In Canada’s dynamic business sector, technology plays a pivotal role in driving success. However, for many businesses, tech issues often create hurdles that negatively impact productivity, efficiency, and growth.
Addressing these issues head-on is essential to keeping your business operational, efficient, and competitive. Below, we’ll explore five common IT challenges businesses face and share practical solutions to help you overcome them.
Outdated technology
The issue: Many businesses, especially older ones, hold onto outdated hardware and software. While it may seem cost-effective to stick with what you have, aging technology often struggles to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced business environment.
Why it matters: Old systems and hardware can slow down operations, reduce productivity, and increase the likelihood of breakdowns. Imagine trying to win a race in an old, unreliable car while your competitors speed past in high-performance vehicles. It’s inefficient, frustrating, and prone to breakdowns, with replacement parts becoming increasingly scarce, and thus, more expensive.
Even worse, outdated technology lacks the robust security features of modern systems, making it vulnerable to advanced cyberattacks.
Solutions:
- Schedule regular technology assessments: Regular evaluations identify which tools are holding your business back so that you can make the necessary upgrades and replacements.
- Invest in cloud solutions: Cloud-based tools and storage options make it easier to access the latest technology without the need for costly hardware or infrastructure that quickly becomes outdated.
Increasing cybersecurity threats
The issue: Canadian businesses face a growing threat landscape. The frequency of ransomware attacks alone has increased by 15% in North America in 2024. Additionally, ransomware and other forms of malware are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Why it matters: Many businesses invest only in basic security measures, overlooking the evolving nature of cyberthreats. As a result, they fail to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that addresses all potential vulnerabilities.
Solutions:
- Implement and update security measures: Install the latest firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption tools according to your security needs, and apply updates as soon as they become available to stay ahead of new threats.
- Educate your team: Provide ongoing employee training on recognizing phishing scams, using strong passwords, and other best practices to protect your company from cyberthreats.
- Outsource cybersecurity: Cybersecurity service providers help protect your business by monitoring your systems 24/7, implementing the latest security solutions, and keeping track of emerging threats and developments.
Poor network performance
The issue: Poor network performance is a common frustration for many Canadian businesses. It is often caused by outdated infrastructure, insufficient bandwidth, or network congestion.
Why it matters: Slow network connections can impact load times of applications, cause delays in file transfers, and affect VoIP call quality. These issues waste time, frustrate employees and clients, and make it harder to meet deadlines and maintain high service standards.
The solution:
- Upgrade your network infrastructure: Regularly upgrade your network equipment (e.g., routers, switches, etc.) to maintain smooth and efficient operations.
- Prioritize bandwidth management: Consider using network devices and software that allow you to allocate bandwidth to essential tasks, such as video calls, ensuring that critical operations aren’t slowed down by less important activities.
- Consult with network experts: Network support specialists can provide recommendations for upgrades that align with your business needs.
Lack of IT support
The issue: A lack of reliable IT support is a significant challenge for many Canadian businesses. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), in particular, tend to lack the resources to hire full-time IT staff, leaving their teams to manage technology issues on their own or call break/fix IT services.
Why it matters: Failures in business technology disrupt workflows and create delays. Without the expertise to address issues such as server crashes or cybersecurity threats, your team risks missed deadlines, lost earnings, and wasted time that could be spent on growth-focused activities.
Relying on break/fix IT only compounds these challenges. The time spent scheduling visits, diagnosing problems, and implementing temporary fixes adds to delays. Worse, this reactive approach often fails to address the root causes of recurring issues, making it an inefficient and costly solution over time.
Solutions:
- Offer employee training: Equip your team with basic IT knowledge to handle minor issues confidently and efficiently.
- Partner with a managed IT services provider (MSP): MSPs act as your on-call IT department, providing round-the-clock support, proactive maintenance, and expert advice.
Expanding remote work
The issue: Remote work is increasingly becoming a permanent fixture. While nowhere near the numbers at the height of the pandemic, 20% of the Canadian labor force still work mostly from home as of November 2023.
Why it matters: Without the right tools and protocols, your team may struggle to stay connected, productive, and secure. Common issues include poor collaboration tools, inconsistent communication, and security vulnerabilities. These challenges are made worse when employees use personal devices or work on unsecured networks.
Solutions:
- Invest in reliable collaboration tools: Platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Slack enable seamless communication and file sharing, ensuring your team stays connected and productive.
- Strengthen remote work security: Implement endpoint security measures, multifactor authentication, and virtual private networks to protect company data.
- Leverage IT support for remote workers: Partner with an MSP to provide technical assistance, set up secure systems, and ensure your remote employees have everything they need to work effectively and safely.
Tech issues can quickly turn into major roadblocks for your business, but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Contact Technikel Solutions today for the assistance your business needs.