Suffering from Productivity and Security Issues? These 5 IT Challenges Could be the Cause

Many businesses encounter a range of IT problems daily, from minor issues such as a malfunctioning monitor to more significant problems. Creating a plan to deal with all such issues that arise isn’t necessarily a simple task for business owners or managers but there are some areas where you can be proactive and prepared should the worst-case scenario happen. Doing so allows businesses to be well-equipped to take on any challenges that arise, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.

1. Outdated Equipment and Software

It’s easy to lose sight of just how out of date your IT kit may be. You’re busy running your business and not necessarily constantly reviewing your hardware and IT estate. A good IT Company should be able to do this for you by monitoring the state of the IT equipment you have in place. But even if that is the case, budgets can dictate if/when any new purchases can be made. But the reality is, older equipment can mean productivity levels can be lower. In order to run operations in a smooth and effective manner, it is really important to install up-to-date equipment. Not only does this help in terms of performance but it also helps in terms of security. It’s worth having an annual review of your hardware and software and undertaking regular updates. Doing so offers enhanced security features, improves device performance and reduces the risks of cyber security threats.

2. Lack of Cyber Security Measures

A major challenge for businesses today is the lack of effective cybersecurity measures and practices throughout the organisation. With a number of staff handling confidential data, cybersecurity risks like phishing attacks and weak passwords can result in significant data loss. In order to plan ahead, businesses should provide cybersecurity training to all employees and ensure that some of the foundation security features are in place. Preventative measures such as restricted access to private data, regular password changes, and multi-factor authentication can help to prevent cyberattacks and safeguard sensitive information.

3. Unreliable Internet Connectivity

Internet connectivity is essential for almost every business, yet it appears to be a common  problem that lots of businesses face. Low quality connectivity can interrupt workflows which can lead to data loss, unproductivity, and general disruption to daily operations. Whether the issue is due to unreliable Wi-Fi or slow internet speeds, it can be very frustrating for businesses. There can be many causes of poor internet connectivity, but by taking proactive steps to address internet connectivity issues, businesses can minimise disruptions and ensure that their operations run smoothly.

4. Cable Management

Believe it or not, disorganised, loose, or unplugged cables can cause a lot of downtime and frustration for businesses. Cables being disorganised can also be a safety hazard leading to unnecessary downtime. To tackle this issue, ensuring cables are organised and labelled is key. This comes into play when a machine stops working or breaks down, its crucial to be able to identify which cable belongs to what device. By being proactive about addressing the issue, businesses can save time and resources and ensure that their operations run smoothly.

5. Disorganised Data Storage System

It’s very important to keep track where files are saved so they can be rediscovered easily. Documents can be lost as well as accidental deletions. This results from not having a well-mapped data storage system or the right backups in place. File sharing systems such as SharePoint or OneDrive that enables easy file sharing is something that should be considered for all businesses. Especially when these systems allow for cloud-based storage of data and sharing from the cloud too – ideal for a remote workforce.