With business and technology so integrated, if your technology isn’t running smoothly, neither is your business. From small things such as email issues to larger problems such as cloud and backup complications, your business isn’t running as efficiently or effectively as it could be. Your technology should work to support you, not hinder you.
Many of these issues can and should be solved by your IT provider. If you already have an IT service provider and are still experiencing large or frequent technical headaches, maybe it’s time to start thinking about switching. While this process may feel overwhelming, it’s probably easier than you think. Here are three key signs that will help you know it’s time to switch.
1. You’re Still Experiencing Small Technical Interruptions
Every business’s technology is complex and may take time for an IT provider to figure it out completely – it’s a job that’s truly never finished. Your IT provider should be continuously exploring new ways to your company’s tech to the next level and better support your operations and employees. However, if you have been working with an experienced IT provider, you likely shouldn’t still be experiencing many small technical issues that interrupting you and your employee’s work. Things like email issues, blue screen issues, or connectivity issues are all pretty common and easy to fix for the knowledgeable IT technician.
If you are experiencing multiple problems in these areas, your IT provider might not be up to par. These types of obstacles may seem small, but if your employees’ work is constantly being interrupted because they are running into one of these issues, it might be time to look at other providers.
2. You’re Having Trouble Communicating or Connecting with Your Provider
Because your technology is likely an important aspect of your business, your IT provider should also be an important partner. If you are working with the right provider, they will feel like a true teammate, not only there to fix problems that arise but also to create strategic plans for your technology for the future. And the key to creating this relationship is unfettered and continuous communication. You should be able to immediately get in touch with your IT consultant when you need them. Not only that, but you also likely want a dedicated IT partner that you can create a personal relationship and who knows all the ins and outs of your business. This way, you aren’t wasting time bringing a new technician up to speed on your system every time you call your provider. If you are having trouble getting in touch with your provider, it affects your operation’s efficiency, and it may be a sign that you should look at other options.
3. Your Provider Isn’t Taking a Holistic, Proactive Approach to Your Technology
As we talked about above, a key function of an outsourced IT provider is to fix technical issues and obstacles that arise. However, that shouldn’t be their only role. Your IT provider should also work to improve your systems going forward. They should really dig into your specific business and work with you to create realistic, affordable, and proactive solutions that will take your organization’s technology to the next level.
Examples of this might be working with you to transition to the cloud, creating a backup system that will ensure your data stays safe or determining the best remote work option with your company, industry, and employees in mind. If you don’t feel like your IT provider helps you create strategic plans for the future of your technology, you might not be getting the full benefits that an outsourced IT firm can offer.
In Conclusion
There are many signs that it might be time for your business to switch IT providers, but these are a few of the critical things to look out for when evaluating your outsourced firm. Overall, if you don’t feel like your IT provider is an integrated partner that has improved your technology and operations, then what are you still paying them for? It’s time to explore other options and find a provider that actually supports your business.
For more information about how Interlaced.io can help your small business as an IT Managed Services Provider, or to schedule a free assessment, email us at business@interlaced.io or visit us at www.interlaced.io/contact.
