Exploring the latest insights: Your KA2 April update!

Delivering Sustainable IT in Healthcare across North East Lincolnshire.?

In a groundbreaking collaboration between KA2 Limited and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) , supported by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber with project delivery, a pioneering proof of concept was undertaken between January and March 2024. The aim? To identify, measure, and manage the lifecycle carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions across a sample of providers in North East Lincolnshire Place, all under the auspices of NHS England – Digital Net Zero.?

The project culminated in April, marking a resounding success with the loading of over 24,000 asset data onto KA2’s innovative COzPro platform, meticulously mapped to carbon profiles using the KA2 Carbon Rating Engine. The CRE is an advanced no-code calculation engine and data lake hosting the world’s largest IT asset-level CO2e data repository. The uploaded assets spanned the Healthcare estate, encompassing Primary Care, Secondary Care, Social/Community Care, and Local Authority services. The extensive hardware inventory ranged from computers, monitors, and printers to the full range of data centre devices. As an additional workstream, KA2 mapped over 100 models of clinical assets, ranging from MRI scanners to laboratory devices. In the absence of available manufacturer EPDs, each device was assigned a unique carbon profile calculated using the COzPro proprietary algorithms.?

This was the first in-depth analysis of the Scope 2 and 3 carbon impact of medical devices undertaken by the NHS and KA2 is proud to have played an important part in this initiative.??

With their asset data seamlessly integrated into KA2’s COzPro – The Compliant Pathway to Sustainable IT and the creation of intuitive dashboards, the organisation can model carbon reduction and optimisation plans for their technology landscape with unprecedented accuracy, all in real-time.

Initial insights from the project are already providing actionable initiatives, revealing the potential to rationalise manufacturers, models, and asset types, thus unlocking carbon reductions exceeding 25% for the entire estate. Moreover, the project has unveiled substantial opportunities for cost savings in IT procurement and support, aligning sustainability efforts with financial prudence.?

This groundbreaking endeavour not only underscores the commitment of the involved parties to environmental stewardship but also sets a remarkable precedent for the healthcare sector. By leveraging advanced digital innovation and collaborative partnerships, healthcare institutions can drive tangible sustainability outcomes while simultaneously enhancing operational efficiency, waste reduction and cost-effectiveness.?

As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, initiatives like this demonstrate the profound impact achievable through collective action and innovation. The success of the Humber and North Yorkshire ICB project stands as a testament to the transformative potential of data-driven sustainability initiatives in healthcare, inspiring similar endeavours across medical providers globally.?

For more information on the COzPro product range or to speak to one of our sustainability experts, get in touch today!?

How to streamline Asset Management with ServiceNow.?

Is Asset Management one of those tasks perpetually relegated to the back burner, overshadowed by more pressing matters? Unsure of where to even begin with asset data, let alone distinguish between an Asset and a CI? If you find yourself nodding along, fear not – ServiceNow is here to illuminate the path with its clear and concise HAM module.?

The first step in Asset Management is establishing a robust inventory. This task can span weeks or even months when dealing with disparate sources of asset data or conducting onsite surveys. This crucial baseline is the foundation upon which further steps rest once integrated into ServiceNow.?

But what comes next? How do you extract maximum value from tracking assets? Hardware Asset Management (HAM) leverages business process automation to optimise the value of your IT investments.?

A forward-thinking HAM strategy goes beyond mere reliability monitoring and backup equipment provisions. It streamlines lifecycle stage tracking and even automates specific processes, offering a myriad of advantages for your enterprise. By leveraging the ServiceNow HAM module, inefficiencies can be unearthed, procurement processes enhanced, and contract negotiations improved. Manual tasks are minimised, and data is normalised and reconciled, empowering informed decision-making and yielding superior outcomes.?

A Service Catalog facilitates swift configuration of hardware and peripherals through an employee portal equipped with request management. This ensures prompt response to requests, equipping employees with the tools they need precisely when they need them. Keeping a close eye on expenditures is paramount. Opting for hardware bundles reduces the variety of models IT must track. While automating inventory management ensures timely replenishment through stock rule-based orders, eliminating the spectre of human error.?

Integrating HAM with ITSM via automated workflows mitigates risks associated with manual device swaps and the potential for lost or misplaced equipment. Seamless record updates between service management and HAM uphold service level agreements and maintain data accuracy. Insights gleaned from incidents inform future hardware procurement and maintenance decisions.?

Disposal represents a critical facet of asset management, fraught with both regulatory and environmental considerations. Safeguarding organisational data during disposal necessitates a considered approach. Integrating certified disposal vendors into workflows ensures thorough data wiping through IT operations processes. Devices need not meet their demise in landfills. Instead, consider repurposing, recycling, or donating them. By doing so, your organisation demonstrates commitment to sustainable operations, effectively mitigating environmental impact.?

So, the good news is HAM can be a pivotal tool in tracking the full carbon lifecycle of every device within an IT estate. However, collecting reliable and auditable carbon credentials for each device has proved a significant challenge. Here's the exciting part:? COzPro – The Compliant Pathway to Sustainable IT from KA2 Limited , specifically the key components COzConnect and the Carbon Rating Engine, enhances HAM by enriching every device's standard hardware asset information with real-time CO2e data. The Carbon Rating Engine boasts the world's most extensive repository of curated Scope 2 and 3 carbon impact data. Through an API connection, it extends HAM's capabilities to deliver sustainable, as well as secure, reliable and cost-effective IT management.??

Armed with this granular information, organisations can make data-driven decisions regarding hardware asset procurement, usage and disposal. Additionally, the latest version of the Built for ServiceNow COzPro Application introduces the COzCompare functionality. With COzCompare, users can analyse the carbon impact metrics of any given asset and compare them to the top ten best-in-class comparable devices available in the market. Including key sustainability considerations in IT purchasing decisions has never been easier.?

In summary, with ServiceNow's HAM module at your disposal, navigating the complexities of asset management becomes not just manageable but also a catalyst for operational efficiency and sustainability and shaping a greener future for your organisation.??

Ready to revolutionise your asset management strategy and implementation? Our team of ServiceNow and Sustainability experts stand ready to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch today!?

Advancing Sustainability through IT Service Management at SITS 2024.?

KA2 Limited was delighted to attend the SITS - The Service Desk & IT Support Show 2024 held at the ExCeL London last week. The event served as a platform for gaining valuable insights into the latest trends and solutions in IT service management.?

Our CEO, Chriss Andrews , and Head of Technology and Business Operations, Karl Henneker , seized the opportunity to?engage with fellow solution providers and have productive discussions centred around KA2's market-leading IT asset?carbon reporting tool, COzPro – The Compliant Pathway to Sustainable IT .?

Reflecting on his first experience of a SITS event, Karl Henneker underscored the significance of connecting with industry colleagues and exploring?innovations in ITSM: ?

"SITS provided an excellent forum for reconnecting with industry peers and staying abreast of the latest trends and solutions. Throughout the event, we participated in thought-provoking dialogues regarding the pivotal role of carbon reporting in modern business practices. Carbon reporting empowers transparency in environmental impact, enabling companies to make well-informed decisions towards sustainable IT. Integrating accurate carbon data with hardware asset management solutions offers organisations a holistic view of their IT operations from a sustainability standpoint, driving enhanced efficiency, reduced carbon impact, and cost optimisation. Events like SITS play a crucial role in advancing the role IT can play in reducing the environmental impact of business operations. It was exciting to chat with?so many exhibitors and understand how they are including sustainability in their product roadmaps. There was a real appetite to explore collaborative opportunities to solve customer carbon reporting challenges. I came away feeling very energised, with a full schedule of follow-on discussions"?

In an era where businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability, KA2's expertise in automating carbon impact measurement, management and reporting stands as a pivotal addition to existing hardware asset management processes and systems. Leveraging COzPro empowers organisations to not only meet regulatory requirements but also actively contribute to environmental stewardship, reduce costs and improve operational efficiencies.?

For those seeking to bolster their sustainability initiatives and streamline IT operations, reach out to Karl Henneker or a member of the KA2 team.?

?