Background
Fortress Solutions has been proud to support a leading national bank with mission-critical tablet devices deployed across branch locations. These tablets play a central role in the bank’s day to day operations, especially assisting customers without the need of a desk or computer. Fortress’s original responsibility focused on logistics, deploying and distributing this hardware nationwide… but the partnership quickly expanded.
The New Challenge: Ongoing Wear & Tear
In a high-traffic banking environment, tablets experience heavy use. Devices may be dropped, develop cracked cases, experience software issues, or suffer from worn straps and accessories. With these tablets essential to daily branch activity, the bank required a partner capable of managing replacements, evaluation, and rapid response 365 days a year.
Fortress Solutions Steps In: Tablet Services Expanded
To meet this need, Fortress built a comprehensive tablet lifecycle support program layered onto our existing forward logistics model. The service includes intake, evaluation, replacement, asset handling, and end-of-life processing.
Here’s how it works:
(1) Ticket Submission
When a branch encounters any issue, whether it’s hardware damage, a software failure, or accessory breakage, they submit internally. After an approval process, the ticket is entered into the Fortress system as an order.
(2) Replacement & Return Workflow
Fortress does not perform hardware repairs on these tablets. Instead:
Hardware Issues:
When a device has physical damage or hardware failure, Fortress immediately advances a new tablet to the branch. The branch returns the problematic unit, which enters Fortress’s evaluation workflow.
Software Issues:
Returned units are factory reset and evaluated using the same process previously applied to the bank’s older tablet models. The device’s battery and core functions are tested to determine if it is a fully working unit.
Devices that pass inspection are returned to inventory as Known Good.
No software repair/reconfiguration occurs at the branch level; once reset & validated, tablets are redeployed as needed.
(3) Year-Round Coverage
This program is active 365 days per year, allowing the bank to submit requests at any time, with no service downtime.
(4) Fast Turnaround
Fortress processes multiple orders per day, ensuring branches receive replacement tablets quickly and consistently.
→ Since launch, Fortress has shipped 1,980+ tablets and/or accessories in just 6 months.
Handling End-of-Life Devices
When a returned tablet has a cracked screen or damage that cannot be remediated through cleaning or evaluation, it is placed into an Awaiting Pull and Scrap status.
Tablet Recycling:
The bank works directly with 3rd-Party partners to arrange pickup of all tablets flagged for disposal.
Non-tablet Scrap:
Once the bank authorizes release of a batch, Fortress uses a local R2 Certified recycling vendor to ensure compliant, responsible disposal.
Impact & Benefits
Minimized Downtime
With rapid replacement and consistent support, branches avoid extended outages and maintain smooth operations.
Extended Asset Life
By evaluating returned tablets and returning functional ones to Known Good inventory, Fortress maximizes device lifecycle and reduces procurement costs.
Scalable Support Model
Fortress’s national logistics footprint allows the service to scale with the bank’s branch network without disruption.
Seamless Customer Service
The bank’s teams can submit tickets anytime. Fortress handles intake, evaluation, replacement, inventory management, and disposal with end-to-end transparency.
Why This Matters
This program underscores Fortress Solutions’ commitment to supporting critical infrastructure through more than logistics alone. By combining forward logistics, lifecycle evaluation, responsible end-of-life processing, and continuous replacement services, Fortress delivers a complete ecosystem of support that reduces total cost of ownership and increases reliability.
Looking Ahead
Fortress continues to explore enhancements that could further elevate this program, including:
Predictive failure analytics
Streamlined software update workflows
Expanded asset recovery services at end of life
About Fortress Solutions
Fortress Solutions is a global telecom and technology services provider delivering forward logistics, repair and replacement solutions, systems integration, and lifecycle management. Our mission is to keep critical infrastructure running reliably so our customers can focus on what matters most: serving their own customers.


