Sysadmin

Have you considered updating your CV to get ready to leave for greener pastures?

Because that sounds like a "update your CV and get ready to leave for greener pastures" kinda situation.

"Yes, I thought of that. The laptops we currently have are cheaper options and every time they fail an employee loses a days worth of work but the company still pays them. In the end it turned out to be more expensive than if we had gone with something like the ThinkPads in my proposal."

It’s frustrating to be in that position, especially when your proposal is reasonable and based on extensive research. Here’s a strategic approach to justify your purchase request more effectively:

1. Focus on Cost-Benefit Analysis: Highlight the financial impact of the outdated laptops. Explain how productivity loss and increased maintenance costs associated with old hardware end up costing more over time compared to a proactive upgrade. You could also point out the risk of data loss or increased downtime due to failing hardware.

2. Security Risks: Emphasize the security concerns of running unsupported hardware and software, especially if they can’t upgrade to Windows 11. Explain that outdated systems are a liability, especially if your company handles sensitive data. Mention the potential costs of a security breach compared to the cost of the new laptops.

3. Critical Functionality: Address the “critical replacement” directive by making a case that most of the laptops fall under this category. Show evidence that the old laptops cannot handle the required software, highlighting instances where employees struggle to complete essential tasks efficiently.

4. Comparison with Company Expenses: It may be strategic to tactfully compare the cost of the laptop upgrades to non-essential expenses, like teambuilding events. Avoid sounding confrontational, but emphasize that investing in core infrastructure benefits the entire organization.

5. Highlight Vendor Efforts: Mention that you’ve worked to get competitive pricing from multiple vendors, which demonstrates due diligence. You could also inquire about leasing or financing options if that makes the cost more palatable to management.

6. Emphasize Employee Productivity: Point out that employees’ effectiveness and morale are directly impacted by their tools. Explain how up-to-date laptops enable employees to work faster and more efficiently, which can boost overall performance.

7. Long-Term Plan: If budget constraints are tight, consider proposing a phased approach where critical replacements are prioritized but still push for a complete rollout in the near future.

8. Prepare to Negotiate: Be open to compromise if necessary. For instance, you could suggest a tiered approach where more powerful laptops are allocated to employees whose roles demand higher performance, while others get decent, mid-range upgrades.

Crafting your argument to align with the company’s priorities, such as cost management and risk reduction, will make it more persuasive. Good luck!

There are a lot of well-reasoned, positive responses here, so let me just be the one to say f@$# that CEO and all CEOs like them.

Padding their buddies pockets with bs "consulting" and "team building" while the basic needs of the company don't get met.

Sadly not surprising. You gotta spin it in terms they prefer, like productivity, profits, and ROI. Otherwise they assume it's an expense with no gains.

no i love memes i think we should put them everywhere thanks

Document document document. I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard to put together something that further demonstrates the need to eliminate entire lines of laptops and replace them with something that will last. Think hardware repair costs, maintenance man hours and productivity, and what finally nailed the coffin for my teams, the dropping of Windows 10 and Windows 11 support. Windows 11 is going to require laptops have certain hardware features for full support. Microsoft’s planned obsolescence may actually come in handy for you. You might still have to go with something cheaper than Thinkpads, but maybe you could get more people upgraded. The CEO may just not know what is “critical” yet.

It's the smell...

Lmao that’s just my existence in general 😭

And here I though you worked for the CIA (based on the meme)

Anyway this is a management problem. Do your shift and go home. Also I personally wouldn't buy cheap hardware for the business