The University of Oulu project is a prime example of the versatility and scalability of our DUX platform. It shows in concrete terms how IT asset management evolves from a traditional device register into a strategic tool – DUX enables data-driven management right down to the device level and lays the foundation for proactive decision-making.
"Cooperation with Netox went excellently. The level of automation we have achieved together is exceptionally high – the need for manual work has been minimised across the entire device lifecycle. The result is a service package in which the DUX system integrates seamlessly with both the university's and Netox's own processes," says Vesa Miekkarinne, Lead Consultant at Optimo.
Read the University of Oulu reference story below →
______________________________________________________________________________________________
University of Oulu streamlines workstation management and internal billing with Optimo DUX
The University of Oulu decided to move away from leasing its workstations, as the device return process in particular had proved extremely laborious. At the same time, it identified a need to improve internal billing, which was being handled manually by several people.
The university was looking for a solution that would enable lifecycle management of workstations purchased outright, together with automated internal billing. Following a proof-of-concept evaluation and a competitive tender, the choice fell on Optimo DUX, deployed as a SaaS service through Netox Oy.
“Four different solutions took part in the proof of concept. Three of them would have required functionality to be developed at the university's expense. Optimo DUX was the only one where the necessary features were already in place. In the tender, the other suppliers were not even able to offer a solution that met the requirements – that tells you how advanced the system is,” says Janne Suokas, IT Manager at the University of Oulu.
Optimo DUX was integrated with the university's core systems as well as with the ERP system of device supplier Netox. Netox is responsible for device deliveries and for ensuring that the baseline data in the device register is correct for serviced devices. Previously, specialists created device records manually during pre-installation – now the data is generated automatically from the sales order.
Service automation completes the product, lifecycle, warranty, procurement, user and billing data automatically, and combines information from other systems.
“Manual data entry would have required additional staff and pushed up the customer's service fees. On top of that, the risk of human error – and the work of resolving it – would have been significant. Automation was clearly the right answer,” says Jukka Konttinen of Netox.
An agent installed with Optimo DUX collects and reports technical and usage-related data from workstations. This enables more accurate and more proactive customer service.
“When a user reports a problem, we can look at things like RAM usage and processor load over a chosen period. We don't make procurement decisions on the basis of a single spike – action is taken only once the data shows a continuous need,” says Terho Lauri, IT Administration Customer Services, University of Oulu.
Development continues – towards smarter endpoint management
The University of Oulu did not stand still after the successful deployment. Endpoint management has already been extended from workstations to smartphones and displays, and by the end of 2025 the use of Optimo DUX will be expanded further. The next development areas are:
- AV equipment management
- Measuring space utilisation
- Service billing and budgeting for infrastructure services
”It's great to see that IT administration, under Janne's leadership, has actively looked for and proposed new ways to make use of DUX – instead of using the system only for endpoint lifecycle management. It also shows just how flexible and versatile a solution DUX really is,” says Vesa Miekkarinne, Lead Consultant at Optimo Systems.
Optimo DUX will also be integrated with the Matrix42 ITSM system currently being rolled out. DUX's role is to ensure that service management always has up-to-date and reliable information about the endpoint estate.
In the future, the system's AI capabilities will enable even more proactive IT service management. Within a few years, DUX's AI will be able to:
- Detect an incident before the user notices it
- Automatically create a support request in the ITSM system
- Launch the resolution process without manual intervention
The University of Oulu's goal is to build a comprehensive, intelligent and automated endpoint environment that supports both the user experience and the efficiency of IT administration.
