Blog How to Weather the Device and Memory Shortage Storm with Insight’s Flex for Devices and Managed DEX

A perfect storm is upon us in the global component market. Surging demand for AI infrastructure is consuming supplies of high-performance memory, squeezing out the standard memory needed for everyday devices and servers.

What this means for you (and why it matters)

IDC is reporting that PC vendors are signaling broad price increases. According to an IDC blog, “PC vendors are signaling broad price increases as cost pressures intensify into H2 2026. Lenovo, Dell, HP, Acer and ASUS have warned clients of tougher conditions ahead, confirming 15-20% hikes and contract resets as an industry-wide response.”¹ Many industry experts are concerned that prices could rise by as much as 30% in 2026.²

Our device experts are also reporting:

• OEMs are signaling rising DRAM and SSD/NAND costs driven by global AI demand.
• DRAM pricing is already up ~4–6%, with further increases expected.
• SSD/NAND pricing is rising 10–50%+.
• Higher memory and larger SSD configurations are being impacted first.
• Some workstations, servers, and EDU lines are beginning to show tightening availability.

Refresh using performance, not calendar dates

Instead of accelerating purchases or stockpiling hardware, a performance‑based refresh approach evaluates how your devices are performing in the field. That way you can extend the life of healthy assets, target fixes where they’ll have the most impact, and replace what actually needs replacing. With Flex for Devices and Managed DEX, you get the telemetry, workflows, and flexible commercial options to make these decisions confidently.

The Insight Advantage

Flex for Devices and Managed DEX helps you navigate the foreseeable increase in device costs and supply chain shortages.

1. Financial control when prices spike
   • Evaluate different OEM devices to insulate your organization from being locked into a single OEM shortage or price hike.
   • Delay non‑essential refreshes by “sweating” assets that still deliver acceptable performance—reducing immediate spend during peak pricing.
   • Choose CapEx or OpEx models (including leasing/financing) to smooth cash flow into predictable monthly costs.
   • Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) via automation and proactive management that prevents emergency buys.
2. Supply‑chain resilience
   • Streamlined procurement and warehousing to mitigate delays when global inventory tightens.
   • ITSM and eCommerce portal integration to reduce ordering errors and speed fulfillment.
   • A vendor‑agnostic stance so you’re not tied to a single OEM when specific models or components are constrained.
   • Use analytics to shift refresh waves away from volatile periods and reduce procurement pressure.
3. Operational efficiency
   • Automation and ITSM integration cut manual effort so your teams focus on higher‑value work.
   • Continuous monitoring and automated remediation address device issues before they escalate.
   • A single‑pane‑of‑glass view of device health and user experience supports data‑driven planning.
4. Risk reduction & sustainability
   • Fix the root cause (e.g., RAM constraints) with targeted actions — reprovisioning or selective component upgrades — before resorting to full device replacement.
   • Warranty and repair services minimize downtime during shortages.
   • Sustainability services extend device life and residual value, reducing waste and budget shocks from market volatility.
   • Advanced Exchange programs help maintain continuity while limiting unnecessary churn.

How our approach works

1. Assess: Device telemetry rolls up into a Device Performance Score, highlighting which endpoints are healthy, borderline, or at risk. This replaces guesswork with real‑world performance evidence.
2. Prioritize: Using Advanced Asset Management data, you sequence refreshes by business impact, not calendar date. High‑risk devices move first; healthy ones stay in service longer.
3. Optimize: Apply the least‑cost fix — reprovision, component upgrade, or policy change before considering replacement. Reclaim unused software licenses to trim OPEX.
4. Procure with flexibility: When replacement is warranted, leverage flexible commercial models and a vendor‑agnostic catalog to source what you need, when you need it without overpaying for specs users don’t require.

Why act now

The combination of rising component costs and tightening supply will reward organizations that can flex their refresh timing, make targeted fixes, and procure with optionality. A performance‑based device strategy helps you preserve cash, protect productivity, and meet sustainability goals—even in a challenging market.