Though technology is an integral part of the modern world and a great asset to business operations, it can also be a source of frustration when it doesn’t work properly or fails altogether.
When your business’s technology infrastructure is running smoothly, it can be difficult to spot the warning signs of an issue that needs to be addressed before it gets worse. Knowing these warning signs and understanding when to reach out for help can save you time and money in the long run. In this article, we’ll discuss five key warning signs that could indicate it’s time to call in a technology support professional.
What is IT support?
IT support provides assistance with the installation, configuration, and operation of computers, software, and other technology-related issues. It can be offered remotely or on-site, depending on the situation. IT support is provided by managed IT service providers that specialize in the field, or by an in-house IT professional.
IT support can be invaluable for businesses, as it helps them maintain their technology infrastructure, troubleshoot problems, and prevent future issues from arising. Businesses can quickly identify and resolve any problems that arise, ensuring that their technology remains up and running.
1. Your network is slow
If your IT setup is not functioning optimally, it could cause a major decrease in your system’s speed. This is a major problem for firms that rely heavily on the web and computer systems. When your internet speed is sluggish, it can have a negative effect on customer engagement online, as well as lead to an overall decrease in productivity due to downtime.
A managed network service provider can identify the precise causes of a slow network. They can rapidly supply a thorough understanding of your system, and either rectify the problem or give advice for whatever is causing issues.
2. Poor productivity
It is possible that your IT system is not up to the task of meeting the requirements of your employees. If they are unable to get to the documents they need or the applications and programs they use are running slowly, they could be spending more time attempting to correct IT problems, which would lead to a decrease in their productivity.
The functioning of your organization’s technology has to be able to manage the work of your staff productively. Having the expertise of an IT company can help you identify the problems causing low performance, and assist you in resolving them.
3. Security issues
It is common for organizations to think of cybersecurity as a one-time investment. They will establish essential IT security procedures, deploy some cybersecurity solutions, and then not worry about it anymore. An overabundance of confidence and inadequate planning can make your organization susceptible to phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches.
If your data is breached, it can bring about major repercussions. This could be because of a malicious cyber attack, a virus, or just an oversight by someone using the system; whatever the cause, your information technology is at risk. Cybercrime will cost companies globally an estimated $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015, making it more essential than ever to make sure your confidential details are safeguarded.
An experienced IT professional can help identify any potential security vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to ensure that your system remains secure.
4. Your tech keeps breaking down
If your business is consistently having technical issues, it could be a sign that your technology is not able to keep up with the needs of your business. It is possible that your hardware is too old, or perhaps there is too much being asked of the systems.
If your enterprise is constantly facing technical issues despite having sufficient hardware, it might be time to look for help from an experienced IT service provider to analyze and correct the problems.
5. Unusual activity
If you notice any unusual activity on your system, such as unexpected pop-ups or a sudden increase in data usage, it is important to contact an IT professional as soon as possible. Unusual activity can indicate that your system has been compromised by malicious software, or that there is a hardware or software issue that needs to be addressed. An experienced IT professional can help investigate the issue and recommend solutions to ensure that your system remains secure.
Get the right IT support from the experts
The IT network of a business is a necessary part of its operations and when it does not work properly, it can have a tremendous effect on the company’s performance, personnel, and clients. It is essential to be proactive and invest in the correct IT infrastructure for your business. If you need IT support, the managed IT experts at ION247 have the experience, resources, and expertise to advise you about the best IT solutions and implement them for you.