Lifecycle management for smart devices
Around 900 employees plan and organize events, coordinate setup and dismantling, and provide on-site support for exhibitors and visitors during trade shows. One of the most important tools in their work is the mobile phone.
Telekom and its partner Everphone handle the management of the mobile phone fleet, ensuring that all employees can communicate smoothly and securely at all times.
190,000 m²
Exhibition grounds
900
Employees
650
Company phones
New mobile devices for employees
Normally, the service model offered by Telekom and Everphone follows the Buy And Rent Back (BARB) approach, where purchasing and subsequently renting the same devices is purely a paperwork process. However, since Messe Berlin wanted to completely replace its mobile phone fleet, all employee devices purchased by Everphone were actually returned and replaced with new rental devices. This transition took place within a three-month period and offers the advantage that the fleet now consists exclusively of Apple devices, all standardized and up to date.
The client: Messe Berlin
Berlin has been an exhibition location for 200 years and one of the world’s most important venues for decades. As a state-owned trade fair company, Messe Berlin designs, markets, and hosts hundreds of live events every year. Its ambition is to be an outstanding host at every event, provide the best possible business opportunities, and ensure fair conditions for everyone. This self-image is reflected in the company’s motto: Messe Berlin – Hosting the World.
Initial situation
Messe Berlin wants to outsource the administration of around 650 business smartphones. As part of this process, the entire device fleet is to be renewed. In addition, a mobile lifecycle management solution is required.
Solution
Telekom’s partner Everphone purchases Messe Berlin’s existing devices. Through a personalized Telekom platform, Messe employees can easily order a new Apple iPhone and accessories with just a few clicks. The devices are provided as rental devices including full service (Device as a Service). Everphone also handles the onboarding and management of the devices. Regular device replacements and returns in case of employee offboarding are included in the service as well.
If a device is defective, repairs and replacement deliveries can be initiated quickly via the platform. Returned and purchased devices are securely wiped in compliance with data protection regulations and are either refurbished for further use or properly recycled.
Value for client
Messe Berlin has a dedicated contact person who manages the entire lifecycle of the device fleet. This relieves the purchasing, IT, and HR departments, while employees are always equipped with fully functional mobile devices that are up to date and ensure secure communication. The rental model also enables predictable costs. Old devices are sustainably and securely reused or recycled.
One platform as personalized shop and service hub
At the heart of the Device-as-a-Service offering is a personalized platform, designed in Messe Berlin’s corporate look and feel. Depending on their authorization level, employees can choose from three different iPhone models and accessories. A fully functional mobile device is essential for most roles at Messe Berlin. That’s why fast replacement of defective devices is a top priority—even for employees who are currently traveling abroad for business. Defects can easily be reported through the platform, and a replacement device is immediately dispatched to the desired address. Since there are no additional repair costs, all damage cases can be processed without an approval workflow.
Simple Device Management
Another key component of Device-as-a-Service is easy management of the mobile fleet. Device rollout is greatly simplified through the Apple Device Enrollment Program (DEP). With just a few clicks, devices are pre-configured and ready for use. Thanks to integration with Apple Business Manager and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), devices are also protected against theft and misuse. Apps and updates are automatically deployed via UEM. Security policies can also be enforced quickly and uniformly across all devices, no matter where they are. This significantly streamlines internal processes and ensures that all devices are always up to date.
Certified data wiping and recycling
Data protection is a high priority for Messe Berlin. Devices returned by employees under the service contract are wiped in compliance with BSI and NIST standards. A deletion certificate is issued afterward. In line with the principles of a circular economy, Telekom and Everphone apply a rigorous refurbishment and reuse process. With refurbishment rates of 95%, the average lifecycle of smart devices is doubled, saving 56 kg of CO₂ per device. Devices that cannot be reused are fed back into the production of new hardware. For Messe Berlin—one of the first signatories of the German Sustainability Code (DNK)—this aspect of the service is also highly important.
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