Technology Consulting Firm Relies on SmartSource for Scalable Laptop Procurement, Deployment, and Support 

Background

A leading technology consulting firm has been helping organizations solve complex business challenges for more than 25 years. The firm delivers innovative technology solutions across industries including Technology, Communications, Financial Services, Healthcare, Consumer & Industrials, Energy & Utilities, and Federal Services.  

With consultants deployed across a wide range of enterprise environments, the firm must ensure that those professionals have the equipment and support needed to begin working immediately and remain productive throughout their engagements. 

Challenge

An Industry Shift Created New Operational Demands

For years, consulting firms focused primarily on staffing. Consultants worked onsite using laptops provided by the client organization, leaving the consulting firm responsible only for talent delivery. 

That model began to change roughly eight years ago when one client required the firm to provide laptops for its consultants. Soon after, similar requirements began appearing across other client engagements. 

“What we discovered was that the industry had changed,” said the Director of Logistics and Procurement. “Companies were shifting the cost and logistics of laptops to the consulting firm.” 

What began as a single request quickly became a standard expectation across the industry. 

Each client environment carries unique requirements for laptop configurations, software permissions, security policies, and device imaging. “If our consultants can’t work, we don’t get paid. Clients have very little tolerance for inefficiency because consulting firms are very replaceable.” Additional pain points included recovering laptops from departing consultants, meeting federal security requirements, and keeping pace with escalating client expectations for faster deployments and stronger security controls. 

Solution

The firm partnered with SmartSource to create a scalable laptop procurement and lifecycle management program. 

Today, SmartSource is the consulting firm’s exclusive laptop provider and its largest vendor relationship outside of software.

Ensuring Consultants Stay Productive

In consulting, even small delays can mean lost revenue. SmartSource helps prevent downtime by quickly configuring and deploying laptops so consultants can start working on day one. 

“When consultants can’t work, we don’t get paid,” said the Director of Logistics and Procurement. “SmartSource understands our business, they know there can be no downtime.” 

If a device issue arises, SmartSource often ships replacement equipment the same day, ensuring consultants can continue working without interruption.  

Solving the Equipment Recovery Problem 

Recovering laptops from consultants who leave assignments is a persistent industry challenge. SmartSource worked with the firm to implement a recovery process using Absolute security software. When an assignment ends, SmartSource can remotely disable the device, making it unusable, dramatically improving return rates. 

Resolving Complex Client Requirements 

SmartSource also plays a critical role when clients introduce new technical requirements. 

In one instance, consultants working for a large American-based multinational technology company were unable to access the client’s network due to a configuration change that had not been communicated in advance. 

SmartSource quickly assembled a team that included stakeholders from the consulting firm, SmartSource technical specialists, and the client’s IT team. Together, they identified the root cause and developed a new imaging solution to meet the client’s requirements. 

“It was a very complex situation and we fixed it,” said the Director of Logistics and Procurement. “SmartSource was focused on finding a solution.” 

Supporting Security and Compliance 

The firm also serves federal clients who require strict security protocols. 

SmartSource supports these requirements by providing secure laptop decommissioning services, including DoD-grade 7-pass data wipes, helping TSG meet compliance standards for government engagements. 

Results

Improved Cost Control, Productivity, and Predictability

Before partnering with SmartSource, laptop expenses were unknown. Now with predictable pricing, the firm incorporates laptop costs directly into its consultant pricing model through a structured 3% technology burden, maintaining consistent margins while meeting client equipment requirements. 

Additional results include: 

• Reduced equipment loss using Absolute software and improved recovery processes. Saw a 71.6% reduction in loss over a two-year period 
• Zero-day consultant onboarding time thanks to rapid device configuration and deployment 
• Minimal downtime through expedient exchanges and 24/7 helpdesk support for malfunctioning equipment 

The firm benefits from a scalable model that supports tits growing consultant base while protecting revenue. 

A Shared Sense of Urgency and Purpose 

The firm’s employees reference an internal acronym: SOUP—Sense of Urgency and Purpose. The phrase reflects the company’s belief that responsiveness and accountability are critical to serving clients effectively. 

According to the Director of Logistics and Procurement, SmartSource operates with the same philosophy. “We share the same sense of urgency and purpose,” they said. “I see it in their response time and understanding of our business.” 

For the firm, SmartSource’s value ultimately comes down to how the company responds when challenges arise. “It’s not what happens; it’s how you react to it that matters,” they said. “SmartSource’s reaction is what differentiates them—they are always focused on the solution.