Companies open branch locations for a number of reasons — to expand into new markets, broaden the pool of available talent and develop deeper relationships with customers, just to name a few. In fact, data from the Census Bureau’s Business Dynamics Statistics program shows that the number of branch offices has increased steadily while new business startups have declined.
Branch locations can help increase productivity, enhance customer service and drive innovation, but geographic expansion is not without its challenges. Technology, in particular, can be a stumbling block if it’s not approached strategically.
Often, companies will implement very basic IT infrastructure in branch locations, assuming that the workers in these satellite locations can rely upon the main office for IT resources and support. This can work to a certain extent, if everybody has access to the applications and data they need to do their jobs.
However, poorly managed branch IT can sap productivity, create security risks and negatively impact customer service. Workers will sit idle waiting for someone to help them, and may circumvent company policies and security best practices just to get their jobs done.
Even if a branch office has minimal IT, it must be maintained. Computers must be kept up-to-date with the latest patches and software updates. Firewalls and other security devices must be administered. Data must be backed up and protected according to business and regulatory compliance requirements. Branch locations may also have phone systems, collaboration tools, audio/visual equipment, printers, scanners and other devices that will need maintenance from time to time.
Because branch offices typically lack onsite IT staff, these tasks fall to personnel in the main office. That means the company must invest in remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools, and potentially increase head count to support the additional workload. Even if existing IT staff can handle branch IT issues, they’ll be spending more time “keeping the lights on” and less on strategic initiatives.
Organizations that expand through acquisition often inherit diverse hardware, operating systems and applications that are difficult to integrate with existing systems and processes. IT staff may not have experience in these technologies, leading to delays in troubleshooting and support.
Managed services can help ensure that branch locations get the IT support they need. A qualified managed services provider (MSP) will have already made investments in RMM tools, and have a help desk and ticketing system for responding to user requests. The MSP’s staff will have the expertise needed to support a wide range of technologies, speeding problem resolution.
Behind the scenes, highly trained and experienced professionals will keep branch IT systems up-to-date and performing optimally. Proactive maintenance helps to minimize downtime and security risks, ensuring that users in every location are able to get access to the applications and data they need. This applies to mobile workers and telecommuters as well as branch office staff.
If you are looking to expand geographically or acquire another company, give Verteks a call. Let us develop a managed services plan that ensures every location enjoys the same level of IT performance, security and support as your main office.
