Businesses in Westfield and beyond rely on technology to keep their customers satisfied and stay ahead of the competition. Business technology also helps companies make better decisions and be more efficient.
Many businesses looking to get the most out of their technology investment will turn to IT consulting and support companies. Typical services offered can include managed IT services, business internet services, IT consulting, IT support and network management..
IT consulting and support agencies can offer many different services because of their wide range of expertise. A strong IT consulting and support company is staffed by experts who specialize in various fields of technology. The best IT consulting and support companies also have many different connections to technology vendors across the industry.
An Ideal Solution for Small Businesses
Small businesses typically have a limited in-house IT staff, if they have one at all. Because of this, small businesses will often leverage IT consulting and support services.
Consulting companies are typically hired on a contract basis. Rather than having to invest in a large, full-time IT staff, a small business can access IT consultants on a per-project or as-needed basis. Having an on-demand IT services provider allows a small business to quickly adapt to change, an ability which was particularly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. A consulting partner can also help a small business adjust to emerging trends and meet shifting market demands. An IT partner can additionally provide a custom strategy for a small business that suits its budget and needs.
There are many reasons for a small business to work with one of these companies, including:
- Increased versatility
- More business opportunities
- Improved cyber security
- Exposure to best practices
- Better system integration
- Higher employee retention
More Versatility and Opportunity
Business technology is constantly evolving. It's easy for IT staff at small- and medium-sized businesses to lose track of the latest shifts, and when this happens, it can mean losing a competitive advantage.
However, a key focus for your Westfield organization's IT support company should be monitoring and evaluating the latest advances and products available. They can then provide companies with advice on the latest changes, including which trends bode well for a specific company and how to protect themselves and their customers.
Better Cybersecurity
In one survey from the National Small Business Association, 88 percent of small businesses said they were vulnerable to a cyber attack. Unfortunately, many small businesses don’t have the resources to put up a robust defense against these kinds of threats.
IT support companies typically offer cybersecurity services that can help small businesses address major vulnerabilities and lingering security problems before hackers can cause major damage or downtime. IT consulting companies can provide ongoing monitoring, security fixes and regular updates, bolstering and existing security infrastructure.
An IT consulting and support services company can also help business clients develop recovery plans. Unfortunately, many small businesses fall victim to cyber attacks, and a recovery plan can help to minimize the damage.
There's an old saying that humans are the greatest vulnerability in any cybersecurity plan. An IT consultant can help companies give their employees the security training they need. If staff members find themselves in a questionable security situation, an IT support partner is only a phone call away.
Supports the Use of Best Practices
It takes a major investment to build and maintain an effective IT strategy. If best practices are not being followed, returns on investment are likely not being maximized. With their broad range of expertise and experience, IT consultants are an excellent resource when it comes to best practices. Consultants can suggest proven methods for corporate strategy, IT implementation and system management.
While some best practices are common sense, some are less intuitive. An IT consultant can explain how a new, outside-the-box method is a better way to do business compared to an existing approach.
Better System Integration and Maintenance
System integration involves the combination of different IT components to create a unified system. An IT consultant can help identify redundant processes that can either be combined or eliminated to streamline operations. System integration should be an ongoing practice, not a one-time proposition. A good IT partner is always looking for ways to help your business do better on the IT front, ensuring that IT systems do not pose an obstacle as you scale up.
Effective Digital Transformation
Digital transformation involves the creation or modification of existing processes through digital technology, and it can be much more complicated than traditional business changes. In particular, digital transformation often requires employees to learn new skills and stop using methods to which they've grown accustomed. This usually requires a major shift in culture.
When a company partners with an IT consultant for a digital transformation, it gains access to a wealth of experience related to such an undertaking. An IT consultant can help companies ease their employees into new workflows and avoid many of the common pitfalls.
Improve Employee Retention
While employees don't expect to always have the latest and greatest technology, they do expect their employer to keep up with the times and update older, inefficient technologies. Giving employees the tools they need to succeed not only helps with productivity, but it also makes employees feel supported, which significantly increases employee retention.
An IT consultant can help companies direct their IT investments in ways that make employees feel supported. A company can then direct IT spending to areas that produce the greatest overall return.
We Can Help Your Business Get the Most Out of Its IT Investment
At Taylored Systems, we are known for providing IT consulting in Westfield and Central Indiana. And while we may have built a name by providing IT and cloud services in Westfield, we’ve grown to service a much broader area across the Hoosier State.
In addition to expanding our service area, we also offer a broad range of solutions, including managed IT services and business phone system solutions. These services are often used to augment IT support in Westfield and Central Indiana.
If your local company is looking to optimize its IT and communications infrastructure, please contact us today.