6 reasons it’s time you changed your IT services provider

Finding ways to streamline your costs, improve your efficiency and capitalise on new and emerging technologies is key for any growing business. These are also areas in which it pays to work with an experienced and reputable IT services provider, who can help you achieve these goals and will add value to your business.

No two IT services providers are the same and the level and quality of support delivered can vary widely. Here are some telltale signs it may be time to make the switch to a new provider.

 

1. They don’t understand your business

Your IT services provider should take the time to understand your business and the individual challenges you are facing but also what your ambitions and plans are for the future. It is only then that they will be able to proactively support the development of your IT systems in line with your changing business needs.

A red flag for an IT services provider you may be working with is that they simply recommend updates and technologies they are associated with (and therefore may benefit from), rather than recommending those that would be of the greatest benefit to you. This is something we feel very strongly about here at Dragon IS, where we will only ever recommend what we have personally tested and that we know will add value, based on a deep understanding of the business.

 

2. They bamboozle you with jargon

When you work with an IT services provider you are relying on their specialist knowledge and skills to help keep your business up and running. Not only that but you will be trusting in them to keep your systems updated and secure, in line with the evolving needs of the business.

It’s therefore vital that your provider can explain things in an understandable way and that they are patient in doing so. You should always feel you can ask questions and expect to understand the answer. The consistent use of jargon and highly technical language can be a huge barrier to building a long term, trust-based relationship.

If your current IT service provider is unable to speak to you on a level that works for you, then it’s time to find someone who can.

 

3. Their communication is very poor

Transparent and responsive two-way communication is essential in business, especially when it comes to key support functions you are paying for, such as IT.

At a basic level, you need to know you can easily get hold of someone when you need them and that you won’t always be having to chase for a response. Your IT services provider should also be proactive. You should be receiving comms on any open issues, together with status reports on how your systems are operating and also other relevant updates and developments.

If the only contact you get from your IT services provider is from the accounts team once a month when an invoice needs paying, it’s definitely time to switch.

 

4. You’re regularly hearing the same complaints

Another strong indicator that it’s time to look for a new IT services provider is if you’re receiving a large number of complaints in relation to your IT systems. These may be from customers or your employees.

Don’t get us wrong, system problems are to be expected from time to time. However, repeated instances of the same IT issues cropping up, time and time again, aren’t OK – especially when it’s costing you sales or damaging your reputation. It can also be incredibly frustrating for employees who may feel like they can’t rely on the systems to work when they need them.

If this sounds familiar, take it as a sign that it’s time to cut ties with your existing IT services provider before they do any more damage.

 

5. They are slow to resolve reported IT issues

How your current IT services provider deals with any issues is another big indicator to consider. IT issues come in many shapes and forms, from problems connecting and customers being unable to checkout online, to cybersecurity breaches. No matter what the extent of the problem may be, when an IT issue arises you need a team who will be on the case right away, getting you back up and running quickly.

If you’re repeatedly experiencing a delay in getting reported IT issues resolved, or you’re always having to chase for updates and explanations, it’s time to seriously consider switching to a new and more reliable IT services provider.

 

6. Theres high staff turnover

High staff turnover in any business is rarely a good sign (and often an indicator that a company doesn’t treat its employees very well), but a high staff turnover at your IT services provider can also detrimentally impact on your business.

When it comes to keeping your IT systems in good health, consistency and familiarisation are key – something that’s hard to maintain if the person assigned to manage your account is constantly changing. While you can’t stop people from leaving your IT services provider, if they’re regularly having to on board new employees this can compromise the quality of support you’re receiving.

If this is typical of your IT services provider, you might want to consider taking your business somewhere where the service is more consistent.

 

Thinking of switching your IT services provider?

Here at Dragon IS, we pride ourselves on being a people-centric, jargon-free company and we know our customers really appreciate that. (They stick with us – so we must be doing something right!).

Give our expert team a call for a no-obligation chat about your current IT challenges and how we may be able to assist you. You can reach us on 0330 363 0055 or by emailing info@dragon-is.com.

Here at Dragon IS, we specialise in providing affordable cybersecurity solutions and managed IT support for growing businesses. For help and advice with any of the issues raised here, please contact us on 0330 363 0055 or email info@dragon-is.com.