Change management is always challenging. It's true that 68% of business executives in small and midsize companies believe that working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) helps them to stay ahead of the competition, according to Infrascale. The top reason MSPs are chosen is to save costs, increase security and reduce the time required to implement new technology systems.
Yet, there are always those that are resistant to changing to a new MSP. That's why you need change management policies to smooth the transition.
What Are the Dos in Change Management?
We've put together some quick tips as to how you should negotiate the change to a new managed service provider IT system.
What Are Your Key Stakeholder Groups?
Begin with identifying the key stakeholder groups who might be resistant to change, or at least, who might have to get on board early to adopt the new managed service provider security system. This includes the client's leadership, hiring managers, and suppliers.
Think About Top-Down Communications
What about others in your organization? While your stakeholder groups are essential, communicating with other levels is also crucial. Consider how other teams, such as the accounts payable team or those within procurement, might react to the change. Even if the MSP will lightly impact them, it's still important to communicate the new process.
What About Additional Methods of Communication?
Don't just think about who you need to communicate with, but also how you will communicate. Emails will build the basis of the discussion but consider additional methods (change management strategy examples include an informal meeting or video conference) that give more space for a forward-thinking, open-minded approach.
Introduce the Clients
The MSP suppliers should be involved in the transition process for your company. If you adopt a new MSP with IT Outsourcing New Jersey, it is crucial to introduce the suppliers and discuss how the new system differs.
What Are the Don'ts in Change Management?
A change in management strategy isn't always entirely straightforward. Here are some things to avoid.
Avoid Broad Communication
It's best to avoid only communicating with those directly involved in the change. Businesses are fluid, and the new MSP may impact all departments—it's best to share with all who are potentially or will be involved.
Consider Those Resistant to Change
Don't steamroll ahead with the change. Make sure you take time to listen to those who are resistant and reassure them of their concerns.
7 Factors to Consider in Program Adoption Policies
When it comes to adopting your new program, there are certain steps you should take to ensure it is the right MSP for your business. Managed service provider companies want to sell you on their products, so make sure you do the research yourself and don't rely solely on the word of the sales team.
Does it Pass the Background Checks?
As a consumer, you rarely buy a product (like booking a hotel or purchasing a car) without looking at the reviews. The same is true of shopping for a new MSP. The provider's site should have customer testimonials and reviews.
You might also want to look elsewhere online for other information about the client (e.g., employee reviews on Glassdoor) or visit their HQ to satisfy yourself that their values and culture align with yours.
Does it Fulfill Your Needs?
A change management policy for small businesses should ask the question: does it offer what you want? Not all MSPs are the same. You don't want to waste your time with an MSP that cannot handle your environment and user needs.
Does it Work with Your Other Technologies?
Due to the competition between MSPs on the market, most MSPs have to cooperate with most kinds of tech. For example, your company needs specific other systems or apps in conjunction with the new MSP. Ensure that it can handle and support other everyday business technology and any future additions your company might use in the future.
How Much Does It Cost?
Pricing tends to fluctuate around the size of your organization—make sure you understand the pricing structure should you add or remove teams using the MSP ahead of signing the contract.
Proactive or Reactive?
A good MSP will take proactive measures to prevent issues from occurring and have strong reactive powers to fix problems. An MSP that falls too much on either end of the spectrum is not so efficient or effective as one that can monitor the environment for errors and rush to fix them when they do occur.
How Does It Fit with the Rest of the Team?
Many organizations use a combination of in-house IT staff and outsource to MSPs, such as IT Support New York. While not on the company payroll, the managed service provider should essentially become part of the team. It is crucial to establish where they will fit in and how long they will be required.
The Service Level Agreement (SLA)
While it's so tempting to skip past a many-page-long contract or license agreement, it is essential that you thoroughly read your managed services agreement. You need to know that the service will provide the best possible assistance and technological solutions.
It's one of the most integral parts of your organization, and you want to ensure that this business contract details everything you need and want from the managed service provider.
Key Takeaways
When adapting to a new managed service provider, there are many elements to consider. From communicating the change with everyone impacted to researching and getting to know your prospective service provider, this is a decision that could make or break your organization's success.
The right MSP can improve your company's efficiency, cut costs and promote more productive working. However, the wrong MSP wastes time, money, and effort. Taking the time to conduct a proper change management strategy and considering the above essential factors could save your business a lot of stress.
About the Author: Chris Forte is the President and CEO of Olmec Systems, which provides specialized services of IT Consulting New Jersey, NY & GA area. Chris has been in the MSP work-space for the past 25 years. He earned his Master’s Degree from West Virginia University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. In his spare time, Chris enjoys traveling with his family. Website: https://olmec.com/.
