The Benefits of Regular IT Health Checks

Do you really know the efficiency of your operating system, network devices, backups and storage?

An IT Health Check, which includes a Site Audit Report, can address these issues.

Positive outcomes

The IT Health Check often results in several positive outcomes:

• Understanding and Managing Your IT Budget: For instance, one of our clients, a mid-sized manufacturing company, discovered through a pre-engagement IT Health Check that they were overspending on redundant software licenses. By streamlining their software usage, they managed to save over $20,000 annually, which they then reinvested into more critical areas of their business.
• Asset Management: A local law firm we now work with had accumulated a variety of hardware and software over the years, creating a chaotic IT environment with significant levels of "Technology Debt". Our health check provided them with a comprehensive asset management list, enabling them to make informed decisions on equipment upgrade priorities and a replacement schedule. This not only improved their operational efficiency but also enhanced their overall IT security.
• Enable Rapid Business Decisions: Knowing explicitly the state of your IT assets and infrastructure capability provides confidence to make business decisions without the nagging doubt that any actions will be limited by the state of your IT systems.

What's Involved

Outsourcing companies often provide certified technical specialists to carry out a free "desk" or off-site review of your IT, including checking out the efficiency of your hardware and network infrastructure, cabling, network equipment, remote access, servers, workstations, software and any ancillary devices.

Ideally, any review should include a high level conversation on current IT management practices to identify possible security risks. The decision on what kind of risk assessment needed can depend on the size of your organisation.

Investing in a free IT health check is a great place to start in determining whether an in-depth (often onsite with staff interviews) assessment is needed and what additional value would be provided.

The end result of any Health check needs to be knowledge - knowledge of where your IT systems rank and what risks and actions are needed for them to support your business.

The process may not only save you money as many of the latest technologies have dropped in price in recent years but also help you make the right buying decisions in the future  Additionally, it can provide peace of mind that you may already be getting the most out of the technology you have already purchased.

Does your organisation have formal IT policies?

You can take this opportunity to review your policies or in many cases recognise the need to implement IT policies to make your procedures transparent to all staff. Do any of the following situations exist within your business?

• Staff using their own mobile devices for business purposes? If so, you must have a clear Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy to ensure there is no security risk but also address privacy issues surrounding sensitive information.
• Usage of Generative AI tools such as Chat-GPT, Gemini, Copilot? Without clear guidelines on the privacy and security expectations, your staff usage of such great tools may lead to information leakage or privacy breaches - policy support in this area is a must.
• Staff working from Home or Remote Locations? Policies need to explicitly cover these key areas from multiple angles. Information security, staff safety and equipment maintenance all need treatment.

You must ensure this type of sensitive information, including human resources information, health information, financial information, client and marketing lists are protected if available on personal devices.

Having an IT health check is provided free, with no obligation to purchase any service or product. However, if you decide to implement any of the immediate, medium or long term recommendations, you can be assured it will significantly boost the IT performance for the organisation.

Think you need an IT Health Check?  We can help!