Hardware Policy 💻
Purpose and Scope
This policy outlines the provisioning, management, and security of all hardware used by Ultralytics employees. Its purpose is to ensure everyone has the necessary tools to perform their roles effectively while protecting the company's assets and data. This policy applies to all full-time, part-time, and contract employees.
Hardware Refresh Cycle 🔄
2-Year Refresh Cycle
All employees are eligible for a hardware refresh every two years.
This ensures our team is equipped with modern and efficient tools.
timeline
title Hardware Lifecycle
section Year 1
New Device : Issued to employee
Peak Performance : Optimal productivity
section Year 2
Continued Use : Maintained performance
Refresh Eligible : Can request replacement
section Refresh
Manager Approval : Automatic within cycle
Order New : Trade in old device
Receive New : Continue productivity
Outside Standard Cycle
Replacement requests outside the 2-year cycle require direct manager approval based on performance needs or hardware failure.
Standard Computer Equipment 🖥️
-
MacBook Air
13", M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage
Default for all employees
Balances performance and portability
-
MacBook Pro
14", M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage
For technical/developer roles
Additional processing power
Note: The MacBook Pro is heavier than the MacBook Air and may be less suitable for employees who travel frequently.
Keyboard Language
Ensure you order the correct keyboard layout for your language when requesting equipment.
Custom Configurations
Requires Manager Approval
Any hardware configuration other than the two standards listed above is considered an exception and requires:
- Direct manager approval
- Clear business justification
- Written approval before ordering
New Hire Equipment Process 📦
Standard Process - Onsite Positions
Most Ultralytics positions are onsite (5 days/week) at our London, Madrid, or Shenzhen offices.
Your manager will coordinate with IT to have equipment ready at your office on your first day. Equipment includes your computer, all accessories, and a fully set up workspace ready when you arrive - just plug in and start working!
Exception: Remote Employees
For the rare remote positions:
- Order your approved equipment configuration independently
- Submit receipts to Finance for reimbursement
- Follow standard reimbursement procedures
- Confirm purchase details with manager before ordering
Standard Accessories
-
AirPods Pro
For all employees
-
Studio Display
Onsite employees only at office desk
Hardware Replacements & Upgrades 🔧
This process applies when replacing an existing device with a new one (not for new hires).
flowchart TD
A[Need Replacement?] --> B{Within 2-Year Cycle?}
B -->|Yes| C[Automatic Approval]
B -->|No| D[Request Manager Approval]
D --> E{Approved?}
E -->|No| F[Continue with Current Device]
E -->|Yes| C
C --> G[Select Eligible Device]
G --> H[Order from Apple]
H --> I[Select Trade-In Option]
I --> J[Provide Old Device Serial #]
J --> K[Receive New Device]
K --> L[Migrate Data]
L --> M[Ship Old Device to Apple]
M --> N[Submit for Reimbursement]
N --> O[Receive Net Cost Payment]
style A fill:#e1f5ff
style C fill:#d4edda
style O fill:#d4edda
Replacement Process
Begin by requesting replacement approval from your manager, which is automatically granted if you're within the 2-year refresh cycle but requires business justification if outside the standard timeline. Once approved, select your eligible device (MacBook Air or MacBook Pro) based on your role requirements and portability needs. Order the new device directly from Apple, ensuring you select the trade-in option during checkout and provide the serial number of your existing device.
Upon receiving your new device, migrate all data from your old device and test functionality thoroughly before returning the old one. Ship your old device back to Apple using the provided trade-in kit and follow the Apple Trade In instructions. Finally, submit your purchase for reimbursement through Finance procedures. The reimbursed amount will be the net cost (new device price minus trade-in credit), not the full price of the new device.
Approval and Reimbursement Requirements
Your manager and Finance team must see the full order details including:
- New device price
- Estimated trade-in credit for old device
- Net cost to be reimbursed
Mobile Device Policy 📱
Not Standard Issue
Company-provided mobile devices require manager approval and clear business justification.
Eligibility and Justification
-
Frequent Travel
Constant access to work apps and email required
-
On-Call Duties
Immediate response capabilities necessary
-
Platform Testing
Need to test on specific mobile platforms
Approval Process
graph LR
A[Need Mobile Device?] --> B[Write Business Justification]
B --> C[Submit to Manager]
C --> D{Approved?}
D -->|No| E[Use Personal Device]
D -->|Yes| F[Purchase Device]
F --> G[Submit Receipt to Finance]
G --> H[Receive Reimbursement]
style A fill:#e1f5ff
style H fill:#d4edda
Device Management & Security 🔒
Rippling MDM: Mandatory Requirement
Critical Security Requirement
All devices used for work MUST have Rippling MDM installed
This applies to:
- MacBook Air/Pro
- Windows 11 devices (Windows 11 Pro required)
- iPads
- iPhones
- Android devices
- Personal devices (BYOD)
Installation Required:
- Install from app.rippling.com/enroll-device
- Must be installed before accessing any company data
- Failure to install blocks access to company resources
Security & Compliance Policies
All devices must adhere to these security requirements enforced via Rippling MDM:
-
Encryption
Full disk encryption (FileVault) enabled
-
Strong Passwords
Device protected with complex password
-
Auto Updates
Security updates enabled automatically
-
Compliance
Regular compliance checks performed
-
Remote Management
IT can remotely lock or wipe if needed
Strict Compliance Enforcement
Devices without properly configured Rippling MDM:
- ❌ Not permitted for work use
- ❌ Blocked from accessing company resources
- ❌ Cannot access email, Slack, or internal tools
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy 🤝
Limited Approval
While company-provided hardware is the standard, personal devices may be used in limited, pre-approved circumstances.
Requirements for BYOD
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Approval | Explicit approval from manager AND IT department |
| MDM Installation | Mandatory Rippling MDM enrollment |
| Security Compliance | Must meet all security policies |
| Employee Responsibility | You maintain and care for your device |
Recommendation
Company-provided hardware is strongly recommended over BYOD for:
- Better security and compliance
- Standardized support experience
- No personal device risk
- Clear separation of work/personal
Care, Maintenance, and Support 🛠️
Employee Responsibility
-
Professional Use
Use equipment professionally and responsibly
-
Physical Protection
Keep devices physically protected and clean
-
No DIY Repairs
Don't attempt unauthorized repairs
-
Install Updates
Install security updates promptly
Reporting Damage or Loss
Report Immediately to IT Support
Email: helpdesk@ultralytics.com
Slack: #it-support channel
Report any of the following immediately:
- Physical damage to equipment
- Lost or stolen device
- Hardware malfunction
- Suspected security incidents or viruses
Hardware Ownership and Return 📋
Ownership
Company Property
All hardware purchased or reimbursed by Ultralytics is company property.
Return Process Upon Departure
Coordinate with your manager and IT department to return all equipment on your last day:
- In-person handoff at office (standard)
- IT provides pre-paid shipping labels if needed
- All equipment must be returned within 3 business days
Equipment Return Checklist
Before returning equipment:
- Back up personal files (nothing personal should be stored)
- Sign out of all accounts
- Remove personal data
- Factory reset not required (IT will handle)
- Include all accessories (chargers, cables, etc.)
Reimbursement Process 💰
All hardware purchases must follow standard company reimbursement procedures:
graph TD
A[Purchase Approved Hardware] --> B[Keep All Receipts]
B --> C[Submit to Finance Team]
C --> D[Include Business Justification]
D --> E[Finance Reviews]
E --> F{Approved?}
F -->|Yes| G[Reimbursement Processed]
F -->|No| H[Request More Info]
H --> C
G --> I[Payment in 7 Days]
style A fill:#e1f5ff
style I fill:#d4edda
Reimbursement Tips
- Submit all receipts to Finance team
- Include clear description of business purpose
- For detailed procedures, see Finance Handbook
- Reimbursements typically processed within 7 business days
This policy ensures consistent, secure, and cost-effective hardware provisioning, empowering our global team to achieve its best work. 🚀