SMBs Must Make Computer Repair and Maintenance a Priority

Summary: It is essential for SMBs to commit to regular computer maintenance and network support. Routine repair and IT maintenance are vital to a thriving business, enhancing productivity, reliable function and business data security.

Some businesses have networks with a handful of connected devices. Others have extensive networks, servers, and multiple offices connected across vast distances. One thing holds true for businesses large and small: they all need computer network support and maintenance. It is foolhardy to believe that a fast and securely operating computer system is a “set and forget” asset. On the contrary, all aspects of business computer systems must be scrutinized regularly to ensure speed, security and functionality.

Regular IT Maintenance Extends Device Life

All devices on your computer network need to be maintained on a regular basis. By “all devices,” that means everything from cell phones, desktops, printers, servers and laptops. The more regularly they are updated and maintained, the longer they will operate properly. Small to midsized businesses (SMBs), depend on their computers to do business and cannot afford their systems malfunctioning. Inventory, customers, vendors, suppliers, banks, payroll and employees can all be affected by a system failure. For some SMBs, a prolonged system shutdown could lead to bankruptcy. Clients may go elsewhere to do business if they think you are unreliable.

Computer system health must never be taken for granted. There are at least three very compelling reasons for SMBs to embrace regular, scheduled computer repair and maintenance service:

• Faltering Computers Slow Down Your Employees – Without regular maintenance, productivity might be slowing. Long before a complete system failure, your network-connected devices could be slowing down or hanging up little by little. Imperceptibly at first, the slowdown manifests in less efficiency and eventually less production from your team.
• Neglected Systems Are More Likely to Fall Victim to Cyberattacks – Regular professional maintenance will uncover network vulnerabilities and hidden malware attacks. Sometimes, the system slowing down can be caused by a cyberattack launching in the background. Professional IT technicians assess the network for malware and spyware during scheduled maintenance visits. They can clear your system of viruses before they end up affecting client or partner networks.
• Healthy Computer Systems Support Brand Image – Professionalism in many fields is supported by the quality of the work produced by your employees and all devices on your network. For example, on a video conference call, a weak cell phone connection or a laptop that is slow to load files can impact your company’s image, making it seem less than first class. Excuses about your IT issues makes your company appear less professional and reliable. Regular laptop maintenance is crucial if employees use them to connect to customers.

Do You Need a Computer Tune Up?

Computer tune ups, repairs and maintenance should be done by a trained, professional IT employee. If you do not have an in-house IT technician, use a managed IT service to assess your network, perform regular maintenance and respond to service and repair calls for computers and other network-connected devices. Managed IT service providers can also be consulted for tech solutions and new device buying advice.

Designed for companies that lack an in-house IT employee, outsourced managed IT service is a newer, affordable long-term solution that benefits small business more than the traditional break/fix model. Many computer system problems can be diagnosed and fixed remotely. However, when a major event is hindering your business's operation, expert computer repair and maintenance specialists can come onsite with knowledge and solutions beyond your SMB's expertise. Since they are familiar with your network and devices, response time is quicker and repairs happen faster.

SMB Computer Maintenance Case Study

The small Boston manufacturing business owner felt she had enough IT knowledge to perform the company’s computer repair and maintenance herself. She felt, “After all, we’re small fry and only have a network with eight computers.” The computers were starting to slow down and key employees were getting hung up, waiting for programs and websites to load. Employees tried to plow through it rather than bothering the busy owner. Weeks later, the frustration level and increasing production time were hindering projects and blowing up the company culture with frustration.

The SMB owner finally got involved with the problem when the system went down repeatedly. After two work days and a weekend's worth of effort, the owner found she could not analyze the problem and was at a loss to fix it. After suffering financial losses and employees dealing with angry clients, the owner finally agreed to call in professional network consultants. It took more time to locate an IT company able to take on her project and schedule a service appointment.

The IT network service company found multiple issues causing the slowdown, including unpatched security vulnerabilities, unapplied operating system updates, and a computer spyware virus. They also discovered an adjoining restaurant was using her unlocked WiFi and dirty computer cooling fans were causing the overheating machines to malfunction or shut off.

Network Support and Maintenance

Investing in regular IT network support and maintenance improves the speed, security and reliability of the small business network and connected devices such as phones, tablets, printers and connected smart IoT devices. Employees and clients will not have to worry about your company’s IT reliability. Managed IT service providers work on a variety of systems which gives them insight into new products, what works best and new solutions. Since businesses pay a flat fee each month, budgeting is simplified. Also, it is in the service provider’s best interest to keep networks running smoothly, reducing emergency service call frequency.

Small business owners who use managed IT services can stay focused on running the business rather than dealing with unexpected computer network problems or routine computer maintenance. It is easy to put off security and maintenance when things get busy, but this approach increases your liability risk of data breaches and expensive cyber attacks and makes it more likely that your network will unexpectedly slow down or malfunction.

Use this list of questions for managed IT service providers before deciding on a company that will suit your small business needs.