Encordia Insight
Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Technology Providers?
The technologies that form the foundation of your business are vital for operational success. The better the systems and the more effectively they communicate with each other, the greater the operational efficiency, competitive advantage, employee satisfaction, and customer care will be.
So, when faced with clients who have all the technologies they may need, but less of the promised benefits, we can't help but ask: Are your suppliers truly driving value, or are they just coasting along?
The Challenge of Provider Complacency
When tech providers become complacent, it can have repercussions throughout your organisation. Complacency can appear in various forms – whether through stagnant system updates, lacklustre support, or resistance to adapting to new integrations. This can result in higher costs, reduced efficiency, and a lost competitive edge.
Signs of a Stagnant Partnership
It's important to stay vigilant about the health of your tech partnerships. One red flag is a noticeable lack of proactive advancements. It might indicate a broader issue if your providers aren't consistently enhancing their platforms or introducing new features. Similarly, reactive support that only addresses problems as they arise, rather than proactively helping optimise your systems, can be a sign of stagnation.
Integration challenges also serve as a crucial indicator. A reluctance to adapt to new tools or integrate seamlessly with your evolving tech stack can hinder your organisation's agility and growth.
Deriving Value from Your Tech Providers
To ensure you're getting the most out of your tech solutions, it's important to foster a dynamic relationship with your providers. This starts with setting clear performance expectations and having regular, constructive conversations about how their solutions align with your business goals.
Driving innovation is also critical. When providers are incentivised to offer new features or enhancements, they are more likely to invest in developing solutions that benefit their organisation. Open dialogue about your future needs can elevate your technology provider into a strategic partner.
Conclusion
Maximising the value of tech providers requires ongoing effort and engagement. By actively challenging the status quo and nurturing a culture of innovation and collaboration, you can ensure that your tech solutions are not just meeting your needs but also contributing to your long-term success.