Any corporation striving to improve their productivity usually incorporates a sizeable IT component. This can consist of a server that stores files, a learning management system, warehouse management systems, and many, many more. The general perception is that small and medium-sized enterprises manage their own IT through an internal IT person who manages all IT functions within the enterprise. This usually includes the management of the server, hardware, software, user access and storage, and in some cases, even the training of new employees on the system. The truth is that SMME IT has changed, especially if you run an enterprise with an online shopping or buying system. This means that your users and your employees will regularly require the use of effective support services.

Internal IT support services can be very helpful in small companies but, considering the workload of the few members of IT staff that you can afford, it is impossible for your limited staff allocation to serve all the users of the system effectively. This is why a lot of SMMEs nowadays outsource their IT support services to external companies that take care of various elements of IT management without having to put extra pressure on the internal IT staff. Some companies even outsource their entire IT function, which could include storage, HR management, payroll, accounts, user queries, and training.

You can boost the productivity of your SMME in the following ways by outsourcing your IT support services:

• Better response rates: If you only have one or two people in your organisation responsible for user support, there will be times when they simply cannot provide the IT support services required. If you are dealing with the public, like when you have an online shop or registration process and people need help, you risk losing clients if support is not available. Outsourcing your IT support services to a professional company will ensure that enquiries are dealt with swiftly and that there will always be someone available to assist with queries – whether from within or outside the business.

• Frees up internal IT staff: If someone else takes care of some of your IT support services, it frees up internal IT staff to attend to other important IT problems. It reduces the burden on your IT department and provides extra time for them to focus on building a better IT infrastructure and design custom reports.

• Access to expertise: Professional IT support services are aware of new developments. They know about innovations that may benefit your SMME, and they could introduce functionality that makes your company easier to run and manage. Certain things like recognising trends and being able to predict market movement and customer behaviour puts you in a more competitive position; an internal IT person won’t always have the knowledge or expertise to implement these things or manage them.

If you want to increase the productivity of your SMME, you should consider outsourcing your IT support services to a company that can manage your system, provide support and escalate your IT base. Give our team at Sequoia a call to find out more about how we can help your enterprise be more effective.