Study shows 77% of firms replace tech based on age, not use

New research has revealed that 77% of enterprises in the United States and the United Kingdom replace their technology based solely on the age of the device rather than its performance.

Scalable Software released findings from a study involving more than 400 IT leaders from across the United Kingdom and the United States, showing that technology within organisations is frequently replaced unnecessarily, leading to a range of increased costs and environmental impact. The data indicates that 14% of organisations replace hardware every year, 30% every two years, and 33% every three years.

The reliance on age-based replacement cycles has been highlighted as problematic in light of the 2024 UN Global E-Waste Monitor, which reports that e-waste is increasing by 2.6 million tonnes annually, projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. This underscores the environmental impact of premature device disposal.

Mark Cresswell, Co-Founder of Scalable Software, stated, "There's no reason to send perfectly functional devices to landfill based solely on their age.

"There are quick and easy steps organisations can take to make a sustainable difference to the planet," he said.

"By using data, IT leaders can move away from a blanket replacement policy — creating tailored tech refresh cycles that are both employee-centric and reduce electronic waste."

Digital Employee Experience analytics offer an alternative to arbitrary timelines by providing detailed insights into IT device usage and performance. This data allows organisations to align technology upgrades with employee needs rather than fixed schedules.

Cresswell explained how this approach could be applied: "DEX data can identify employees who need more powerful devices earlier, such as those transitioning to roles involving Business Intelligence or AI, while delaying upgrades for employees with less demanding digital workloads."

Cresswell added, "While timely hardware replacement can ensure employees have access to the latest tech, it can contribute to a growing electronic waste problem when devices are replaced unnecessarily.

"By applying Digital Employee Experience data, ITDMs can implement sustainable practices — ensuring technology refresh cycles are efficient and sustainable, and most importantly, are aligned with employees' needs," he said.

World Sustainability Day, observed annually on the last Wednesday of October, focused on promoting sustainable practices that benefit the environment and future generations. The study was commissioned by Scalable Software and executed by Sapio Research, surveying senior IT decision makers from more than  400 organisations with more than 1,000 employees across the United Kingdom and the United States.