Peripherals affect comfort and security in day-to-day work. Quebec's CNESST asks employers, among other things, to provide accessories when needed, such as an additional monitor and monitor stands; the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security points out that peripherals can also be a means to compromise networks and systems. No brand is recommended here.
Short answer
You describe your computers, laptops and the needs of each profile: your request is reviewed by the Courtier TI team, then entrusted to the IT services company that will prepare your quote and supply the equipment. Compatibility, quantities and deployment are set with you.
What the quote should cover
- Monitors: number per workstation, size and adjustable stands
- Docking stations compatible with your laptops
- Keyboards, mice and other accessories
- Headsets and cameras for video calls
- The cables and adapters needed
- Delivery, installation and workstation setup
- The manufacturer's warranty and replacement of faulty parts
Describe the profiles
Describe needs by employee group rather than by product: number of monitors per workstation, office or home work, how frequently employees join video calls, particular needs for design or document reading. State the quantities per profile and the workstations to equip at the office and at home.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the first thing to check. Attach the list of computers and laptops in place, with their model and ports, so the proposed monitors, docking stations and adapters work with them. Specify whether docking stations must serve several laptop models, for example at hot desks, and whether existing monitors should be reused.
Ergonomics
The CNESST describes how to set up a computer workstation (in French): the monitor should be 70 cm away, about an arm's length, with the top of the screen at eye level; a person who wears progressive lenses can place it slightly lower. It asks employers to provide workstations that are suited or adaptable to the task and the user, and accessories when needed, such as footrests, document holders, an additional monitor and monitor stands.
For remote work (in French), the CNESST states that an external monitor lets you place the screen at the right height and distance, and that when an external mouse and keyboard are used, the laptop can be raised so the top of the screen is at eye level. So describe the stands and accessories each profile needs. For a complete setup, the CNESST page on office work recommends offering, where possible, the services of an ergonomist.
Headsets, cameras and peripheral security
For video calls, specify the number of employees, the type of environment (open office, closed office, home) and the video conferencing software used, such as Teams.
In its security tips for peripheral devices (ITSAP.70.015), the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security recommends choosing a reputable vendor that offers peripherals with integrated security, using only the peripherals that are necessary and confirming whether they are still supported. For wireless devices, it points out that once connected, devices remain on your list of paired devices until they are manually removed, and that lost or stolen devices should always be removed from that list. It also recommends updating peripheral firmware.
Deployment
State whether the IT services company should deliver and install the equipment on site, set up workstations, prepare home office kits or collect old equipment. The Centre suggests labelling all peripherals, which also makes inventory easier. It also recommends sanitizing peripherals to remove sensitive information before disposing of them.
What to specify in your request
- Employee profiles and quantities per profile
- The list of computers and laptops in place, with their ports
- The number of monitors per workstation and the stands wanted
- Workstations to equip at the office and at home
- The video conferencing software used
- Delivery, installation and collection of old equipment
You can then describe your project: the team will contact you to clarify your needs and provide a quote.
Frequently asked questions
What height and distance for a monitor?
According to the CNESST (in French), the monitor should be 70 cm away, about an arm's length, with the top of the screen at eye level; slightly lower for a person who wears progressive lenses.
Is an external monitor needed for remote work?
The CNESST (in French) states that an external monitor lets you place the screen at the right height and distance, and that with an external mouse and keyboard, the laptop can be raised to eye level. State the profiles concerned in the request.
How can we make sure docking stations will work?
Attach the list of your laptops, with their model and ports. The IT services company can then propose compatible docking stations and adapters.
Do peripherals pose security risks?
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security states that peripherals can provide threat actors with a means to compromise networks and systems. It recommends choosing a reputable vendor, updating firmware and removing lost or stolen devices from the paired devices list (ITSAP.70.015).
Is a brand recommended?
No. Describe the need and the compatibility required; the IT services company proposes the equipment in its quote.