7 signs you need help with your IT infrastructure

When it comes to your business’s information technology (IT) infrastructure, you can’t just assume that your systems are working optimally right now and leave it at that. There are plenty of signs that indicate the current state of your IT infrastructure isn’t quite where it needs to be in order for your business to continue thriving. 

So if you feel like things aren’t quite right when it comes to your business’s IT infrastructure, keep reading for more details about common red flags and what you can do.

Slow system speeds

If your employees are constantly having to wait on their computers to catch up with their tasks, then your network isn’t working as quickly as it should be. It’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t just a problem with one computer — it’s a problem with the entire network. This means that each computer on your network is running at a much slower speed than it should be, which can cause a domino effect of delays and frustrations. 

If you notice this in your business, it could be a sign that your network is too saturated, which can be remedied with the installation of additional network wiring. Another possible cause, though, is that your computers are too old, and it’s time to upgrade.

Lack of storage space

Are you constantly getting notifications about low storage space? If you don’t have enough storage space, you’ll find everyone suffering disruptions in productivity. 

If you’re struggling to keep up with growing data volumes, you might need to invest in more storage hardware, or a cloud environment. However, there can be other reasons for a lack of storage space, such as an inefficient IT infrastructure. Auditing your systems before making a decision on buying more storage hardware or searching for a cloud provider will help you towards the right IT solution.

Network issues

If you have constant connectivity issues, it could indicate that your IT infrastructure is not up-to-par. A poor network could also result in decreased productivity and may even impact the morale of your employees.

The problem could be anything from an outdated router to inconsistent power outages. IT consultants will be able to pinpoint the issue; alternatively, regular network maintenance will help you ensure you network is running optimally.

Low productivity

If your employees are always complaining about how slowly their computers are running or how often they’re having to wait on programs to load, that’s a sign that your computers may be too old or too slow. Your employees may also be experiencing frustration with slow internet speeds that are affecting their ability to be productive. 

If this is happening in your business, you might want to invest in new computers, or investigate another internet provider, to help increase productivity. You may also want to consider investing in new software that can automate certain tasks faster, or perform more efficiently.

Compatibility issues

Underutilised servers, inflexible software, slow file transfers, and limited collaboration capabilities are just a few examples of problems that can arise when systems are not properly designed to work together. When these things are incompatible, it can lead to complications for your business, including slow performance and downtime.

In this case, you may want to consider investing in a central system, like a virtual data center, or upgrading your existing systems to ones that are more compatible with each other.

Increase in break/fix services

Your employees may be dealing with more break/fix issues than they used to, or you may find that you are needing to hire third-party IT services to patch recurring issues. 

If this is happening in your business, you may want to consider hiring a third-party IT support company to help you identify and resolve the problems on an ongoing, proactive basis, or help you pinpoint the issues so you can remedy them at the source.

Computers are crashing regularly

If you’ve been suffering from frequent computer crashes over the last six months, you might have a bigger problem than what meets the eye. This could be a result of not enough storage space, outdated hardware or even a lack of people to help manage and maintain IT systems. But it can also be caused by viruses that infiltrate your system, or even a cyber-attack.

Scheduling regular maintenance, software upgrades, or outsourcing to an IT support provider will help you avoid slow or crashing hardware.

Get specialist business IT support and upgrade

When it comes to your business’s IT infrastructure, you can’t just assume that everything is working optimally. Instead, you have to remain vigilant and constantly be on the lookout for signs that your current systems aren’t working as well as they should be. The longer you wait to make changes, the more challenging and costly they become.

The IT experts at Essential Tech can help you pinpoint the faults in your IT and help you find the right solutions to remedy them. Contact them today and start working towards a fully optimised IT environment.