We get it – breaking up is tough, even with your managed services provider. But sometimes, sticking with the wrong partner could be what’s holding your business back. That’s where Josh Grant, our Business Support Manager, comes in. He’s worked with plenty of businesses who found themselves constantly trying to put out fires or feeling like their support hours could be put to better use.
Josh has a light-hearted take on this: maybe they’re just not that into you? It might be time to have the talk and break up because sometimes, recognising when it’s time to make a change can be the best move for your business. We sat down with Josh to talk through some signs that it might be time to move on from your current provider and why it’s OK to take that step when it’s right for you.
1. You’re always reacting instead of planning ahead
If your managed services provider is only helping when things break, leaving you constantly reacting to problems, it’s a sign they’re stuck in break/fix services mode. A proactive provider will monitor your systems, addressing issues before they cause disruptions. A good partner will help you stay ahead of problems, rather than just fixing them after the fact.
2. Your backlog is out of control
A growing backlog can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a valuable opportunity if it’s being managed right. If your provider isn’t helping you prioritise tasks or get value out of those high-impact items, it can feel like your support hours are going to waste. A strong partner will work with you on capacity planning and release management, making sure your systems are always up to date and your time is spent on tasks that matter most.
3. You’re getting cookie-cutter solutions
Your business is unique, and so are your challenges. If your provider is offering one-size-fits-all solutions, it’s a sign they’re not tailoring their services to your needs. A good managed services provider will customise their helpdesk support and incident management processes to fit your specific business goals, helping you get the most out of every service interaction.
4. You’re left waiting for support
If you’re finding yourself constantly waiting for support, it’s a major red flag. A proactive partner will offer regular change management and proactive monitoring services to make sure your systems are always optimised, rather than leaving you in the dark while problems build up. Your provider should be working at the speed of your business, not the other way around.
5. You don’t know where your support hours are going
If you’re unsure how your support hours are being used or worse, if they’re being wasted on minor tasks, it’s time to reassess. A good partner will provide detailed reporting, helping you see exactly where your time is going and ensuring your hours are spent driving business outcomes, rather than simply ticking boxes.
What a good managed services provider should do
The best managed services providers do more than just react to issues. They act as true partners, helping you get the most value out of your time, providing tailored solutions that align with your business goals, and ensuring you’re always planning ahead more than firefighting.
With Thrive managed services, we help you stop wasting hours and focus on what really matters. If you’re ready to partner with a provider who helps you plan ahead, manage your backlog, and ensure every hour is well spent, we’re here to help you and your business thrive. Click below to claim your free 15 minute consultation with our team!