For those with experience running a team or department, it’s easy to identify shortcomings, roadblocks, and process management issues. A manager or executive has the ability to see what works, and what doesn’t from a high-level, but the issue many decision-makers face is figuring out how to make it all work better. This is where a new set of eyes can come in handy.
When it comes to meeting challenges within a business environment, a solution provider is at the top of the list. CRM issues? Switch systems. Data overload? Migrate to big data in the cloud. The list goes on. Solution providers come in and help make big changes. They can provide you with the newest and shiniest software and business intelligence, but what most teams should be focusing on is the ability of a solution provider to provide guidance and advice about management decisions and organizational improvements. Finding a provider that does this – and does it well – can make all the difference in the success of your system.
You read that correctly. An experienced solution provider should be able to offer business insight into what exactly could be causing internal issues, and – in addition to selling bright new software- help re-engineer bottle necking and confusing processes unique to each client. Why spend time and money researching consulting firms who will outsource the after work to a solution provider, when you can have one point of contact; one project manager with a deeper understanding of what your team needs?
Not every solution provider comes with the same credentials or consulting experience. So there are a few things to be wary of. Check for certifications, company ratings, and past successes. Most business have these readily available on their website. Beyond the website, do external research; search a company’s name and “Awards” or “best practices” afterward. This is where results aren’t controlled by a webmaster, and all the dirty details from the past are out in the open.
Some other things to consider are the partnerships associated with each provider. It’s common for each company to have a set of partners that supply their technology. From CMS to mobile application development, these developers are most likely using a LAMP stack they’re familiar with. Make sure it’s one that fits the project at hand; bonus points if the stack can expend and extend as the business grows (like open source software).
Consulting can be dirty work, and finding a firm to trust can be an insurmountable task in itself. When it comes to what’s best for a business, sometimes keeping all of your eggs in one basket is a good thing. Scope out solutions providers that can offer your department and your projects the widest range of services. When you’ve only got one person working to solve your problems, there’s a lot less bound to fall through the cracks, and communication gaps are a thing of the past.
So what do you think? Considering using a solutions provider to help customize your business environment? OSSCube, A Division of Happiest Minds has extensive experience consulting businesses from start-ups to enterprise-level and fortune 500 companies. Give our experts a call, or email [email protected] with your issues, and we’ll help alleviate your pain.
Balaji has spent over 18 years in the IT Services Industry. With an experience encompassing Services and Product Marketing, he has successfully managed globally distributed Marketing and Product teams. He’s an analytical marketer with strong understanding and experience across marketing strategy, demand generation, field marketing, technology partner marketing, account based marketing, digital marketing, event management, analysis and third party relationship, PR/Media, people management, etc.
