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In today’s digitally driven workspaces, peripheral devices are more important than ever.
From traditional input devices like mice and keyboards to essential communication tools like webcams and headsets, these small but mighty devices hold significant sway when it comes to productivity and employee satisfaction.
But how do you manage your peripheral estate when these devices can be easily lost, damaged, or need frequent replacement?
What strategies can you use to protect and keep track of your peripherals and save time, effort, and money in the process?
In this article, we’ll talk about the complexities of peripheral device management and strategies you can use to navigate common peripheral challenges.
The Role of Peripherals Today
Over the years, peripherals have evolved from mere accessories to indispensable tools for daily operations.
Perhaps your business depends on the basics such as mice, keyboards, printers and monitors.
Or maybe, you’ve started to invest in emerging technologies such as VR headsets or advanced biometric devices to drive your business forward.
However you choose to use peripherals, your employees simply can’t do their jobs without them.
Powering Productivity: The Strategic Edge of Tailored Peripherals
Peripherals are more than just tools for your employees—they are extensions of their creativity and efficiency.
Ergonomic keyboards with their smooth contours, allow improved efficiency through enhanced comfort while high-definition webcams and crystal-clear headsets bridge distances in remote meetings.
For the creatives, a graphic tablet can turn a day’s work into a masterpiece, while coders make every keystroke count with programmable keypads.
When you tailor these devices to fit the unique needs and preferences of your employees, you unlock a level of work efficiency and satisfaction that transforms operations and boosts productivity.
It’s all about recognizing that the right peripheral in the right hands doesn’t just get the job done but gets the job done faster and with precision.
The Challenges of Managing Peripherals
How many peripherals do you have in use across your organization? Hundreds? Thousands?
One of the primary challenges in peripheral management is keeping track of the sheer variety and volume of devices in use, especially when they are used in remote locations.
The solution rests in a solid IT asset management (ITAM) strategy that allows you to catalog, track, and manage peripherals throughout their lifecycle and ensure they are not just in the right hands but in optimal working condition.
Factors to consider in your ITAM strategy include:
- Inventory Management: Keeping a comprehensive and up-to-date inventory of all peripheral devices, including their location, user, and condition. This is essential for remote workers where devices are spread across various locations.
- Procurement and Distribution: Buying peripherals in bulk can often open up opportunities for vendor discounts. Setting up efficient distribution and deployment channels ensures your employees are swiftly equipped with the peripherals they need no matter where they are in the world.
- Customization and Suitability: Allowing users to choose the peripherals that best suit their needs, including personal preferences and ergonomic requirements can significantly boost productivity and job satisfaction.
Addressing Security Implications
Security is another big concern when it comes to peripheral management, especially devices like USB drives and other data storage peripherals. A robust ITAM strategy should include:
- Usage Policies and Training: Implementing strict policies on the use of peripheral devices, particularly those capable of storing data, and training employees on the associated risks and best practices.
- Device Encryption and Security Measures: Employing encryption and other security measures for sensitive devices, ensuring that data remains secure even if the device is lost or stolen.
- Regular Audits and Compliance: Conduct regular security audits of peripheral devices and ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
The Future of Peripherals in the Workplace
As we look towards the future and as emerging technologies offer new ways for us to interact with digital environments, the role of peripherals in the workplace is set to grow.
Here’s a glimpse into the types of peripherals we might see shaping the workplaces of tomorrow:
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Interfaces
AR and VR technologies offer so much more than just a gaming experience. The integration of this tech into everyday work peripherals is set to revolutionize the workspace. Imagine donning a headset that immerses you in a 3D work environment and allows for intuitive, hands-on interaction with virtual objects. From educators to architects, these devices will enable professionals to explore and manipulate spatial data in ways that were previously confined to science fiction movies.
Wearable Tech and Smart Accessories
Wearable technology will extend beyond smartwatches and fitness trackers to include peripherals that enhance workplace productivity. Smart glasses could project information directly into the user’s field of vision, allowing for hands-free data access. Meanwhile, smart bracelets and rings could be used as authentication devices.
Advanced Biometric Devices
Biometrics are already widely used today. For example, you might use your phone’s fingerprint identification function to authenticate with certain apps or services. Future devices may include keyboards with built-in fingerprint sensors in each key, allowing for complex, gesture-based authentication sequences. Iris scanning and facial recognition technology could also be integrated into monitors to ensure that only authorized personnel can see sensitive information.
IoT-Enabled Smart Peripherals
The Internet of Things (IoT) will further integrate into peripheral devices, making them smarter and more connected than ever. For example, asset tracking tags with IoT capabilities can be attached to peripherals to allow for real-time tracking and management, helping to prevent loss and misplacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a peripheral device and what are some examples?
A peripheral device is a piece of hardware connected to a computer to expand its capabilities. Examples range from input devices like keyboards and mice, which allow users to interact with the computer, to output devices such as monitors and printers that display or print information. Storage devices like external hard drives and USB flash drives, as well as multimedia devices like webcams and speakers, are also common peripherals that enhance functionality and user experience.
What are peripheral and non peripheral devices?
Peripheral devices are external components that connect to a computer or computing system to add functionality or enhance its capabilities. They are not essential for the computer to perform its basic computational functions but are used for input, output, storage, and other auxiliary functions. Examples include keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, external hard drives, and monitors.
Non-peripheral devices, on the other hand, are integral parts of a computer's core architecture and are essential for the system to function. These include the central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, internal hard drive, power supply, and random-access memory (RAM). These components are directly involved in the computer's primary functions of processing, storing, and managing data within the system's internal framework.
What are some examples of network peripheral devices?
Network peripheral devices, such as network printers, NAS (network-attached storage), and wireless access points, significantly enhance network functionality. They enable tasks like shared printing, centralized file storage, and expanded wireless coverage. Routers and switches direct network traffic, while VoIP phones and hardware firewalls improve communication and security.
Is RAM a peripheral device?
No, RAM (Random Access Memory) is not considered a peripheral device. It's an essential internal component of a computer that provides the necessary workspace for the operating system, applications, and processes to run and manage tasks efficiently. RAM is integral to a computer's core functionality, unlike peripheral devices, which are external and provide additional capabilities beyond the computer's basic operations.
