Key Takeaways
- Minimum details include device, serial number, recipient, handover date, and condition upon issuance.
- Accessories such as monitors, headsets, and power adapters belong on the handover record.
- Automated device enrollment allows devices to be shipped directly to employees.
- Handover is the counterpart to device return at the end of use.
What details belong in a handover record?
A handover record contains all details needed to enable an unambiguous return later on.
- Device type, model, and serial number
- Name of the recipient
- Handover date
- Condition upon issuance, such as new or used with minor scratches
- Included accessories
How does device handover work for remote employees?
For remote employees, the device is shipped directly and configures itself when turned on for the first time. Apple Automated Device Enrollment and Windows Autopilot enroll company-owned devices into device management during initial setup. IT does not need to touch the device beforehand; the handover is documented with the shipping date and recipient.
Example: Device Handover in practice
Example: A consulting firm with 40 employees hires 3 people in March. Each receives a laptop, a monitor, and a headset—9 items in total. 2 laptops are shipped to remote employees and set themselves up on first boot; one is handed over in the office. All 9 items are linked to the respective person with serial number and date.
Device Handover vs. Device Assignment
| Aspect | Device Handover | Device Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | One-time event | Ongoing state in inventory |
| Timing | Upon onboarding or new issuance | Across the entire period of use |
| Content | Date, condition, accessories, recipient | Link between device and person |
| Result | Handover record | Current assignment in inventory |
Device handover is the one-time act of issuing hardware, whereas device assignment is the resulting state maintained continuously in inventory.
How does Sovaro help with Device Handover?
In Sovaro, devices are linked to the person, and accessories can be captured via photo or invoice. A setup link installs the MDM and browser extension in a single step. Devices from an existing Microsoft Intune setup are imported automatically.