When it comes to running a business, most owners consider aspects like quality customer service, reliable products or services, and closely monitored P&Ls as reasons for company success or failure. Most never consider one other sneaky element that is often overlooked as a make-or-break factor because it’s “a boring necessity.” What is it?
Your technology.
The technology you choose to use to run your business shapes and drives your success. Dropped calls can affect sales performance. Poor collaboration tools can slow team communication. However, having effective technology and IT support isn’t just about fixing glitches or installing the right software. It’s about leveraging technology strategically to enhance productivity, secure sensitive data and drive growth in all areas of the business.
As we move into Q2, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how technology impacts your business, what updates you’ve made and how they’ve performed so far and, most importantly, whether your current IT support is helping you thrive or holding you back.
The Cost Of Outdated Or Inadequate IT Support
Many businesses settle for mediocre IT support, thinking it’s cost-effective. However, inadequate IT support can cost your business more than you realize:
- Downtime And Lost Productivity: Poor IT infrastructure leads to frequent downtimes, impacting productivity and revenue.Consider a midsize company experiencing a server failure during peak hours.
This could halt operations, prevent employees from accessing essential applications and delay customer transactions. Even a one-hour outage can lead to significant revenue loss and damage to the company’s reputation.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Outdated systems are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cyberattacks increased by 75% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching an all-time high in Q3, as companies experienced an average of 1,876 attacks per week! (eccouncil.org)
- Missed Growth Opportunities: Companies using outdated systems struggle to keep up with competitors who leverage the latest technology for automation, streamlined communication and data analytics.
For example, take a retail business stuck with legacy POS systems that fails to integrate online and in-store sales data. As a result, they will miss out on valuable insights that could have informed inventory management and marketing strategies, leading to lost revenue opportunities.
- Employee Frustration And Customer Dissatisfaction: Frequent IT issues can frustrate employees, leading to decreased morale and productivity. Persistent technical problems may cause staff to feel unsupported, potentially increasing turnover rates.
But that’s not all; it can affect your customers’ experiences too. Customers expect seamless interactions. System outages or slow response times can lead to dissatisfaction, negative reviews and loss of business.
Example: Imagine an e-commerce site during a flash sale experiencing downtime that leads to abandoned carts and lost sales opportunities, frustrating customers and damaging brand loyalty.
How The Right IT Support Boosts Your Business
Choosing the right IT support isn’t just about having someone to call when things break; it’s about strategically leveraging technology to optimize productivity, secure sensitive data and support your business growth. Here’s how the right IT support can make a measurable impact:
1. Enhanced Productivity And Efficiency
- Automation Of Routine Tasks: By implementing automation tools such as Microsoft Power Automate or Zapier, repetitive tasks like data entry, customer follow-ups and invoicing can be streamlined, reducing human error and saving valuable time.
- Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools: Utilizing platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack, along with cloud storage solutions such as SharePoint or Google Workspace, enables seamless communication and real-time collaboration, whether your team is in the office or remote.
- Customized Software Integration: Integrating CRM systems (like Salesforce or HubSpot) with your e-mail, calendar and project management tools ensures your team stays organized and productive.
Example:
Whether The Big Things Or The Everyday Little Things, Working With RWK IT Services Has Allowed Our Township To Do What We Do More Effectively.
Established in 1850, Plainfield Township, located in Will County, Illinois, serves the needs of over 81,000 residents through the Supervisor's office, Assessor, Highway Commissioner, and our cemetery.
Our IT needs are numerous, with the many different service programs throughout the various departments in multiple locations. RWK has successfully coordinated our day-to-day needs, helping us plan and expand existing services since 2010.
Like any other responsible government, we have had to put RWK to the test to make sure they were the most competitive company for us. Thankfully, and not surprisingly, RWK always comes out on top. When comparing them to other companies, we've consistently found RWK to be the best fit for their value in information technology services and extensive knowledge of what we do as a township government.
On the day-to-day side, we work with RWK's help desk, project engineers, and RWK's CEO himself. Their team is very hands-on for us, and we appreciate that. They tailor their service to our specific needs instead of trying to fit our organization into an existing generic catch-all program. That's something we didn't get with other companies.
RWK also brings ideas to the table to protect the township and to make the lives of everyone working for and with us easier. For example, they helped to implement multi-factor authentication and to migrate our systems to the cloud, knowing that keeping our data safe and our services continuous is critical to our success. Being governmental, we are also bound to specific rules and regulations. Thanks to RWK, we are currently meeting and exceeding those requirements.
Another thing RWK did for us was to help us choose and set up a security camera system that feeds to the office and mobile. Now, at the click of a button, we can monitor our locations and their surroundings from anywhere.
Occasionally, we will bring RWK a 'crazy' idea, and the project engineers will say, "Yes, we can do that." For example, in the interest of transparency, we wanted a cost-effective way to transform our meeting room so that board members could view their board packets on a monitor and display it on a big screen for the public at the same time. RWK made it happen. Now, we get comments from other governing bodies asking us how we did it, and we tell them all about RWK.
It's the everyday little things for us. Working with RWK has allowed our township to do what we do more effectively because they are in the background orchestrating our technology and promoting our continued success as a community service provider. They are highly responsive, and the value we receive is well beyond the price we pay and the value that competitors can provide. To anyone looking to up their IT game, we highly recommend you call RWK.
Chuck Willard | Plainfield Township, Town Administrator
2. Robust Cybersecurity Measures
- Multilayered Security Approach: The right IT partner will deploy multilayered security solutions, including firewalls, endpoint protection and secure e-mail gateways.
- Zero Trust Security Model: Implementing a zero trust security model with identity and access management (IAM) solutions so that only authenticated users can access company data.
- Employee Security Training: Cybersecurity awareness training, including simulated phishing attacks, equips employees with the knowledge to identify and avoid security threats.
Example:
Proactive Long-term Solutions With Emphasis On Security
RWK IT Services, whom we have utilized for all of our Police Department IT needs for the last five years. I can say with the utmost confidence that we are extremely pleased with our current IT operations and most specifically the security of our system.
In 2018, we were dealing with an antiquated system that was prone to breakdowns and data loss. Our operational software was contracted to an organization out of Missouri that was unresponsive and very expensive. We were not working off a server system and internal computer communications was minimal at best. The reality was that our system was extremely outdated, with subpar equipment and minimal security protections.
We reviewed and interviewed multiple IT companies, in an effort to upgrade and update our entire computer and communications operations. RWK was chosen because of their proactive long-term solutions and their emphasis on security. They understood the needs of a law enforcement agency and the importance of minimizing vulnerabilities. Their previous experience with securing systems that tie into state and federal databases was critical to the modernization of our operations. The system that we now have in place is reliable, accessible, and secure. We definitely made the right decision in choosing RWK.
As with any new system, you must overcome the obstacles associated with integration and implementation. Jeff Reiter and his crew were on scene for every important step. They responded to any and all issues quickly and professionally. It was obvious to our own IT personnel that RWK's crew was knowledgeable in every aspect of the transition and security. The technicians were incomparable. Since the new system has been in place, there have been indications of hacking efforts as well as attempted virus incursions. Our systems have remained secure while others have suffered serious data breaches. RWK has always responded immediately to any threats or rumored threats. If we were to go back and upgrade our systems all over again, RWK would be our only choice.
Chief Scott Koerner | Village of Monee Police Department
3. Strategic IT Planning And Growth
- Scalable Infrastructure: Implementing scalable cloud infrastructure (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS) allows businesses to grow without the need for costly hardware investments. This ensures your IT environment can handle increased demand during peak periods.
- Data Analytics And Business Intelligence: Leveraging tools like Power BI or Tableau helps you turn data into actionable insights, enabling data-driven decision-making.
- Technology Road Maps: Strategic IT partners develop technology road maps aligned with your business goals, ensuring investments in technology that support growth and efficiency.
Example:
RWK Is One of The Only IT Companies You Can Trust
The single biggest benefit is the peace of mind in knowing that if we have an IT issue, the RWK IT Services team is a quick e-mail, text, or phone call away. We're a small business but they don't make us feel like a small customer to them – they are very responsive and attentive to what we need. The last two IT companies we used would take 2 or 3 days to resolve a problem or even respond. RWK can remote in or come to our office right away.
They've helped us move from an unprofessional website, an old phone system and outdated computer/IT system to far more reliable, professional, and secure systems that have made us more productive and a LOT less frustrated on a day-to-day basis. Best of all, they worked with us to do these upgrades gradually, so it wasn't massively disruptive or a huge hit on our budget all at once. RWK is a one stop shop and guides us in the right direction on every front, and we trust their recommendations. If they say you need it, you do. They won't sell you something you don't need or charge you for things that are unnecessary. If someone was on the fence, I would challenge them to try RWK for one year and see how much your business improves. I guarantee you will see the benefits.
John Benton | President, Excel Electric
4. Cost Savings And ROI
- Predictable IT Costs: Managed IT services offer a predictable monthly expense, covering everything from network monitoring and maintenance to security updates. This eliminates surprise repair costs and helps with budget planning.
- Reduced Downtime Costs: Proactive maintenance and monitoring prevent system failures, minimizing costly downtimes and productivity losses.
- Cloud Migration And Virtualization: Moving on-premises servers to cloud solutions like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services reduces hardware maintenance costs and energy consumption.
Example:
Having RWK Take Over Has Been A BIG Time Saver!
Since enrolling in your managed IT services program, the single biggest benefit to me and my company has been SAVING TIME! Before working with your team, I used to try and handle all IT issues myself on top of my full-time job. It was a constant struggle, running from computer to computer, trying to fix problems and keep everything running smoothly. But since having your team take over, it’s been a lifesaver! I can now focus on my core responsibilities without the stress and hassle of managing IT tasks.
One of the things that sets your IT firm apart from others I've worked with in the past is your exceptional response times and your ability to stay on task for projects. Whenever there’s an issue or a project that needs attention, your team is quick to respond and address it efficiently. It's truly reassuring to know that I can rely on you to keep things moving forward without delays.
If someone is on the fence about choosing your IT firm, I would tell them confidently that I know a company that can help them! Your team has been a reliable and valuable partner in our IT needs, and I have full trust in your expertise and dedication to providing topnotch service.
Thank you for making my work life easier and for being a dependable IT partner for our company!
Michael Fenes | Tri-State Industries, Chief Financial Officer
Key Technologies To Consider When Upgrading
To stay competitive and secure, consider upgrading the following technologies:
- Collaboration And Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom and VoIP systems for streamlined communication.
- Cloud Solutions And Storage: Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud for scalable infrastructure and storage.
- Cybersecurity Solutions: (It’s recommended NOT to DIY cybersecurity. Work with a professional who knows what you need.)
- Endpoint Protection
- E-mail Security
- Multifactor Authentication
- Identity and Access Management (IAM)
- Data Analytics And Business Intelligence: Power BI, Tableau for data-driven decision-making.
- Automation And Workflow Management: Microsoft Power Automate, Zapier for automating routine tasks.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Salesforce, HubSpot for better customer management and sales automation.
- Backup And Disaster Recovery: Having a hybrid backup plan is best.
- Network Security: Advanced firewall protection is important, but work with a professional to get what your company needs.
- Virtualization And Remote Access: So employees can work remotely securely.
- Hardware Upgrades:
- Servers: Upgrading to more powerful, energy-efficient servers.
- Workstations: Transitioning to SSDs for faster performance.
- Network Equipment: Implementing Wi-Fi 6 routers and switches for improved connectivity.
Ready To Update Your Tech?
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Ready To Transform Your Business With Better IT Support?
Call us at 877-795-4801 or click here to schedule and discover how the right IT partner can help you achieve your business goals.
