What’s driving the future of IT Lifecycle Management in 2026?
.png)
What’s driving the future of IT Lifecycle Management in 2026?
GroWrk Team
2025-06-24 17:51:04
IT Lifecycle Management is going through a significant transformation. In 2026, five key forces are driving the shift: AI is streamlining workflows, sustainability is becoming non-negotiable, managing device lifecycles is more complex than ever, cybersecurity threats are evolving fast, and distributed teams are now the norm, not the exception.
To understand how IT teams are navigating these shifts, GroWrk surveyed IT professionals across 11 industries for its State of IT Lifecycle Management 2025 report. The results provide a snapshot of where companies are investing, the challenges they’re facing, and how their strategies are evolving in response to growing operational and environmental pressures.
McKinsey estimates that end-user IT devices like laptops and tablets generate about 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, twice the impact of data centers. That stat alone makes it clear: how we manage IT assets today will shape both business outcomes and environmental ones.
Key takeaways
- AI is changing how IT teams work. 59% of companies plan to expand their use of AI for automation, analytics, and IT support, but training and security concerns are still barriers to adoption.
- Sustainability is now a strategic priority. 63% of organizations are using third-party end-of-life services, and nearly half are recycling or donating used equipment to reduce environmental impact.
- Lifecycle Management remains the biggest operational challenge. 52% of IT professionals say inventory monitoring is a major pain point, and 41% still struggle with retrieving hardware after offboarding.
- Cybersecurity risks are growing in complexity. While 74% of companies use encryption, only 35% rate their security posture as “strong,” especially as remote work expands the threat surface.
- Distributed work is the new normal. 57% of IT leaders expect hybrid teams to be the standard within five years, requiring more adaptable ITAM strategies and global coordination.
Top priorities for IT leaders in 2026
When done well, Lifecycle Management ensures that every device and software license delivers value from day one to end-of-life.
Below are the core priorities IT managers have to improve their lifecycle management processes backed by real-world data from GroWrk’s 2026 survey:
| Priority | Why it matters |
| Cost optimization | Lifecycle visibility helps reduce waste and extend the lifespan of assets. – 50% of IT pros cite global procurement as a major challenge. |
| Improved security | Tracking and managing assets through MDM software reduces vulnerabilities and enforces policies. – 74% of companies use encryption; only 35% rate their posture as “strong.” |
| Operational efficiency | Automated processes minimize downtime, manual work, and errors. – 59% of companies are automating tasks with AI to improve efficiency. |
| Sustainability | Responsible vendor selection for disposal reduces environmental impact. – 76% say sustainability is a growing corporate priority. |
| Better decision-making | With clear inventory data, IT teams can forecast needs and plan smarter. – 52% report inventory monitoring as their biggest pain point. |
2026 trends in IT lifecycle management
The way companies manage IT assets is evolving fast. Five major trends are shaping how organizations plan, deploy, and retire devices in 2025—each driven by new technologies, global workforce shifts, and rising expectations around sustainability and security.
1. AI is reshaping IT operations
No one wants to waste time manually updating spreadsheets or chasing down device status. In 2026, AI is stepping in to automate the repetitive work—from routing support tickets to forecasting inventory needs before things run out.
IT teams are already putting it to use:
- 59% are automating tasks like device enrollment and monitoring
- 48% use AI-powered analytics for smarter reporting
- 39% rely on AI-driven tools for IT support
But it’s not all seamless. Many teams still feel undertrained, and 61% cite data privacy as a top concern. Some are throwing real budget behind this shift—nearly 1 in 5 companies plan to allocate more than 70% of their IT budget to AI in 2026.
So what? AI is no longer a buzzword. It’s the backbone of faster, leaner IT operations.
2. Sustainability is now a strategic priority
IT teams are being asked to do more than keep systems running—they’re being asked to keep them green. What used to be a nice-to-have is now on the boardroom agenda, and lifecycle management is at the forefront.
Here’s what companies are doing about it:
- 63% plan to use third-party end-of-life services
- 54% are recycling disposed of assets
- 44% plan to donate used hardware instead of tossing it
Sustainability isn’t just internal; 50% of companies now consider environmental standards when choosing IT vendors. And with e-waste expected to hit 82 million tons by 2030, there’s no room for delay.
So what? Green IT is no longer a side project. It’s a requirement—and a cost-saver.
3. Lifecycle complexity is the top ITAM challenge
If you’re managing a remote team and still using spreadsheets, you’re not alone—but you're probably overwhelmed. Lifecycle Management remains the biggest pain point for IT teams, especially when employees are spread across countries, tools are siloed, and retrievals are messy.
Here’s what teams are dealing with:
- 52% say inventory monitoring is their top challenge
- 44% of IT teams now rely on third-party providers for device retrieval
- 50% cite global procurement as a bottleneck
- 41% report ongoing headaches retrieving hardware after offboarding
So what? If your team can’t see what it owns or where it is, everything else breaks down.
4. Security Is getting harder to maintain
As work gets more flexible and AI gets smarter, your risk surface gets bigger. More endpoints, more tools, more chances for something to slip through. That’s why IT security is no longer just about software—it’s about lifecycle visibility.
Most teams are taking at least basic steps:
- 74% use encryption
- 63% offer employee security training
- 61% are concerned about AI-related data privacy risks
So what? A strong security posture starts with strong IT lifecycle controls—especially when your workforce is global.
5. Remote and hybrid work are the new normal
IT management used to revolve around an office. Now, there is no “office.” With teams working across time zones, countries, and continents, lifecycle operations have to stretch—and scale.
Where companies stand:
- 57% of IT leaders expect hybrid to be the default by 2030
- 52% already operate in 6+ countries
- 35% say employees refusing to return devices is the top retrieval issue
So what? Distributed work isn’t going away. Your lifecycle systems have to be just as flexible.
How IT teams can prepare for what’s next
The challenges are big, but the path forward is clear. Teams that modernize their device, data, and distributed team management will be the ones who scale smarter and stay ahead. Here’s how to get started:
1. Automate wherever possible
Still spending hours on manual inventory updates or ticket triage? Let automation handle the basics. AI tools can flag hardware issues, route requests, and forecast inventory—without IT lifting a finger.
So what? Free up your team to focus on strategy, not spreadsheets.
2. Centralize visibility across the lifecycle
The biggest risk in ITAM? Not knowing what you have—or where it is. A centralized platform gives teams the visibility to monitor devices across every stage, from procurement to disposal.
So what? If you can’t track it, you can’t secure it or optimize it.
3. Build sustainability into your asset strategy
It’s not just about being green—it’s about being responsible with budgets, vendors, and long-term strategy. Set default policies to redeploy, recycle, and partner with green-certified providers.
So what? Sustainable practices reduce waste, improve ESG performance, and save money.
4. Tighten offboarding and retrieval workflows
Offboarding shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Whether you’re retrieving a device from Tokyo or Toronto, you need a repeatable, compliant process that doesn’t leave hardware—or data—unaccounted for.
So what? A structured retrieval plan prevents asset loss, data exposure, and compliance risk.
How GroWrk supports IT Lifecycle Management in 2026
GroWrk helps modern IT teams manage the full asset lifecycle—from global provisioning to secure, sustainable disposal—with automation, visibility, and compliance built in. Here's how:
- Global provisioning, simplified Deploy pre-configured devices to employees in 150+ countries using GroWrk’s distributed warehousing and logistics network—no customs issues, no long delays.
- Automated onboarding and offboarding Trigger shipments and retrievals automatically via HRIS or ITSM integrations. Close lifecycle loops without manual follow-ups or asset loss.
- Real-time asset visibility Track devices from purchase to retirement in a centralized dashboard. See where every asset is, who owns it, and what’s due for maintenance or disposal.
- Sustainable, certified ITAD Recycle, resell, or donate devices through GroWrk’s certified partners. Receive full audit trails, CO₂ impact data, and disposal certificates to support ESG goals.
- Built-in compliance for global teams Align with SOC 2, GDPR, ISO 27001, and local e-waste laws. Every device lifecycle is logged, certified, and fully traceable for internal and external audits.
- Scales with your team—everywhere Whether you’re hiring in Berlin or offboarding in São Paulo, GroWrk adapts instantly. Manage complex global operations without added headcount or overhead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IT Asset Management and IT Lifecycle Management?
IT Asset Management (ITAM) focuses on tracking and optimizing the use of technology resources like laptops, licenses, and cloud tools. IT Lifecycle Management (LCM) is broader—it covers every stage of those assets, from planning and procurement to disposal and recycling.
Why is IT Lifecycle Management important for remote teams?
Remote and hybrid workforces make it harder to track who has what equipment, and where. IT Lifecycle Management ensures that devices are properly deployed, monitored, and retrieved, thereby reducing security risks and inventory gaps across multiple locations.
How does AI help with IT Lifecycle Management?
AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, such as asset tracking, ticket routing, and usage reporting. In 2026, companies are also using AI for predictive maintenance, inventory forecasting, and smarter decision-making based on real-time data.
What are the environmental benefits of better Lifecycle Management?
Sustainable lifecycle strategies help reduce e-waste by extending device usage, redeploying functioning equipment, and ensuring secure recycling or donation. This reduces carbon emissions and aligns IT with ESG goals.
What tools or platforms support IT Lifecycle Management?
Many organizations use third-party ITAM platforms, mobile device management (MDM) tools, or integrated lifecycle systems. Common solutions include Intune, Jamf, and full-service providers like GroWrk that offer end-to-end global lifecycle support.