IT Consulting Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Posted on June 08, 2022

Topics: IT Solutions

IT Consulting Guide: Everything You Need To Know

If your business is looking to scale to increase revenue or branch out into a new market, outside expertise can go a long way towards making it happen. 

In these situations, many businesses will look to specialized consultants. This is often the case when businesses need to build their IT strategy. Instead of hiring in-house staff, companies will look to outsourced IT consultants to improve efficiencies, find new opportunities to leverage technology, and drive innovation.

But what exactly is an IT consultant and what do they do? Today, we’ll answer this and more. 

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What is IT consulting? 

IT consulting is an advisory service that helps clients align their IT strategy with their business goals, processes and budgets. Managed IT services and IT consulting take the strain off your internal resources by outsourcing technology services to a partner organization that specializes in IT. 

IT consultants will provide information and solutions for: 

  • Data protection and recovery 
  • Mobile security 
  • Remote access
  • Process automation 
  • Document management 
  • Cybersecurity and virus protection 
  • Hardware and software selection 
  • Software development 
  • IT maintenance and repair

These are just some of the most basic offerings. The range of information and services a consultant can provide is massive. 

They will also ensure that the company’s IT infrastructure adapts to the changing business environment to help give you a competitive edge. 

What are the benefits of working with an IT consultant 

There are many benefits to gain by working with an IT consultant, including:

  1. Less downtime 

There’s nothing worse than not being able to do your work because a system is overloaded or has failed. IT consultants will ensure your systems are properly maintained so that you don’t have any surprises. If something does happen to go wrong, they will be able to resolve it in less time so that everyone can get back to business. 

When it comes to completing maintenance or system implementations, IT consultants have a systematic approach. They will be able to plan the work so that it creates minimal disruptions, if any. They will also be able to effectively communicate with your employees so that they know what systems they can use and when, while work is being done. This way they can plan their work accordingly. 

  1. More time to focus on your core business 

As any business owner knows, there are many hats you have to wear when your business starts up. But as you expand, working with specialists can help ensure that less time is spent on admin and other support tasks, so that you can focus on what you know best – your business. 

By working with an IT consultant, you and your team will have time to focus on what they specialize in, while feeling confident that the company’s It infrastructure will continue to meet their needs. 

  1. Reduced expenses 

When people hear the term “consultant” they usually see dollar signs. But the reality is, consultants actually help you save money, as well as time and headaches. 

As we mentioned earlier, IT consultants help reduce downtime – this alone will have a huge effect on your bottom line. But that isn’t all. Because they’re experts in their field, IT consultants know how to make the most out of your IT budget. They can also ensure you're spending your money on the right programs and tech, so you don’t learn you’ve wasted your important cash flow on something that won’t actually do what you need. 

  1. Less surprise costs

There are few things worse than finding out you have to put out a large amount of money to update systems and software that wasn’t built into your annual budget. When you work with an IT consultant, these surprises should disappear. Your consultant has the big picture, and this allows them to keep you up to date with the latest tech and a well-planned timeline and budget.  

  1. Improved productivity 

When your employees are using the right technology, you can rest assured that they are saving time and getting more done. IT consultants are able to recommend systems and software that will streamline your company’s processes and find efficiencies that your staff may not have been aware of. 

Furthermore, because your staff are not spending time on IT, they have more time to do the job that they are specifically equipped to do. 

  1. Better security 

New cybersecurity threats are coming at businesses every day. To help combat this, your company needs a system that can protect it from every direction. While there are many off the shelf products that claim to help protect businesses, it can be hard to select the right solution when you don’t have a solid background in cybersecurity. 

An IT consultant is up to date on all the latest risks and threats. This allows them to pinpoint vulnerabilities and implement cybersecurity solutions that are specifically designed for the requirements of your business. And they’ll do it while ensuring your IT dollars are being spent on the right solution. 

How to find the best IT consultant 

When looking for an IT consultant, don’t get caught up in confusing tech speak. There’s a lot more to being a qualified IT consultant than being able to use industry jargon. 

That’s why, when looking for an IT consultant, you should consider these three important factors: 

  • They are understandable 

It’s important for an IT expert to understand the latest terms and technologies. But, when working with clients, it’s just as important that they’re able to break down this industry jargon into something you can understand. That way you can still feel like you are a part of the solution. It is your business after all, you deserve to know exactly what is going on, even if you aren’t implementing the program yourself. 

  • Experience 

You want to look for a company that has a strong reputation and a current track record of success. IT is an ever changing industry, which means someone may have been working in it for years, but not be prepared to meet modern demands because they didn’t stay up to date. 

Similarly, because IT is growing more rapidly, there are more and more people heading to school for IT related degrees and certificates. That means there’s also a growing number of people entering the market that still need more experience before they can provide end to end services businesses need. 

If you’re unsure about a company, ask for testimonials or references. A company that truly has expertise and has demonstrated their skills will be able to provide this. 

  • Transparent pricing 

Price should never be the main reason for choosing an IT consultant. Afterall, value is what really matters – what is the quality of service you are receiving vs. what you're paying? That’s why it’s important to have a clear understanding of what your IT consultant will provide.

Is outsourced IT consulting right for you?

If you are looking to scale your Ontario-based business and use technology to help increase productivity and grow, then an IT consultant may be right for you. They will help you design an IT strategy that compliments your goals and objectives and ensure it is implemented smoothly. 

For more information on IT consulting services, please contact us today.

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