Today's IT environments are complex and face more challenges than ever. To navigate these issues, many businesses are turning to managed services. These services provide comprehensive IT support, including network management, cybersecurity, data backup, disaster recovery, and more. However, if not managed correctly, these partnerships can lead to various issues that impact your business.
In this blog, we'll go over the top challenges businesses face when working with a managed service provider. We'll also share insights on how to avoid these problems and ensure you maximize the benefits of managed services. Finally, we'll offer tips on choosing a reliable IT provider like Prescient Solutions.
1. Communication Problems
Managed services can help businesses improve their cybersecurity posture, streamline operations, modernize their IT infrastructure, and improve the customer experience. However, these benefits are only as good as the communication between the business and its IT provider. Poor communication between both parties can lead to misunderstandings, unmet expectations, and delayed problem resolution. Over time, this can erode trust, reduce efficiency, and hinder the overall success of the managed IT services.
To prevent communication gaps, it's important for the business and IT provider to establish clear lines of communication. Business employees should be informed on how to report issues, the designated point of contact for different types of IT problems, and expected response times. Regular check-ins can also ensure that both parties stay on the same page. These meetings allow both parties to provide updates, discuss IT challenges, and make adjustments to IT strategies.
When selecting a managed service provider, look for one that offers multiple communication channels, such as phone, email, and online chat platforms. They should also ensure clear and consistent communication. At Prescient Solutions, we prioritize effective communication and transparency. Our clients can expect regular updates, detailed reporting, and proactive check-ins to ensure all their IT needs are met.
2. Slow Response Times
Today, many businesses depend on reliable IT systems to carry out daily operations, streamline processes, and provide customer support. When these systems fail, businesses need quick and effective IT support to resume operations and minimize disruptions. But what happens when your IT provider is slow to respond or can't be reached? This can lead to critical delays and impact your bottom line.
To prevent these issues, make sure your IT provider understands your business operations and the maximum acceptable downtime. They should prioritize critical issues and have a clear escalation process. Establishing clear lines of communication can also ensure responsiveness. Make sure both parties have the correct point of contact, up-to-date contact information, and know what channels to use for issue resolution. Finally, make sure you check in with your provider regularly to keep them updated of any changes and give feedback on their responsiveness.
When selecting a provider, choose one that outlines response targets in their service level agreements (SLAs). These SLAs should clearly outline the maximum time allowed for initial response, issue resolution, and escalation procedures for critical problems. Regularly reviewing these SLAs can help ensure that your IT provider consistently meets your needs. At Prescient, we understand the importance of reliable IT support. Our technicians are available around the clock and are equipped to handle even the most challenging IT issues.
3. Integration with Existing Systems
A common problem businesses face when implementing managed IT services is integrating these new services with their existing systems. Many businesses have legacy systems or a mix of different technologies that have been built up over time. This can create compatibility issues when trying to integrate managed services, leading to potential problems like operational downtime, file corruption, data loss, security risks, and frustrated employees.
Businesses can avoid these issues by assessing their current IT systems and goals. Make sure your IT provider understands your IT infrastructure and what challenges you are trying to overcome. This will help them choose the right technology solutions for your needs and identify any potential compatibility issues before implementation. From there, create a detailed integration plan that includes timelines, milestones, and contingency plans. Strong security measures and data backups should also be prioritized during the migration process to prevent data loss and ensure business continuity.
Most importantly, select a managed service provider with experience in your specific systems and industry. A good provider should have a strong background in diverse IT environments. Make sure their products can integrate seamlessly with your current systems and create a plan to minimize downtime and disruptions. Prescient Solutions has worked with various industries and IT environments in the Chicago and Milwaukee markets. We ensure seamless integration and continuous support to keep your business running smoothly.
4. Security and Compliance Concerns
Managed IT services can help businesses improve efficiency and reduce costs, but entrusting critical systems and data to a third-party provider can open up your business to a number of security risks. Managed service providers who do not implement strong security measures and comply with industry regulations can leave your business vulnerable to data breaches and compliance violations.
To prevent these risks, businesses should enforce strict access controls. Managed IT providers should only be granted access to the systems and data needed to perform their role.
All information transmitted between both parties should also be encrypted. In addition, businesses should make sure that specific security measures and compliance requirements are outlined in the managed service provider's SLA.
Before signing with an IT provider, make sure they understand your industry's compliance regulations and have cybersecurity certifications like ISO 27001 or SOC 2. Services like 24/7 monitoring, regular security audits, and incident response planning can also enhance your security posture and ensure compliance. At Prescient, our team prioritizes security and compliance. We use the latest cybersecurity solutions and best practices to keep our clients' data and systems protected.
5. Measuring Performance
Managed IT services have the power to transform your business, but not all IT providers can get the job done. Therefore, it's important to periodically access your provider's performance and make sure you are receiving optimal value. Managed service providers that do not meet your performance standards can waste your resources, open your business up to a number of vulnerabilities, and hinder business growth.
To access your managed IT provider's performance, establish specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at the start of your partnership. These KPIs should align with your business goals and cover areas such as system uptime, average response time, mean time to resolution, number of incidents reported, and customer satisfaction scores. A good managed service provider should always provide reports of their performance that include these metrics. Regular meetings and check-ins can also help you access your provider's performance and give you a chance to share feedback.
When selecting a provider, choose one that offers clearly defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with measurable targets for response times, issue resolution, and system uptime. Ensure they are committed to meeting these SLAs and have a proven track record of doing so. At Prescient, we value transparency. Our clients receive detailed performance reports and regular updates, ensuring they always know the status of their IT environment and can trust us to meet their business needs.
Conclusion
Managed IT services are valuable tools that can streamline operations and boost productivity, but improper management can lead to communication gaps, security concerns, slow response times, integration problems, and poor performance. To avoid these issues and ensure a successful partnership, it's important to select a reputable provider, establish clear SLAs, and regularly assess their performance to ensure they meet your business needs.
As trusted experts in the field, Prescient Solutions leverages 27 years of experience in the Chicago and Milwaukee markets to provide reliable managed services. We're known for our hands-on solutions and outstanding customer service. From cybersecurity solutions and reliable remote support to disaster recovery planning and beyond, we offer the tools businesses need to enhance their IT operations and stay secure.
Contact our team today for comprehensive IT solutions that make an impact!
