Hiring a managed IT services provider?
It’s a big decision—and easy to get wrong. The top 5 mistakes businesses make when hiring managed IT services can cost time, money, and peace of mind.
In this article, we’ll break down these common pitfalls and show you how to avoid them.
Ready to make the right choice? Let’s get started.
Bloated Software Slowing PCs
One common mistake when hiring managed IT services is ignoring the impact of bloated software agents. These programs hog resources, slowing down your team’s productivity.
Why It’s a Problem
Sluggish PCs lead to missed deadlines and frustrated employees.
How to Avoid It
Ask about the software they use. Choose providers with lightweight, efficient tools. Request a demo to see the impact firsthand.
Lack of User Control
Another big mistake? Choosing a provider that limits your team’s control over IT systems. While outsourcing can save time, it shouldn’t mean giving up all access to your own tools and processes.
Why It’s a Problem
When users can’t make simple adjustments, even minor issues turn into major bottlenecks. Productivity stalls, and frustration builds.
How to Avoid It
Ask about the level of control you’ll retain. Look for providers who strike a balance — offering support while still empowering your team to handle day-to-day tasks when needed.
Hard-to-Exit Contracts
Exiting a managed IT provider can be harder than it should be. Some leave behind outdated documentation, expired passwords, or lingering software agents, making the transition messy and time-consuming.
Why It’s a Problem
Outdated records and unresolved access issues can disrupt operations, slow system performance, and even compromise security.
How to Avoid It
Choose providers with clear exit processes. Ask about up-to-date documentation and how they handle account transitions. Ensure they commit to removing all software and providing valid credentials before termination.
Overreliance on Remote Support
Many managed IT providers prioritize remote support over onsite visits. While remote troubleshooting is convenient, it can’t solve every problem—especially hardware issues or complex network setups.
Why It’s a Problem
When engineers won’t come onsite, critical issues can drag on, leading to prolonged downtime and frustrated teams. Some problems simply need hands-on attention.
How to Avoid It
Look for a provider that offers a balance of remote and onsite support. Ask about their response times for onsite visits and ensure they’re available when you need in-person assistance.
Expensive Ad-Hoc Tasks and Vendor Lock-In
Some managed IT providers make it difficult for other vendors to step in, often through restricted access or complex systems. This forces you to rely on them for ad-hoc tasks—which can come with hefty price tags.
Why It’s a Problem
You’re stuck between two bad options: pay their high fees for every little project or deal with the hassle of onboarding another vendor who lacks proper access. Either way, it costs you time and money.
How to Avoid It
Ask about vendor access and system transparency upfront. Choose providers who prioritize collaboration and avoid locking you into their ecosystem for every task.
Wrapping Up
Avoiding these pitfalls can make all the difference when hiring managed IT services. Choose a provider that prioritizes efficiency, transparency, and collaboration to keep your business running smoothly.
Looking for trusted managed IT services in Singapore? Get in touch with us today to see how we can support your IT needs.
