We're a remote company with around 400 users, using Okta and Google Workspace. We manage Windows through Intune and Macs via Jamf, and we keep track of our assets with Snipe-IT. However, during offboarding, we're finding that a couple of laptops go missing every quarter, and some come back even after more than 60 days. Our process for shipping labels and reminders is quite manual, particularly for returns in the EU and UK, which can get chaotic.
We're aiming for precise device tracking with a 'Lost Mode', an automated offboarding flow that generates tickets, sends return kits, sends reminders, and escalates issues if necessary. Additionally, we want the functionality to lock or wipe devices after a set time, ensuring there's an audit trail and clear chain of custody upon receipt.
We're considering keeping Snipe-IT while integrating with Zapier or Make, and we're also looking into Oomnitza or Asset Panda for lifecycle management, alongside Absolute or Prey for recovery functionalities with Intune or Jamf. Furthermore, we're exploring managed returns from Workwize, GroWrk, or Rippling.
I'm curious: what tools or combinations have successfully minimized missing devices for you? Did you see an actual improvement in recovery rates with Absolute or Prey? Which vendors are good at handling global return kits and customs? Any policy tips that helped boost return rates without negatively affecting the employee experience?
5 Answers
The key to solving this really lies in your processes across departments. HR and IT should collaborate closely throughout the offboarding stages. HR should have a list of devices associated with a user before they leave. Also, making employees sign an equipment agreement upon receiving their devices helps reduce loss during offboarding. A simple reminder of what devices they have can incentivize them to return everything.
For asset tracking, we sync all devices into our CMDB, keeping tabs on the last active or login dates. When an employee separates, our executive admins send out a shipping kit to their separation address. If devices don’t come back, we’ve had to sell the debt to collectors at a loss, but it's better than nothing. We also ensure that devices are secured with disk encryption and other security measures after the employee's separation.
One effective strategy is to schedule employees to come into the office on their last day to return their devices. Using Intune or Jamf, you can track and disable the laptops before the employee leaves. People are less likely to keep devices if they know they can’t access their last paycheck without returning them.
While Intune and Jamf can lock or wipe devices, tracking returns can be tricky. Tools like Siit.io streamline this by kicking off an automated return workflow, sending reminders, and keeping logs, which helps in ensuring that laptops don’t go missing without causing IT to manage every little step manually.
For reliable tracking and recovery, you might want to combine Snipe-IT with Zapier for automation. Absolute is particularly known for solid recovery options, especially when paired with Intune or Jamf. Workwize or Rippling could simplify global returns and customs. On the policy side, clear communication and automated reminders could help boost returns while maintaining a smooth employee experience.
Absolutely, no one wants their last experience tarnished over a laptop.
That’s a good point! Keeping it communicative is crucial.