On a daily basis, IT help desks are bombarded with employee requests to fix major and minor device issues. IHS Markit estimates that IT downtime costs a large enterprise $60 million a year. This is where Grab and Go from Google Cloud comes into play.
It saves time for both your IT team and employees that have deadlines and must avoid downtime. Imagine an employee, ready to close a significant account, spilling coffee on their laptop, rendering it useless. Accidents like this happen all the time. It may take hours — or even a day for your IT team to supply a loaner laptop.
And what if your employee didn’t back up their information? That’s even more lost time spent on getting the laptop up and running, or at the very least recovering any lost data.
Another example is an employee with a desktop computer but who wants to take notes in a meeting. This person is now limited to pen and paper, without access to a portable device. Or consider an employee who works between two different locations but has forgotten their laptop.
Google’s solution to solve all of these problems is a simple, scalable self-service program called Grab and Go. The program began at Google as an initiative for its own employees as a way for the company to stay nimble and productive on a daily basis. Overstressed employees became less so, after being given the option to walk up, take a loaner Chromebook off a shelf, sign in and get back to work, all on the familiar Google Chrome Enterprise platform they use every day.
It’s as simple as that.
Implement a Self-Service Program like Grab and Go
Starting your Grab and Go journey is easy. The first requirement is a G Suite-enabled business. Using G Suite in your business provides increased productivity with built-in collaboration tools. Employees can work together in real time with tools like Docs, Sheets, Gmail and Hangouts.
While this may vary, below are examples of other possible requirements.
Shelves
A Chrome Grab and Go program featuring these handy cloud connected devices should be located in a central location — or at least one that has easy access options for employees. Make sure that the area you choose is highly visibly so employees avoid wasting precious time locating it.
When Google implemented their plan, they stored their loaner Chromebooks on basic metal shelves. A cart is another, more portable option, perhaps one on wheels. Determine what your needs are before making a commitment. Often using a structure that is easy to access, without doors or other locking features that may be obstructive will be the best option. To enhance the functionality of your Grab and Go station, make sure charging stations are readily available and accessible.
Chromebooks
Another essential and functional requirement is a fleet of Chromebooks using the Chrome operating system (OS) based on your users' needs. Durability should be considered. These devices will take more wear and tear than other standard issue devices since one loaner device will be used more frequently and by more employees over time.
When your employee initially signs into the loaner device, an email reminder is immediately generated and sent to them. This reminder email provides a return date and instructions on how and where to return the device. As with Google, if you have a large business with thousands of employees, then you might need to offer multiple pickup and return stations.
Admin App
To manage your fleet of loaner laptops, there’s an Admin App. Your IT team can use it to track users and individual Chromebooks. With this information, your IT team will instantly know when a user’s loan begins, and also when it ends. The extensive data reporting enhances usage tracking as well.
Increase Security Through Chrome OS
Another benefit to using Grab and Go is the added security that comes from using the Chrome OS. This function is embedded within all Chromebooks. Since these loaner Chromebooks will be passed from user to user, security is a necessity to protect sensitive corporate data.
Other security features provide additional benefits.
- Only users in the specified domain can use the Chromebook.
- Policies are enforced, even after a factory reset.
- Data isn't left on the Chromebook.
- Chromebooks are updated automatically with no device downtime.
- Chrome OS is protected from tampering or corruption.
After Google implemented its own Grab and Go self-service program, it eliminated all trips to IT to request loans, which had previously accounted for 10% of visits. This gave the IT team more time to work on other projects, saving time and money. Another benefit of the Grab and Go program is an additional way to introduce the Chrome OS to employees, leading to more rapid adoption.
Do you still have questions — or wish to learn more about if Grab and Go is the right solution for your organization? Download our Grab and Go webinar to learn more from experts.
