Computer Resources
I’m often surprised by how companies use their resources when it comes to computers. An organization I work with is currently undergoing a computer upgrade. No problem there. Everyone is getting a new computer. Again, no problem. Everyone is getting the same computer. That would be the problem. They have a diverse workforce doing a wide variety of work. I find it hard to believe that every employee is best served by the same computer. Data entry has the same needs as publishing? Executives have the same needs as the guys in the mailroom? I don’t think so. Someone here is getting the short end of the stick.
The part I don’t understand is why is this is being done? There is probably some magic accounting reason for this sort of change, but I can’t understand why the resources couldn’t be better allocated. You know some users are going to get short changed while others will get more than they need. In this case some of their data entry people are even requesting that they don’t get an upgrade. They have a “better the devil you know” sort of attitude. Their computers are working smoothly and reliably, doing everything they are asked, why should they change? It would be frustrating to be in their shoes. Why do they all need to be the same? How does this benefit the organization? I’ve written about this sort of thing before, so I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me, but I’m always surprised when I’m reminded that in computers, diversity is a bad word.
Not that I agree with everyone getting the same computer, but the department I work with follows this model. We have two different (but very similar) models of desktop, and one laptop for those who need to travel with their machine. The only reason for two different models is that we offset the rotation of computers.
From a support standpoint, this is a dream. I work a the tech help desk, and knowing exactly what machine a person has, what software is installed on it, etc, makes it much easier to support the end users. Another department in our large organization basically allows users to select what they want to work on … their support situation is much more difficult for it.
I’ve used Linux and OSX at home more in the past 5 years than I’ve used Windows there, but still, I like the consistency among machines in the work environment that I have to support. Again, I’m not saying this makes it right, or practical for the organization as a whole, but IT likes it.
Comment by Josh — June 2, 2006 @ 3:03 pm
I can see why IT people might like the idea from a standardization point of view. My problem is that the work these computers (and people) do isn’t always taken into account. Data entry, graphic design, doodle pad, everyone gets the same thing. There should be some sort of middle ground, or a couple of different models… Something.
Comment by HDW — June 2, 2006 @ 3:13 pm