Should You be Doing More of Your Own IT Work?

Many businesses are torn between outsourcing their IT work and doing it themselves. Both have their pros and cons, so you should always weigh your options carefully to know which suits your business. As much as you can save money by doing your own IT work, it may not be sustainable or convenient. Consider the following points to help you decide.

It gives you knowledge of your company’s technology

The first-hand experience of your company’s IT system will provide you a better picture of its condition. This way, you can identify the IT needs of your employees, customers, and business.

It’s always good to have a working knowledge of your own IT. Although some business owners can get by without any knowledge of their IT infrastructure, it’s not ideal. For instance, an employee can easily steal information or tech without you knowing.

You can save some money, but…

For sure, you can save several thousand dollars by dealing with the IT problem on your own. This is a practical move, especially if you have intensive knowledge about how your system works.

However, you should also consider that long-term IT work could stymie your other projects. Since you’re spending time overseeing your IT department, you might miss out on other things that matter.

For some businesses, it might be more practical to enlist the help of an IT partner. This way, you can outsource your IT work and focus more on running and expanding your business.

Detailed repairs and installation should be done by experts

If you only have a working knowledge of your company’s IT, it might be best to ask for the help of an expert. This is true when you need to install new hardware or if you need intensive repairs.

It’s rare for a business owner to be knowledgeable enough about the ins and outs of IT components. Even if they do, taking the time out from business work just to handle the repairs might cost more in the long run.

When it comes to IT, it’s usually more cost-efficient to outsource major repairs or installations than doing it on your own.

Can you handle a large team?

Maintaining an in-house IT team has its advantages and disadvantages. First of all, employing IT experts will give you full control and exclusivity on your IT solution. Also, the employees are located on your premises, which allows you to monitor their performance easily.

However, in-house IT teams come with huge overheads. Small businesses don’t usually have the budget to fund such a department, so they are better off outsourcing their IT needs. Also, hiring IT experts for full-time positions demand continual training and salary raises. Again, that translates to more expenses and management woes on your end.

If you are in doubt, you can talk with an IT partner to discuss your options. They can help you decide if outsourcing is the way to go.