How STM is Protecting Tech Investment at the University of Westminster

With 3,000+ mobile devices rolled out to students and staff since 2014/15, The University of Westminster truly understands the need to protect its tech investment.

Starting with a deployment in the University’s Faculty of Science and Technology – where 270 mobile devices were provided to staff in 2014 – the Mobile Learning Project saw a further 2,000 mobile devices rolled out to students in 2015. Due to this successful implementation, 1,000 more student devices were delivered in 2016.

At each stage, device protection was a key consideration – saving time and money, and enabling the successful recycling of mobile devices to new students, plus contributing to the sustainability of this project.

Crucial design features

The STM Dux case was selected to protect iPads and other mobile devices for staff and students. Not only does the STM Dux’s reinforced corners protect the iPad from inadvertent drops, its transparent back cover allows the University asset tag to be visible at all times.

Design features like these – plus being insurance approved – have ensured STM remains the de facto choice for device protection at UoW, and an integral part of the Mobile Learning Project.

Tangible measures

Outside of cost, the most significant impact of protecting devices with Dux was the decrease in downtime. While the presence of the FST Helpdesk enables a speedy replacement iPad in the event a device needs to be repaired, it’s the time not lost by students with a broken device that’s made the most significant difference.

Historically, the majority of damaged devices were due to cracked screens – either by being dropped or lack of protection in standard bags. Since the adoption of STM, device breakages have been less than 0.05%, thanks in no small part to the military-tested protection the Dux can give you against accidental damage.

Lifetime protection

In partnership with independent advisors, 4C Strategies, who provided programme management assistance for the university’s managed service provision, there was a responsibility to bear in mind for the life of each iPad from an insurance and warranty perspective.

Particular attention was given to identify best value for money, but also the long-term protection of the devices.

The primary choice

The hardware protection choice these days is vast, so selecting the most appropriate option can seem like a minefield – and in any teaching environment, broken devices means disrupted classrooms and a loss of valuable teaching time.

Once the due diligence was complete, there was no hesitation in choosing the STM Dux as primary choice for protection and ensuring the University of Westminster’s Mobile Learning Project was a tremendous success.