From CapEx to OpEx: why CFOs are fans of As-a-Service

17-04-2025 14:46

New rules are changing the game

Starting in 2025, thousands of Belgian companies must prepare for a new reality: the CSRD directive (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) requires larger organizations and their suppliers to report more transparently on sustainability, environmental impact, and financial risks.

This not only affects day-to-day operations but also how investments are planned, justified, and recorded. And that’s exactly where as-a-service models offer a smarter and more sustainable solution.

Predictable costs = better control

Where companies once made large, one-time investments in meeting rooms, digital signage, or audiovisual systems, more and more are now choosing an as-a-service model: a complete package including technology, installation, maintenance, replacement, and support for one monthly fee.

That predictability is incredibly valuable. Especially in times of volatile energy prices, inflation, and wage indexation, businesses are looking for stability. By converting investments into fixed monthly costs (OpEx), organizations gain control over their spending without sacrificing innovation.

More attractive from an accounting perspective

CapEx – traditional capital expenditure – must be depreciated over several years. This is problematic in sectors where technology evolves quickly: LED displays, meeting room tech, workspace software and hardware… often get replaced after just 3 years, even though they remain on the balance sheet for 5 to 7 years.

An as-a-service model records these costs immediately as operational expenses (OpEx). This creates better alignment between use and cost, which is also audit-friendly under the new ESG and CSRD frameworks demanding more transparency in resource allocation.

Preserve cash flow for core activities

Instead of investing hundreds of thousands of euros upfront in infrastructure or technology, companies can keep liquidity available for strategic investments: hiring new talent, developing products, marketing campaigns…

For SMEs and public organizations (schools, healthcare institutions, local governments), this makes a major difference. They want to modernize but often face limited budgets. As-a-service lowers the entry barrier, giving them access to high-quality technology without significant financial risk.

Larger corporations and enterprise environments face a different dynamic. They usually have access to capital but increasingly choose to deploy it strategically rather than locking it into infrastructure or tech that becomes outdated quickly.

An as-a-service approach makes it easier to align IT, AV, and facility expenses with business developments. By shifting from fixed investments to flexible, scalable services, companies avoid unnecessary depreciation and maintain agility in a fast-changing market.

Moreover, many international or publicly listed companies say that OpEx expenses are approved more quickly since they require fewer legal and financial procedures. This significantly speeds up projects—especially when speed is a competitive advantage.

Flexibility that grows with your organization

If you’re equipping a meeting room, opening a new office, or upgrading your digital signage, you face a choice: do you buy everything yourself, or opt for a model where technology, maintenance, and service are included in a monthly fee?

As-a-service means you’re not tied to fixed assets on your balance sheet, but work with a flexible model that evolves with your needs. Need extra screens, better cameras, or upgraded touch panels later? Just scale up—without the cost or hassle of reinvestments or outdated equipment.

A great example is how high-end companies today lease company cars, IT, or even entire workplace environments as-a-service. Not because they can't afford to buy — but because they want to stay agile without compromising on quality or support. So why would you treat AV and workplace tech any differently?

At BIS|Econocom, we help organizations work through that exact thought process. What solution do you really need, and how do you ensure it stays relevant today and tomorrow—without freezing your budget?

Sustainable and futureproof – without a big leap

Many companies want to become greener and more sustainable but don’t know where to start. As-a-service models are often designed to be circular: suppliers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle—from installation to reuse or recycling.

In light of the CSRD and the growing focus on circularity, this model is becoming increasingly attractive. And the best part is: you don’t have to manage it yourself. You use what you need, and the supplier takes care of the rest.

Conclusion: operational efficiency, accounting convenience, and strategic freedom

Whether you're outfitting a new meeting room, managing a network of digital screens, or looking for insights into workspace usage—a as-a-service model gives you control over your budget, increases your flexibility, and supports today’s sustainability expectations.

At BIS|Econocom, we combine years of experience in audiovisual total solutions with a deep understanding of financial models that work for large and growing organizations. From corporate HQs to campuses with dozens of locations: we help you choose not only what makes technical sense, but also what is strategically sound for the long term.

Curious how your organization can get the most out of an as-a-service approach? Be inspired by our approach, cases, and insights—and discover how to deploy technology smartly, without a major upfront investment.