Managed IT: Does Your Business Need it?
Information technology and why one size won’t fit all
It might seem like an obvious statement. But the simple fact is that one-size-fits-all Managed IT support is doomed to failure from the start.
On the face of it, what difference is there really between accountancy and law practices and logistics and transport? Both use mobile devices and office-based computers and systems.
There may be various software applications, and all of them can be managed with off-the-shelf or packaged services right?
Well no. Managed IT methods must vary from business to business.
Accountancy & Law vs Logistics & Transport
Accountancy and Law
Let’s take a look at the legal profession. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requires law firms to meet their regulatory requirements. In particular to improve efficiency and to better manage exposure to risk. The SRA regulates most solicitors and law firms in England and Wales.
The SRA regulatory framework is designed to serve the public interest and protect consumers of legal services.
Those consumers are individuals and businesses, dealing with a broad range of personal and business legal matters. Information security is critical for a law firm. Loss of data to cyber-attack or poor processes is simply not an option.
As a heavily regulated sector, there are other considerations. How software is procured, and specific considerations for the implementation of artificial intelligence in a business.
What all this means is that managed IT support must have the right knowledge and understanding of this sector. That will ensure that IT including hardware, software, and especially cyber security meets specific compliance requirements.
Chartered accountants are subject to a similar regulatory regime through ICAEW. Add to that requirements for entry and licensing, education, and ongoing monitoring of the performance of professional accountants.
Logistics and Transport
It’s a somewhat different story for transport and logistics firms. There are of course regulations like drivers’ hours which need to be met and monitored, load weights, health and safety, and so on.
Compliance tends to be set by the customer. A logistics firm dealing with a supermarket, for example, will have a specific set of rules to meet and maintain. Managed IT support must have the knowledge to install and maintain suitable systems that can help to manage this process.
A logistics and transport firm will need to be able to manage systems that can speak to software run by customers. A managed IT service must have extensive knowledge of this aspect of the business. Connection and uptime can be maintained at a high level.
And with vehicles on the road, there are mobile technologies to consider as well.
There is, of course, still the issue of cyber security. Keeping everything safe and secure from attack, theft, and loss is also a consideration for IT support.
So law firms have significant regulatory and compliance requirements to include in their IT strategy. Logistics and transport businesses must consider efficiency, customer requirements and management of complex processes and systems.
The common denominator with all businesses from an operational, compliance, and GDPR point of view is cyber security.
Where do Information Technology and Managed IT Support fit into Business Sectors?
We’ve taken a brief look at two sectors in this blog. We’ve illustrated just some of the challenges that businesses face when considering how to develop IT provision. And we’ve looked at IT so that it works with compliance, processes, and security.
The concepts can be similar, but the practical application of what’s needed; both hardware and software, are very different.
Our Top #3 Tips for Procuring Managed IT Support for Different Business Sectors
- Ask for information about sector-specific experience and knowledge from the IT support companies that you are asking to quote.
- Write a clear brief of your business processes and requirements.
- Check out testimonials, reviews, and references.
Our team here at 39D Support has extensive knowledge in a number of business sectors, including accountancy and law and logistics, and transport.
We can project manage new installations from computer networks to software installation, as well as ongoing helpdesk and managed IT support.
If you think that managed IT support is right for your business, get in touch. We’ll arrange a chat with a member of our team and an assessment of your particular IT requirements.
