Are you struggling with your IT department? Or is there a sinking feeling you’re spending more time worrying about your IT than your main business functions?
It might be time to outsource your tech needs.
As a managed IT service provider (MSP), Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS) believes IT doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking a long hard look at your IT, you can decide if outsourcing your IT is your best decision.
In this article, we will explore ten critical signs that indicate when your organization should seriously consider outsourcing its IT functions, based on our experience:
1. Your IT spending is too high.2. Your IT can’t keep up with your growth.
3. IT starts distracting you from your main company goals.
4. You have complex regulatory requirements.
5. You need 24/7 IT support.
6. You want the latest tech without high upfront costs.
7. You’re having IT staffing problems.
8. You have frequent IT downtime.
9. Your IT staff is overwhelmed.
10. You have recurring IT problems.
These signs may not account for every organization’s needs since every organization is unique; what works for you may not work for someone else.
But by recognizing these signs, you have a solid foundation for making an informed decision that aligns with your organization’s goals, enabling you to effectively leverage the power of outsourced IT services.
1. Your IT spending is too high.
Outsourcing IT can often be more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house IT department. Outsourcing can offer a more affordable solution if your organization is facing budget constraints or struggles with the high costs of recruiting, training, and retaining IT staff.
2. Your IT can’t keep up with your growth.
If your IT needs fluctuate over time, outsourcing can provide the flexibility to scale up or down quickly without hiring or laying off staff. This is particularly beneficial for seasonal businesses or those experiencing rapid growth.
3. IT starts distracting you from your main company goals.
Outsourcing IT allows your organization to concentrate on its core competencies and strategic objectives. By delegating IT tasks to external experts, you can free up internal resources to focus on innovation and business-critical activities.
4. You have complex regulatory requirements.
Data security and compliance with regulatory requirements are critical in today’s digital landscape. Outsourcing IT to reputable providers can help ensure that your systems and data are protected and that you remain compliant with industry standards and regulations.
Some of the most common regulations you should be aware of are:
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
- CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)
- PCI Compliance
- FTC Safeguards (Federal Trade Commission)
Watch this video on what happens when your business is out of compliance:
5. You need 24/7 IT support.
Outsourcing can ensure continuous service availability if your organization requires round-the-clock IT support. IT service providers can offer various support options, including help desk support, network monitoring, and system maintenance.
6. You want the latest tech without high upfront costs.
Outsourcing IT can help you gain a competitive edge by leveraging the latest technologies and innovations without incurring significant upfront costs. It lets you stay current with industry trends and advancements, ensuring your IT capabilities align with your business objectives.
7. You’re having IT staffing problems.
Hiring, training, and retaining IT staff is a difficult task. If you’d rather do away with that kind of headache, it’s a huge sign that it’s time to consider outsourced IT: whether it’s the co-managed or fully managed kind.
Related: Co-Managed vs. Fully Managed: Choosing the Right IT Service Model
8. You have frequent IT downtime.
IT outsourcing can improve efficiency by leveraging specialized providers’ experience and streamlined processes. They can often deliver faster turnaround times, advanced technology, and best practices, increasing productivity.
Related: [FREE TOOL] Calculate your downtime costs
9. Your IT staff is overwhelmed.
When your IT staff struggles to maintain day-to-day operations while planning long-term projects, such as migrating to cloud-based systems or implementing new software, outsourcing can provide the necessary expertise and resources to manage the process effectively.
10. You have recurring IT problems.
If you have a repetitive IT issue, it’s a sign that your IT staff can’t deal with it effectively, and it’s time to get reinforcements. Outsourced IT can provide a fresh perspective and a new set of experts to solve the problem once and for all.
Should You Outsource Your IT?
Outsourcing IT can lessen the load of IT management with cost-effective solutions, access to specialized expertise, and improved efficiency.
But ultimately, every organization is unique, and the decision to outsource IT should align with your specific goals, needs, and circumstances.
If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, you might want to consider outsourcing. It is also essential to evaluate the potential benefits against the potential challenges and make an informed choice that sets your business up for success.
And as we’ve been offering IT outsourcing services for over 20 years, we believe that the best client relationships start with a strong foundation of trust and transparency. And so, we’ve prepared the following free resources:
- Managed IT Service Provider vs. Break-Fix and In-House IT
- Everything You Need to Know About Managed IT
- How do I get IT support from an MSP (Managed Services Provider)?
- FREE TOOL: IT Needs Analyzer
If you want immediate answers to your questions about outsourcing IT, schedule a meeting with our IT experts today.