IT managers have a lot to oversee, from digital transformation projects to system rollouts, updating hardware and managing suppliers.
To be able to do your job effectively and efficiently, you need strong support from a reliable IT partner. This doesn’t just mean someone who will sell you pre-spec’d hardware or say yes to your every request – but someone who will work with you to get things done the right way.
Choosing the right partner is vital to the success of any IT delivery. A flexible, freeform supplier can help you deliver projects without busting your budget or stretching your timelines.
Big isn’t always best
It can be tempting to think the bigger the IT partner, the better the service.
However, with a big supplier, you’ll be one in a thousand. They’ll have one model, one way of working, and one bottom line. It’s unlikely they’ll give you the attention and commitment required to scope and deliver a case-specific IT project.
Smaller suppliers are freeform and can be much more flexible when it comes to meeting your requirements. Most of the time, you already know what you need – be it hardware or lifecycle services – but an agile and invested partner can work with you to figure out how to approach your existing problems.
Get what you need, not what you’re given
Large suppliers will often convince you to sign large contracts, opting into services which don’t meet your requirements, or you don’t need outright. These extras being bundled in with your service package often sounds great on paper, but they’re just an extra cost hidden in plain sight.
If you’re locked in with a large supplier, it’s more efficient to keep the parts of your contract which make sense, whilst outsourcing what you can to a smaller, more flexible partner. This will help you leave behind preset, predetermined products in favour of custom hardware, and bloated services for custom services specific to your business, such as Device Lifecycle Management.
The right way vs the easy way
You should be wary if your supplier never works with you to find the most efficient and cost-effective way forward. Selling products without consideration is the easiest way forward for them – but it’s often the most expensive and most disappointing for you.
An experienced partner won’t hesitate to disagree with you if there’s a more efficient way for things to be done. No is thoughtful and collaborative, helping you deliver projects without busting budgets or stretching timelines.
Ultimately, a smaller, flexible IT partner will support you to make better hardware and service choices, ensuring your projects are delivered on time and on budget, to the highest standard. Stepping away from large, ‘one size fits all’ suppliers will allow you to move towards faster, smarter and greener IT.
If you’re looking for a flexible and collaborative IT partner to optimise your hardware or device management, you can learn more about our on-demand services, or get in touch with one of our experts.
