Region Västerbotten is responsible for a computer and device fleet comprising approximately 17,000 clients. The IT department consists of about 35 people who handle everything from installing new computers to managing mobile devices and tablets. Christopher Guest and Magnus Karlsson both work on managing the computer fleet and have been involved throughout the entire transition to upKeeper Manager.
A solution that was no longer sufficient
Before the switch, Region Västerbotten used System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) to manage its devices. As SCCM was increasingly being phased out in favor of Intune and the cloud, it became clear that the organization was not ready to migrate its clients there; they wanted to keep an on-premises solution. At the same time, there were challenges in day-to-day operations—particularly regarding application management and installations—that they wanted to address with a new system.
“We wanted a system that would address the shortcomings we felt we had with SCCM and that could streamline our work. With limited resources, we can now get more done during the day.” – Magnus Karlsson
Requirements for the new tool
Region Västerbotten wanted to consolidate everything into a single view instead of juggling multiple different systems. They wanted to be able to reinstall a computer with a single click and verify that an application was in place without having to connect to the device to check. The system also needed to be simple enough that anyone could sit down at it and start working right away.
“It would be very simple. You could pick up just about anyone from the bus station, and they’d be able to work in the system right from day one.” – Christopher Guest
Migration from SCCM
The decision to switch systems was made in May 2025. Most of the time was spent on preparatory work—ensuring that everything was in place for the migration—in an environment that had become a jumble after many years of previous changes. But thanks to Region Västerbotten’s already standardized procedures for packaging applications, the migration itself went quickly once the preparations were complete. During the process, they also took the opportunity to streamline their applications, reducing the number from approximately 1,200 to just over 1,000. After the summer break, they were up and running with upKeeper Manager in September/October of the same year.
“Once everything was in place, it didn’t take long to get started.” – Magnus Karlsson
A day-to-day life with faster responses
Since the switch, Region Västerbotten has noticed a clear difference in how quickly things actually happen. Installations appear immediately on the computer, the logs provide a clear overview, and the status of an action can be tracked directly in the web interface, without having to sit and wonder if something is done.
The change is particularly noticeable at the service desk, which can now respond more quickly when users contact them with problems.
“It feels better for our service desk staff when they can say the problem is solved while the user is still on the phone.” – Christopher Guest
The training required to get started was minimal: one afternoon with the technicians and one with the service desk were all that was needed before everyone could start working in the system.
The impact in numbers
The difference can be measured in time. Whereas it used to take a whole day to get a computer fully installed, it now takes just a couple of hours, and the installation facility is now able to complete over 200 computers a week, which meets the region’s needs.
“I now have 50% more time for other work.” – Christopher Guest
Magnus Karlsson describes the same trend: less time is spent on packaging and certifying hardware models, which frees up resources and time for other projects.
Close collaboration with upKeeper Solutions
In addition to the tool itself, Christopher and Magnus highlight their communication with upKeeper as an important part of the collaboration, noting that they receive quick responses and benefit from short decision-making processes when issues need to be resolved.
“It’s really great. We’re in constant contact with you and get quick responses—the same day or the next day.” – Christopher Guest
If you ask Christopher and Magnus how they would describe upKeeper Manager in a single word, the answer is the same from both of them: simple.
