Interscale Content Hub – In Australia, where a lot more AEC companies are using digital tools and technologies, managed services are becoming the go-to option.
A lot of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms are turning to managed IT services as a strategic solution.
But what are the benefits of managed IT services? And how can they give AEC businesses the boost they need to thrive?
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of managed IT services, drawing on insights from industry experts and real-world examples.
Key Benefits of Managed IT Services for AEC Businesses
First thing first: what are the benefits of managed IT services? When you’re looking at all the benefits, it’s worth remembering how transformative they can be, especially for industries with complex operational needs like AEC.
So let’s have a quick look at some of the main advantages below.
Cost Efficiency and Predictability
For AEC businesses, the financial effect of IT management can be a big advantage.
The “What You Need to Know about Managed Services,” report by Cisco shows a whopping 65% of IT budgets are often eaten up just by “keeping the lights on” – maintaining existing systems and infrastructure.
The costs of buying hardware, software licences and hiring an in-house IT team can really eat into resources.
Managed IT services are a great way to make your IT costs more predictable by moving from a capital expenditure model to an operational expense.
Cisco also says that organisations using managed services can cut their in-house IT costs by 30% to 40%.
This means AEC firms can use their money more wisely, putting it into the things that matter most to them and helping them grow.
As a starting point, you might want to take a look at “7 Types of IT Managed Services & Differences.”
Access to Specialised Expertise
The fast pace of tech change means AEC firms need to get some specialist skills in-house. The problem is it can be tough to find the right people or to afford them.
The Harvard Business Review Analytic Services white paper, “Next-Generation Managed Services: Journey from Cost to Value,” report looks at the growing trend of outsourcing, which is driven by the need for specialised skill sets.
Managed IT service providers give you access to a whole pool of experts across different areas, from cybersecurity to cloud computing.
This means that AEC businesses can get the expertise they need, when they need it, without having to worry about recruiting, training and retaining specialised IT staff.
The white paper also says that managed IT services can help organisations “fill skills gaps” and “get ahead in key areas.”
Enhanced Cybersecurity
As the world becomes more connected, cybersecurity is becoming a bigger and bigger issue.
The “IT Modernization Plan: A Business and IT Journey,” by the USA Social Security Administration underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, stating that “the information entrusted to us by the American public must be protected against unauthorized access and disclosure.”
Therefore, managed IT service providers are great for boosting an AEC firm’s cybersecurity. They focus on security and have access to advanced threat intelligence, which helps to keep your data safe.
They implement measures to spot and stop threats, keeping sensitive project data and client information confidential, secure, and available when needed.
Improved Operational Efficiency
The IT infrastructure in the AEC industry is pretty complex, with lots of different software, hardware and data management needs. This can sometimes lead to operational inefficiencies.
The Cisco report says a big 80% of network outages are often down to changes in the IT environment.
Managed IT services bring some great streamlined processes and automation tools to the table, which are great for optimising IT operations and minimising downtime.
This means architects, engineers and construction professionals can get more done, because they can rely on a stable and efficient IT infrastructure to support their work.
Scalability and Flexibility
The AEC industry is all about cycles, with projects coming and going. So, you need an IT infrastructure that can flex up or down to match.
Managed IT services are flexible enough to adapt IT resources to match project needs.
Whether you need more computing power during busy design periods or less during quieter times, managed services ensure you have the right IT resources at the right time.
That way, you can save money and avoid overprovisioning.
The Harvard Business Review white paper says managed services help organisations “scale capacity (human or automated) as and when needed.”
Focus on Core Business
AEC firms are great at designing and building buildings and infrastructure, but they’re not so good at managing IT systems.
By getting a managed service provider to take care of their IT, these firms can use their own resources to focus on what they do best.
This means architects, engineers and construction professionals can focus their time and expertise on delivering great projects, encouraging new ideas and helping the business to grow.
The Harvard Business Review white paper shows how managed services let organisations “free up capacity to work on strategic projects and initiatives”.
Proactive Support and Maintenance
Managed IT services are all about keeping on top of things before they become issues.
They set up a system to keep an eye on things and fix any problems before they affect how the business operates.
This means less downtime, a more stable system and AEC businesses can operate with confidence, knowing their IT is in good hands.
The Cisco report says proactive IT management is key, and that managed services can help you “proactively tune and optimise the infrastructure.”
Challenges in Implementing Managed IT Services
There’s no doubt the benefits of managed IT services are there to be seen, but there are a few hurdles to overcome along the way.
The USA Social Security Administration points out how tricky it can be to operate in a hybrid environment during the transition, where both legacy and modern systems are used at the same time.
This can make it harder to keep data integrity, performance and security consistent across different systems.
Another hurdle is finding the right managed IT service provider.
The Harvard Business Review Analytic Services white paper says it’s crucial to pick a provider that’s in line with your company’s long-term goals and has the right know-how and industry experience.
If these things don’t match up, it can lead to inefficiencies, confusion, and ultimately, not getting the results you want.
Also, some businesses might be worried about giving up control of certain IT functions.
The Cisco report recognises there are some businesses out there who are worried about losing visibility and control over their IT infrastructure.
Finally, some AEC businesses might find the cost of moving to a managed services model a bit of a hurdle.
While managed services can save you money in the long run, there can be a big upfront cost in moving your systems, transferring data and training your staff.
It’s important to look at the initial costs and potential long-term benefits to make an informed decision.
As a foundation for further study, we suggest reviewing “Business Basic 101: Why Information Technology is Important in Business?“
What are the Benefits of Managed IT Services in Australia Like Interscale?
Here at Interscale, we focus on the AEC industries and we’ve got the solutions you need to tackle these challenges head-on.
We can help you with the challenges of moving to a managed services model.
So, we work closely with you to put together a comprehensive plan to keep things running smoothly and make sure the migration of systems and data is a breeze.
Our team of experts knows the industry inside out and has the technical skills to get through the complexities of a hybrid IT environment.
That way, our team of experts makes sure your data is kept safe and everything keeps working well throughout the transition.
When it comes to cost, we work with your business team to create a clear financial plan for moving to managed services.
This includes pricing models and cost structures you can see and understand, which help businesses manage their budgets better.
Of course, we’re not asking you to take our word for it. Absolutely, beyond our marketing, we’re all about transparency.
So, we suggest you do your own homework – take a look at our track record, explore our services, and feel free to ask us any questions you may have.
You might like to start with our Interscale IT Managed Services page, where you’ll find all the details about how we operate.
We’d also love to have a catch-up – maybe over a coffee and a croissant?
Let’s talk about the IT issues you’ve been facing and see how we can resolve them.
In Closing
As with anything, implementing managed IT services comes with its fair share of challenges.
That said, if you’ve got the right partner, like Interscale, you can tackle these challenges head on.
But what are the benefits of managed IT services again? They can really transform how efficient, secure and successful your organisation is.
