IT issues can crop up at any time in a company. They’re often harder to handle in smaller businesses with fewer resources or fewer people to deploy to resolve them. However, the complexity for larger companies often provides a greater challenge. Minimizing technology-related problems can go a long way toward keeping everything running smoothly and, when difficulties do crop up, they’re less of a hassle too. Here is how to do that.
Use Managed IT Services to Lighten the Load
A talented team of IT professionals can be just at your fingertips when relying on managed IT services. The companies that offer these services are fairly adaptable as to what’s offered and when. Many provide services on a flat-fee basis, so the cost is a known factor going in. Existing IT staff can work with the IT service company’s help desk to troubleshoot surprising IT problems as they arise. So, when they’re puzzled as to the root cause and how to go about fixing it, help is available. Also, systems can be monitored around the clock. This avoids needing employees to be on-hand 24/7 to do the same.
Control User and Access Permission Better
Controlling user permissions can help to prevent the unexpected or unwanted from occurring. For instance, a manager’s folder access should be at a different level to their team. This avoids a staff member accessing files that they shouldn’t be able to view. Also, there should be permissions that distinguish between read-only permissions and editing permissions too.
On the network usage, employees need to have their web browsers set up to prevent accidental downloading and opening of malicious files. Much can be done to prevent a virus outbreak on a work PC by taking cautious steps toward their prevention.
Keep Software Updated
Software updates aren’t just to get the latest, greatest features that have just been released; they also can include security and bug fixes. Software bugs can cause difficulties for the staff in getting their work completed. If the app is buggy enough that it keeps closely prematurely, losing the file, or worse, corrupting it, then an app update may resolve that.
Also, security updates aren’t just for Windows and other operating systems. They also include updates for installed software applications. These may have been revised due to the discovery of a security flaw that’s since been patched. Failing to update can leave a security hole that hackers could aim to exploit.
Reduce the Number of Moving Parts
While it’s always tempting to adopt the latest software and hardware, it can introduce new potential issues into the mix. Being an early adopter before the wrinkles have been ironed out isn’t a role that companies should usually take on willingly either.
By keeping to a limited hardware selection, standard system configuration, and a small collection of installed software, companies limit the things that can go wrong. And when they do, they’ll often have learned from experience with the same hardware, component, or software package, and know what to do. This saves both money and time.
Minimizing the IT costs includes carefully assessing what can be managed in-house versus by a third party, keeping the IT setup simple, and maintaining patches on systems and software. These measures are often enough to reduce the time lost to unanticipated IT difficulties.
