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 🔄
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 productivityReplacement requests outside the 2-year cycle require direct manager approval based on performance needs or hardware failure.
Standard Computer Equipment 🖥️
Note: The MacBook Pro is heavier than the MacBook Air and may be less suitable for employees who travel frequently.
Ensure you order the correct keyboard layout for your language when requesting equipment.
Custom Configurations
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 📦
Ultralytics runs on Anchor Days (Tue/Wed/Thu) for anyone within commutable distance of our London, Madrid, or Shenzhen offices. Plan to badge in and collaborate in person on those days; Mondays/Fridays flex around focused execution.
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 approved-remote positions (outside commutable distance):
- Order your approved equipment configuration independently
- Submit receipts to Finance for reimbursement
- Follow standard reimbursement procedures
- Confirm purchase details with manager before ordering
- Expect to travel for critical in-person sprints as needed
Standard Accessories
For all employees
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:#d4eddaReplacement 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.
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 📱
Company-provided mobile devices require manager approval and clear business justification.
Eligibility and Justification
Constant access to work apps and email required
Immediate response capabilities necessary
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:#d4eddaDevice Management & Security 🔒
Rippling MDM: Mandatory 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:
Full disk encryption (FileVault) enabled
Device protected with complex password
Security updates enabled automatically
Regular compliance checks performed
IT can remotely lock or wipe if needed
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 🤝
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 |
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
Use equipment professionally and responsibly
Keep devices physically protected and clean
Don't attempt unauthorized repairs
Install security updates promptly
Reporting Damage or Loss
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
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
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- 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