An IT consultancy could be defined as the set of techniques and knowledge that an independent IT company or consultant uses to advise other companies on how to use information technologies to achieve their business objectives.
The benefits of a computer consultancy are usually immediate since tasks are automated, processes are streamlined and resources are released that can be dedicated to much more profitable activities.
The objective of an IT consultancy is to offer the client company the ideal solution so that it can achieve the intelligent management of its internal processes. The complete cycles of sales, purchases, manufacturing, logistics, etc. are parameterized, and jointly with the client, the most appropriate hardware and software solution for their specific case is decided.
Even if your IT staff is comprised of the best professionals available in the market, a different category of experience is required to carry out software acquisition, market research and the search for alternatives that your business requires to be competitive and innovative. This skill can be found in a specialized consultancy.
Prerequisites and main drawbacks
Once the need to be covered by computer consulting has been defined, the scope, cost and time frame of the project must be defined. The role of the consulting company is to support and train its client from the beginning to the end of the project and deliver the project not only in the agreed scope, time and cost but also with the complete satisfaction of the client. The main drawbacks will be found in the following areas:
- Project scope and planning
The usual problem is that the client company does not know the detail of what the IT consulting project will provide until the project starts. In many cases, an incremental effort may be necessary, which in some projects can lead to significant financial losses.
- Unexpected costs
An IT consultant can help assess technological needs, but there is also the risk that, if it is not as professional as it would be advisable, there is an excessive investment in technology. The company may not know if the recommended technology is right for them.
- Loss of control
During a computer consultancy, systems or products for which that company has the most experience or knowledge are usually encouraged. The result is that you are so dependent on that provider that it is risky to leave.
- Security risks
In some cases, IT consulting may involve the risk of sharing confidential data. Data that may be required to work outside the company.
Advantages of IT consulting
- Functioning
When you find a demand for which you need to hire a consultant, start looking for references in the market about the companies that have more relevance and prestige.
To make this choice, you must give full visibility to the problem you wish to solve. Experienced consultants will analyze the demands presented and look for the best solutions that fit the question.
After that, the implementation and, if necessary, the training of the team will be carried out. All accompanied and coordinated by the consultant.
- The company can focus on what it does best
Whether it is dedicated to restoration or financial advice, a company’s experience is not necessarily related to computer networks or information technology. By hiring a computer consulting firm, the company can focus on what it does best and let another professional organization focus on helping with what it knows least, which is IT.
- It can save money
There is a significant cost saving related to specialized personnel that is no longer necessary to hire in staff and time that it is not necessary to spend studying what should be done. However, we must bear in mind that it will be necessary to invest some additional money. There must be some startup time and it is possible that some person in charge of ensuring that the terms of the IT consulting project are met will be needed.
- Reduced risk
Let’s say you choose to hire your own IT person to perform that IT consultant job and that for some reason you are wrong and you lose hours of work to solve it. In the meantime, customers may not be able to place orders online. You are losing money. Although this could happen with a computer consultancy, normally a reputable company will have an insurance policy behind them and a number of different systems that protect you in case something goes wrong.
- The value of team experience
It is difficult to hire a person who has enough experience to know what should be done. By hiring a computer consultancy you get a group of professionals who are probably well versed in a number of different areas.
- Software control
Using sophisticated tools, accompanied by good expert advice, it is possible to control all the solutions contracted by your company. Leaving this type of control in the hands of a consultancy will make it easier for your IT staff to focus on other business problems, improving productivity.
- Process automation
An IT consultant can carry out the survey of your processes and suggest solutions that automate a large part of them, increasing the efficiency of your collaborators. A specialized guide will provide guidelines to automate processes and increase the performance of your equipment.
- Outside vision
Very surely the business dynamics and work culture of your company prevent you from seeing some obstacles from another point of view. Consulting professionals will be able to see problems differently and understand certain issues that were not seen by your collaborators. Having outside help to think “out of the box” is the best way to resolve the impasses that occur routinely.
Opting for specialized technical help is the best option to increase your competitiveness. Do not waste more time, nyc it consulting can help you make your technology investments more efficient and secure.