IT assets and networks provide the backbone of modern business operations. As a result, IT support and maintenance should be prioritised.
Whether you’re evaluating your existing approach to IT support, looking to outsource, or in the process of implementing a support solution, it’s important to have a good understanding of the benefits.
A single point of contact for hardware and software troubleshooting
There is nothing more stressful or potentially damaging to productivity or sales than an IT failure.
Problems can take many forms: from user input errors and application bugs, to a potential physical or data catastrophe, like a flood, fire, or malware attack.
Having timely technical expertise to lean on is key. With minor problems, technical helpdesk support may save a user from an alternative of not working or spending hours attempting to troubleshoot alone.
If a problem is the result of user error, the knowledge and expertise of a support team can be harnessed for education: helping to explain what was done incorrectly and reducing the likelihood of a recurrence.
For more serious problems, the support team should be in a position to implement a back-up and recovery policy, as part of a wider strategic plan for IT.
Access to experienced professionals also provides the peace of mind which allows organisations to operate effectively, facilitating productivity and higher-order skills such as creativity and forward-planning.
Pre-emptive strengthening of systems and security
Having an IT support solution in place before things go wrong reduces the risk of serious issues developing down the line.
Your support team should be proactive in identifying risks or weaknesses in your system, such as:
- poorly maintained hardware and software
- previous or persistent user errors
- out-of-date systems
- poor practices when dealing with approaches to data security.
IT support will also be instrumental in creating a strategy which assists in achieving overarching business objectives, your budget and planned timelines for change. This approach will ensure the business reaps the full potential of its systems.
Updates and innovation planning
Being proactive and planning what updates or patches will be required, or what new technology may benefit the business’ goals, is a vital function of effective IT support. Good foresight assists with keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently.
For businesses, being in a situation with strong support means:
- being able to budget and plan for any significant changes
- teams can be trained before new hardware, software, or processes go live
- more leeway to minimise disruption in service or productivity caused by a major update or migration.
The benefits of regular reporting
With an IT strategy in place that aligns with business objectives, there also needs to be a feedback loop: a way to monitor performance and measure how well the plan is working in service of those goals.
The IT support team will be central to recording, collecting and reporting accurate real-time information. This should then be relayed transparently, so the business understands the state and effectiveness of its systems – even if time is limited for senior management.
Reducing operational friction
Insecure procedures and poor ‘digital hygiene’ can easily and quietly undermine the integrity of your IT setup. With good quality support and maintenance:
- network security can be strengthened
- the risk of operational problems lessens
- productivity rises
- morale among staff can improve
Innovative cost savings
Having a well-planned and maintained IT infrastructure operated by a trained and efficient team nearly always results in costs savings.
This can be from not having to adopt an unexpected and expensive upgrade, more efficient data management, or just an increase in productivity due to the team not having to struggle with overly complex systems and opaque procedures.
The business’ reputation may also receive a boost, as more clients, customers and stakeholders have positive interactions with the operational end of the business.
Getting the right IT support to suit your organisation’s unique needs
If your business needs the expertise and knowledge of a professional IT support and maintenance provider, Micro Maintenance can help.
By working with our customers and fully understanding their needs before committing to a solution, we can provide the secure technical framework and reassurance required to help organisations of any size achieve the results they want from their IT investment.
If you’d like to know more about outsourcing your IT support and maintenance requirements to an experienced yet flexible support provider, get in touch with a member of the team today.
