These days, for any type of business, efficiency is the key to staying competitive. When it comes to IT procurement—buying technology such as equipment, hardware and software— many companies are discovering that using a dedicated IT provider isn’t just convenient, but a strategic move that saves them both time and money.
Here’s how partnering with an IT provider for the procurement process can lighten the load (and the cost) for your team.
1. Streamlined Process
Purchasing IT equipment and software involves a complex process: researching products, comparing options, negotiating prices, and doing the ordering. This can be a big job for any sized company and managing this in-house requires significant time and effort from your team. An IT provider specializes in these tasks and can handle the entire process efficiently.
If you need to upgrade your servers, an IT provider will quickly identify the best options based on your situation and goals, and take care of the purchase and delivery. They can often help you get things up and running, too. This eliminates the need for your team to juggle these responsibilities, freeing them to focus on their core tasks.
2. Cost savings
IT providers have established relationships with manufacturers. They understand market pricing and can secure products at a better cost or warrenty, and terms that you might not achieve on your own.
Imagine this: your business needs to purchase new laptops for 20 of your team members. An IT provider can help you secure the best cost and warranty to suit your preferences and budget, helping you get more value for your money.
3. Avoid costly mistakes
If you choose the wrong manufacturer, it can be a costly mistake for your business. IT providers bring expertise in evaluating products and solutions, helping you avoid mistakes that could lead to additional expenses down the line.
If you select a software package that isn’t compatible with your existing systems, it can result in extra costs for integrating it and possibly even end up with your team seeing downtime. An IT provider can ensure that you choose solutions that fit seamlessly with your current setup, preventing unexpected costs and disruptions.
4. Reduced strain on your internal team
Managing IT procurement internally requires a significant amount of your team’s time, which could be better spent on strategic projects. By outsourcing procurement to an IT provider, your team can focus on their primary roles, such as improving business processes or developing new products, rather than getting bogged down the purchasing details.
If your IT department spends weeks handling procurement tasks, that’s time not spent on enhancing your network security or optimizing your IT infrastructure. An IT provider can take over these tasks, allowing your internal resources to be used more effectively.
5. Access to the latest tech
Technology is evolving rapidly, and keeping up with the latest developments can be challenging. IT providers stay informed about new products and advancements, ensuring that you always have access to the most current and effective technology.
For example, if your business is growing and you require a more robust email system, an IT provider can suggest the latest email platforms with advanced security features, enhanced collaboration tools, and scalable options to accommodate your expanding team.
From streamlining the procurement process to avoiding costly mistakes and reducing internal resource strain, there are several advantages to using an IT provider for procurement services. By outsourcing your IT procurement, you not only make smarter investments in technology but also enhance overall efficiency, allowing your business to focus on what it does best.