Sitting at the heart of every SME business is its technology and ensuring systems and processes can meet both your current needs, as well as support future growth, is vital.
No business can afford disruption and downtime, or to provide anything less than a seamless experience for its customers. But when you’re a small business that doesn’t have the luxury of big budgets and an in-house IT department, it can be difficult.
Which is where an IT consultant comes in.
Calling on the services of an experienced IT consultant can be a cost-effective way to ensure you have strong infrastructure in place. They can provide a bridge between your technology and your people – translating your needs into the optimal, best fit solution; one which is going to be robust, efficient and secure.
Plus, they can help ensure you are meeting all your responsibilities in relation to data protection, while minimising the threat of being the victim of cybercrime. Working with you on a comprehensive strategy, managing system design and installation, and providing training where necessary.
The process of working with an IT consultant
An IT consultant will typically work with a business for a limited time period, to complete a specific project. They may also work with a company on a longer-term basis, providing a set amount of support at agreed intervals and fulfilling the role of an outsourced IT director.
The process starts with the consultant gaining a thorough understanding of the business and its goals and ambitions, including any specific challenges it may be facing. They will also examine the current use of technology.
Working closely with the senior team, they will analyse this key data before making recommendations and overseeing their implementation once agreed.
3 reasons to work with an IT consultant
Here we take a closer look at some of the core ways working with an IT consultant could benefit your business.
- Design your ideal system
It can be hard to look at things objectively and to see the bigger picture when you’re busy managing the day-to-day operations of a business. An IT consultant can come in with a new pair of eyes and a fresh perspective. They can fully focus on the business and what it’s working towards, before putting their experience and knowledge to good use to design the ideal system. This includes working out the best way to utilise and enhance existing infrastructure.
- Solve specific problems and challenges
If your business is facing a particular problem or challenge, then an IT consultant can help you work out the best and most efficient way to achieve your goal. For example, you may be looking to move to working in the cloud and wondering how to do so safely. Or currently operate your business using paper records and need a plan for embracing digitalisation. An IT consultant can help you find a solution that is cost-effective, supports efficiency and productivity, and helps future-proof the business.
- Benefit from niche expertise
Most small and medium sized businesses don’t have the budget – or the need – to employ a full time IT director, or an inhouse IT department. By working with an external consultant, you benefit from senior level support and experience, for as long as you need it to solve your particular needs. Any good IT consultant should be up-to-date on the latest solutions, threats and methods of best practice, which is really important in the fast-moving area of business tech.
Looking for an IT consultant?
At Dragon IS, we have been providing SMEs with expert IT consultancy for more than a decade. We are passionate about technology and importantly know how best to apply it to optimise core business operations.
Our customers come from a diverse range of industries and sectors, including finance, legal, property and professional bodies. You can see what some of them had to say about working with us here.
To find out more, call us on 0330 363 0055 or email lionel@dragon-is.com