Curated by: Sergio A. Martínez

However, there are ways to avoid those bad days when everything seems wrong. Taking the time to ensure that all of your to-dos are in order, that essential files and documents are safe, and that data backups are running will go a long way in avoiding panic if something goes wrong. If at all possible, allocate time each week for software updates or checking on vulnerable systems to save you hours of headaches down the road if a potential issue is caught early on. Finally, establishing a rapport with your colleagues is critical, as it ensures that everyone remains on the same page and problems can be easily spotted early on. But even with safeguards like these, things can go sideways in unexpected ways, which can test every ounce of the skill, patience, and determination of an IT professional.

In other words, without the proper support, IT departments face a difficult job, often leading to days from hell for your employees. But with the right partner in IT support, this looming dread becomes a thing of the past — free from these worries, your team can efficiently eliminate many of these time-consuming tasks and have more energy to dedicate to other projects and initiatives within their organization. This shift in priorities allows them to focus on driving technological advances rather than simply running from one issue to the next. With an experienced partner in IT services at your side, you’re setting your team on a clear path for growth that allows everyone to focus on doing their best work.

Avoiding a crisis

Nobody wants days like these in IT, so it’s important to prepare and make a checklist of daily tasks to avoid spreading your attention too much. Keeping an eye on projects and deadlines, prioritizing tasks based on importance, blocking off time for large assignments, always saving work right away, and keeping the organization’s software up-to-date and running smoothly is a bit of standard advice that can save a lot of headaches in the long run. Nevertheless, in a mid-sized company, a crisis can still happen, and a fast and efficient resolution by the IT department is going to be pretty critical.

 The first approach, then, should include gaining an understanding of the full scope of any issue by identifying affected systems and data, as well as any potential implications on the business operations of the whole organization. Once the breadth of the problem has been established, it’s important to consider what methodologies and resources will be needed to manage the crisis properly. For instance, if there are significant hardware issues or a technical outage that needs attention, engaging an IT vendor or specialized contractor ensures that all personnel has the appropriate skill sets and qualifications for remediation. 

Moreover, creating a sound action plan for responding (for example) to customer questions and managing any legal repercussions from a breach can help minimize stress during such trying times. And while no one ever wants to deal with an IT crisis at their company, having a comprehensive plan that covers all possible angles ensures you can tackle it in an orderly fashion for smooth sailing throughout recovery. Time is always of the essence, so the best approach is developing a strategy that considers all stakeholders involved, with quick, proactive communication between departments and employees becoming essential for triaging the issue. It’s also important to be clear about the goals and expectations of the organization so everyone understands the urgency of addressing a problem before the situation gets worse. Having a good system in place to track progress will ensure rapid resolutions; if mistakes are made, acknowledging them quickly and openly with leadership sets the right tone to confront such issues. And seeking outside help when necessary is always a must.

“When a crisis strikes, I know it’s extremely tempting to try and tackle the issue yourself. After all, it’s often time-consuming and expensive to seek out external expertise, but the thing is, seeking an expert can result in a more efficient outcome than spending exhausting hours in front of a keyboard while tasks begin to accumulate”, says Rod Aburto, Service Delivery Manager and Partner at Scio. “External expertise can be fantastic for getting to the bottom of difficult problems quickly and thoroughly, allowing you to get back into business as soon as possible. Plus, with specialized knowledge on your side, you can keep glaring security risks at bay. Ultimately, when it comes to technology, outside assistance can make all the difference in staying ahead of an IT crisis.”

A partnership you can rely on

Having a small IT department often means limited access to technical resources, which is a challenge when you want to roll out new projects or solve an IT crisis. And the best way to get around this is to bring Nearshore development support to the table. Nearshore developers can provide expertise on any project your team may not be able to handle, while still allowing you to maintain control of the project efficiently. And by having more knowledgeable people on board who have had experience rolling out similar projects, you can complete work faster and more cost-effectively without sacrificing quality. In the case of the US, a Nearshore company such as Scio, which has some of the best software developers in Latin America, offers close proximity (both culturally and geographically) to their partners, making communication easier and more efficient.

All in all, by partnering with a specialist, any IT department can efficiently eliminate many time-consuming tasks and have more energy to dedicate to other projects and initiatives within their organization. This shift in priorities allows them to focus on driving technological advances rather than simply running from one issue to the next. In short, choosing an outsourcing partner is a great way for IT leaders to create order from chaos and avoid the feeling of a day from hell in the process, or for small or mid-sized IT departments that want better results without upgrading their existing workforce.

Ultimately, when you’re in the midst of an IT crisis, finding the right external expertise can often make or break a resolution, and recruiting well-qualified Nearshore professionals will offer an invaluable response to pressing difficulties facing an organization. Investing in this extra support when your company hits the wall can be a lifesaver and put your organization lightyears ahead in alleviating any IT challenge and ensuring maximum productivity, which is an absolute must if you want to stay ahead of the curve in the digital world.

The Key Takeaways

• In the IT world, it’s not especially difficult to have a “day from hell” thanks to the demands and responsibilities an IT professional juggles daily.
• And for a small team, a huge project or a software crisis can be a lot more dangerous than expected, with quick responses as a must-have.
• For these reasons, having the correct expertise in the field is extremely important, and a development partner is always the right answer.
• In the case of Nearshore, which offers proximity and technical know-how, these crises can be easily tackled without sacrificing efficiency, or worrying about flexibility in the team.

Scio is an established Nearshore software development company based in Mexico that specializes in providing high-quality, cost-effective technologies for pioneering tech companies. We have been building and mentoring teams of engineers since 2003 and our experience gives us access not only to the knowledge but also the expertise needed when tackling any project. Get started today by contacting us about your project needs – We have teams available to help you achieve your business goals. Get in contact today!