When IT works effectively, you don’t give it some thought, and that’s the way it ought to be. However when small issues begin slipping by way of the cracks, it might quietly price you time, cash and productiveness.
In our work with medium-sized companies, particularly in manufacturing {and professional} companies, we frequently see the identical IT errors cropping up repeatedly. They’re not dramatic, however over time they create frustration, inefficiencies and pointless prices.
Listed below are 5 of the most typical points we see, together with some sensible methods to get forward of them.
1. Paying for software program nobody’s utilizing
It’s surprisingly straightforward for software program prices to spiral. Somebody leaves the enterprise, however their Microsoft 365 licence retains working. A brand new software is trialled, forgotten about, and the subscription quietly renews. Earlier than it, your IT price range is being chipped away by instruments nobody is definitely utilizing.
What to do:
Make time each couple of months to assessment your licences and subscriptions. Should you’re utilizing Microsoft 365, examine that solely lively customers are being billed. The identical goes for different platforms – have a look at utilization, not simply price, and cancel or reallocate something that’s not wanted.
2. Hanging on to outdated tools for too lengthy
We’ve all performed it. That outdated laptop computer “nearly works”, so it will get saved as a backup. A server within the nook of the workplace remains to be working, so nobody needs to the touch it. However ageing tech slows your staff down, results in extra help points and infrequently finally ends up costing greater than it saves.
What to do:
Put a fundamental {hardware} lifecycle in place. Evaluate your tools yearly and have a plan for changing something that’s slowing your corporation down. It’d really feel like a spend up entrance, however it might lower your expenses on repairs, downtime and inefficiency in the long term.
3. Utilizing Microsoft Groups… however nonetheless emailing every little thing
Many companies have invested in Microsoft Groups however haven’t modified how they really work. Recordsdata are nonetheless emailed backwards and forwards, conversations are misplaced in inboxes, and collaboration doesn’t actually occur.
What to do:
Should you’re utilizing Groups, make it the central place for communication and collaboration. Retailer shared recordsdata in channels, use chat as a substitute of lengthy electronic mail threads, and reap the benefits of options like activity lists, assembly notes and integrations with different Microsoft instruments. It creates a clearer, quicker method to work.
4. Ready for IT issues earlier than doing something
IT is commonly handled as one thing that solely wants consideration when it goes fallacious. However reacting to issues, somewhat than planning forward, results in rushed choices, additional prices and avoidable disruptions.
What to do:
Arrange common IT opinions – even quarterly catch-ups could make an enormous distinction. Use them to identify potential points early, plan upgrades, and ensure your expertise is aligned with how your corporation is evolving.
5. Underusing instruments you’re already paying for
Most companies have already got entry to instruments that might make an enormous distinction to the best way they work – they simply don’t realise it. Microsoft 365 alone contains issues like OneNote, Planner, Types and automation instruments, however many groups solely use Outlook, Phrase and Excel.
What to do:
Ask your IT associate to stroll you thru what’s included in your present setup. You could discover instruments that may simplify handbook duties, scale back admin and even substitute different subscriptions you’re paying for individually.
Want a hand getting extra out of your IT?
At Neuways, we assist companies throughout the UK minimize by way of the noise and get actual worth from their IT. Whether or not it’s reviewing your setup, trimming pointless prices or serving to your staff take advantage of what they’ve already acquired, we’re right here that will help you make good, sensible enhancements.
If any of the problems above sound acquainted, we’d be completely satisfied to have a chat – no jargon, no stress. Simply clear recommendation to assist your IT work tougher for your corporation.
