From the bustling streets of Birmingham to the quiet locales of Lichfield, every growing business eventually needs to build up their own internal IT support function or outsource it to a provider. The trouble is, despite IT providers all claiming they’re proactive, not every business is satisfied with their IT support!
In this tech-driven age, genuinely great IT support services can make a big impact. In this blog, we’re going to give you 5 signs that you’re not getting the full value that you could be getting from your IT provider in Birmingham, Lichfield, or elsewhere. Let’s dive in!
1. Slow Response Times
Anyone who’s run into a computer problem when they’re meeting tight deadlines knows how frustrating (and critical!) IT can be. Every minute of downtime for any reason presents a cost to your business: lost time, focus, energy, and uncertainties arising from unreliable, slow, and unsecured IT.
If your provider consistently takes too long to respond to or resolve issues, this is a red flag. Your IT support provider should have an efficient, clear response plan or an actualised ethos for addressing IT issues quickly when they arise. They should not only be quick to respond but also effective in their solutions. A provider that leaves you hanging without prompt updates or resolutions is not giving you the service you deserve.
2. Lack of Proactive Maintenance
IT support in Birmingham and beyond is also not just about having a strong response game; it’s also about foresight! A good IT support provider doesn’t just fix problems as they occur; they anticipate and mitigate potential issues before they can disrupt your operations.
If you find that your IT systems frequently encounter the same issues or that your provider only reacts to problems rather than actively managing and updating your systems, this could indicate a lack of proactive support and missing opportunities to reduce costs for your business and maximise the ROI that you’re getting from your IT.
The proactive approach will make all the difference for the fast-paced world of doing business in Birmingham by not only avoiding downtime but also by continually maintaining and optimising the performance of your devices, network, and infrastructure over time. This means faster speeds, more reliability, more ease and simplicity, and up-to-date IT that’s built for today’s world.
3. Poor Communication
Technobabble can be both annoying and disempowering. The last thing your team wants is to pick up the phone for support, talk with someone who’s less than enthused to speak with them, and then feel patronised and uncared for – they still feel short of solutions, except now they’re feeling worse!
This is not a good way to do IT support, something that’s true for businesses regardless of where they are – from Birmingham to Beirut, technobabble is hindering the IT experience for employees all over the world. Effective communication is the backbone of any service-oriented relationship. If your IT support provider isn’t communicating clearly and regularly, it’s difficult to trust the service they provide.
Good IT support teams will keep you informed about what’s happening with your systems, explain issues in understandable terms, and provide clear, actionable advice. This should be the case across their services, from their helpdesk support to their IT consulting services.
If your interactions with your provider leave you more confused than when you started, or if you’re constantly having to chase them for updates, then it might be time to look elsewhere.
4. Limited Skills and Services
Technology evolves rapidly, and so should the capabilities of your IT support provider. If they seem unfamiliar with the latest technologies or are unable to support newer systems, applications, or IT initiatives that are critical to your business, this is a serious concern. It is indeed the case that some businesses outgrow their IT provider. Some providers are also lacking the skills and tools needed to meet the cyber security needs of businesses today.
Your provider should be capable of managing your current technologies and also be forward-thinking enough to handle future updates and digital transformation projects that empower your business to thrive with technology. Whether you’re in Birmingham or Lichfield, an IT company that gets ‘it or IT’ and can meet your current and future needs is essential.
5. Hidden Costs and Fees
One of the biggest benefits of outsourced managed IT support services is that they can offer a transparent, fixed monthly cost for getting your IT needs met. But without this key piece, a lot of trust can be lost if there’s unexpected or sneaky charges being made.
If you notice unexpected charges or if the billing statements from your IT support are unclear or constantly fluctuating, this can be a sign that you’re not getting the value you deserve. A trustworthy provider will be upfront about costs and will explain all charges without prompting. Your IT support should be a reliable investment in your business’s efficacy and security, not a source of financial unpredictability, especially when this sign is present with the other signs.
What Should You Do If You Recognise These Signs?
If you’re seeing these signs with your current IT support in Birmingham or Lichfield, it might be time to consider a change. Start by communicating your concerns with your provider; sometimes, a simple conversation can lead to improved service. If issues persist, however, it may be beneficial to shop around and compare services and testimonials. Look for a provider that not only promises but also delivers high-quality support and clear, consistent communication.
The critical thing about these signs when they’re found is that they indicate that your IT support provider is not a partner for your business. A partner IT provider makes their clients feel valued, combines personalised and proactive service, and helps them get the best from their IT both today and tomorrow.
So, remember, for IT support in Birmingham or Lichfield, you have options! Don’t settle for subpar service; ensure your provider is as invested in your business’s success as you are. Your IT infrastructure is too critical to your business to accept anything less than the best.
MT Services: Enabling Birmingham and Lichfield’s Businesses to Securely Thrive With Managed IT Support and IT Services
Since 1973, we’ve been delivering IT services to businesses in Staffordshire and Birmingham and have kept up with the times. As a technology partner, we take away the pains of IT management, cyber security, and digital transformation for our clients and help them unleash their potential with more productive, scalable, and secure IT that fits their needs, rather than the other way around.
Discover solutions and insights for your IT challenges today by booking a consultation with our team. All that we ask for our time – is yours! Better results for your business start with a conversation.
