The holidays are here, and while you might be out of the office sipping eggnog, your IT provider is still working to keep everything running smoothly.
As you head into the new year, you might hear your IT team mention a “Pulse Check” or similar meeting. Whether they call it a Status Meeting, QBR (Quarterly Business Review), or TBR (Technology Business Review), the goal is the same: to ensure your IT is aligned with your business needs and running efficiently.
At Sure Systems, we live by the KISS method (you know… keep it simple…) and we’ve fine-tuned our Pulse Check to deliver you maximum value in a 30-minute check-in.
Here’s what you can expect during this meeting and why it’s worth adding to your calendar.
Anatomy of a Perfect Pulse Check
A good IT status meeting shouldn’t feel like a chore—it’s an opportunity to ensure your technology supports your business goals. Here’s what your IT provider or person should be able to tell you during this meeting:
- Future Planning: Clear plans for upcoming projects and strategies to improve your IT systems.
- Business Continuity: Confirmation that backups are running as expected, detailing what’s being backed up and how often.
- Asset and Resource Review: An overview of hardware, software, cloud services, and infrastructure to ensure everything is accounted for and optimized; and to check-in if you have any new needs for your team.
Usage and User Review: Insights into data usage, user activity, and any trends in support calls or equipment failures.
Security Position Update: A full rundown of your security posture, including antivirus status, risk assessments, and opportunities to improve.
Cost Control: A review of invoices, recommendations to manage costs, and a discussion of budget alignment.
What Does a Sure Systems Pulse Check Look Like?
We’ve designed our Pulse Check to be concise, actionable, and insightful. It’s 30 minutes long and can be held in person or via video—whatever works best for you. Here’s the structure:
We’ll Ask You:
- Are there any changes to your business that might impact IT?
- How is IT performing? What’s working, and what isn’t?
We’ll Update You On:
- Future Planning: Proposed projects and strategies based on your business direction.
- Business Continuity: Backup health, frequency, and scope.
- Resource Allocation: Asset reviews covering desktops, laptops, servers, cloud services, and more.
- Usage and User Insights: Trends in data usage, support calls, and user activity.
- Service and Licensing Reviews: Ticket trends, feedback, and updates on Microsoft M365 and Azure licensing.
- Security Position: Your security score, antivirus status, and potential risks.
- Cost Review: Invoice accuracy and ways to optimize IT spending.
Why It Matters
A Pulse Check isn’t just about reviewing the past—it’s about thinking about the future. It ensures your IT environment supports your business goals while staying secure, efficient, and cost-effective. At Sure Systems, we believe in proactive communication and transparency, so you’re never left wondering about the state of your IT.
Kick off the new year with confidence—schedule a Pulse Check and let us help you align your technology with your business. Even when you’re out of the office, we’ve got you covered!