Challenges.
- The end of Windows 10 support
- Accelerated migration to Windows 11
- Limited internal resources for a large‑scale rollout
Solutions.
- Bechtle supplied 2,000 laptops along with additional services
- Extra support from our Services Hub, including preparation, registration, planning and device handover
- Old devices were given a new lease of life
Business benefits.
- Around 1,750 laptops with Windows 11 deployed in just 3.5 weeks with the rest kept in stock for future use
- End users praised the smooth planning and swap process, ensuring teaching continued without disruption
- An efficient rollout thanks to Bechtle’s experienced project team, while Avans’ IT department retained full control
Ruud Habraken, Education Account Manager at Bechtle and Avans’ dedicated contact, explains: “Avans was quick to point out that it needed additional services—such as device preparation, registration, distribution and redeployment. What’s more, the IT department increasingly wanted to take on more of a coordinating role.”
Steven, part of the Device Services Team within the Information & Technology Services department, adds: “We’ve been working with Bechtle since 2014, and our third contract began in 2022. The scope of our collaboration has evolved over time, as has our desire to expand our services. As a department, we want to take on more of a leadership role.”
We’ve been working with Bechtle since 2014, and our third contract began in 2022. The scope of our collaboration has evolved over time as has our desire to expand our services. As a department, we want to take on more of a leadership role.
Steven Koeken, Avans University
About Avans University of Applied Sciences.
Avans is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, with more than 30,000 students and 3,500 staff across Breda, Den Bosch, Tilburg and Roosendaal. The university is firmly rooted in the Brabant region, closely connected to the local professional landscape and is known for its strong educational quality and welcoming atmosphere, consistently earning recognition both within and beyond the region.
Migrating to Windows 11.
This broader scope has led to successful initiatives, including the replacement of 2,700 monitors across multiple locations and the delivery of refurbished hardware. Steven: “The end of Windows 10 support in October 2025 triggered a major new project. We wanted to migrate devices to Windows 11 quickly, without disrupting day-to-day operations.”
Avans typically replaces 800 to 900 laptops per year, but in 2025, that cycle had to be doubled to accelerate the migration. “Upgrading devices takes more time than replacing them, and after consulting with Bechtle, we decided to increase the number of device replacements beyond our usual cycle, followed by on-site upgrades for the remaining Windows 10 systems.”
This meant distributing 1,750 new laptops to Avans staff—a significant logistical challenge. The question was: how do you manage a project of this scale efficiently, without creating bottlenecks for the IT department, disrupting daily operations, or interfering with teaching?
To meet this challenge, Avans turned to Bechtle for additional support—a notable step forward in the partnership, as Avans usually handles device distribution in-house to maintain full control. Ruud: “It was Avans’ trust in Bechtle that ultimately made it possible to hand over the entire project.”
Online planning tool and hands-on support.
This project called for close collaboration and short communication lines. Once Bechtle supplied the devices, its Services Hub in Maastricht took care of unpacking, labelling, pre-provisioning, imaging and CMDB registration. Mike Schiepers, Services Hub project manager, explains: “These are exactly the IT tasks that eat up valuable time. Tasks Avans was able to outsource to us. We removed the factory packaging and delivered a project box with everything ready to go. That not only saved time but also reduced on-site waste.”
Avans’ employees used an online planning tool to schedule a convenient time to pick up their laptop, with collection slots available for two weeks in Breda and another two weeks in Den Bosch. “Bechtle colleagues with an IT background were on hand during collection to provide practical support, for example answering questions about backups and OneDrive,” says Steven. “End users said the process went very smoothly and it felt like they were being supported by their own IT team.”
A streamlined, collaborative approach.
In just under four weeks—despite a few public holidays—we achieved:
- The delivery of 2,000 new laptops and laptop bags,
- The successful rollout of more than 1,750 devices, with the remainder kept in stock,
- And all without disrupting teaching or business operations.
Steven: “The whole operation ran seamlessly thanks to a single, coordinated approach—with Bechtle taking the lead, clear roles and smooth communication. The planning tool eliminated queues and endless email chains, while the returned laptops were given a second life through the Services Hub.”
And without this approach? Steven laughs: “We’d have been working on it much longer. We just don’t have enough staff to manage that kind of workload. Bechtle’s approach really took the pressure off.”
“Success starts with timing, and the right IT partner at your side.”
Avans appreciated that Bechtle took the lead without adding layers that slowed decisions. A visit to the Bechtle Services Hub gave them a clear picture of the entire process and boosted confidence. “The Services Hub runs projects like this all the time and we saw that experience and expertise in action.”
The collaboration between Avans and Bechtle goes back many years and began with supplying hardware and standard services, such as delivering devices ready for deployment. Because the partnership with Bechtle has always run so smoothly, Avans placed its trust in the company to provide an increasing range of additional services.
“This project reminded me how strong our partnership is,” says Steven. “We know exactly what we can expect from each other.” Ruud agrees: “Avans’ requirements are clear. Bechtle brings the right people together fast, turning ideas into a concrete plan.”
So, what’s next? The partnership is still going strong. In October 2025, a new wave of replacements was scheduled with 700 devices upgraded to Windows 11 at a pace of two hours per device, using the same project team. Steven: “This was more nerve-racking for us than rolling out new devices. Our reliance on IT infrastructure makes these projects critical, but with the lessons and experience from the first round, we had complete confidence—and rightly so. Everything went smoothly.”
The key takeaway? “Timing is everything. Don’t rush because you have to—make a move when you’re ready and with the right IT partner at your side. Collaboration was key to making this project a success. Bechtle managed and monitored the entire process, delivering the services with IT specialists, to ensure standards and exceptions were met. Working this way made a major project feel manageable,” Steven concludes.
Looking for more details on this success story or our workspace solutions?
Want to learn more about Avans University of Applied Sciences’ success story? On Tuesday, 18 November, Steven will share deeper insights into this project during the anniversary edition of Bechtle NEXT.
Curious how we can support your educational institution with workspace solutions and additional services? Get in touch with Ruud Habraken. He’ll be happy to discuss solutions for you.
