healthcare industry awareness. Additionally, Kelly holds her Certified Digital Health Professional (CDH-P) Certification from CHiME. During her 11-year tenure with Connection, Kelly held roles as National Healthcare Business Development Manager for the Business Solutions Group and Professional Services Manager for the Microsoft Cloud Services Team. Prior to working at Connection, Kelly prepared for her current position by gaining experience in Business Development, Product and Project Management, Communications, and Quality Assurance in both healthcare and non-healthcare focused fields and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
