Maximizing Business Efficiency

by Jon Lober | NOC Technology

How to Choose the Right IT Support Company

When it comes to choosing an IT support company, it can be easy to get bogged down in technical details and jargon. But the truth is, there are a number of non-technical factors that can make one IT support company better suited to your business than another. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the non-technical factors you should consider when choosing an IT support company.


COMMUNICATION

 One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an IT support company is how well they communicate with you. This includes not only how quickly and clearly they respond to your inquiries but also how well they explain technical concepts in layman's terms. A good IT support company should be able to communicate with you in a way that is easy for you to understand without resorting to jargon or technical terms.


RESPONSIVENESS

Another important factor to consider is how responsive the IT support company is to your needs. This includes not only how quickly they respond to your inquiries but also how quickly they are able to resolve issues. A good IT support company should be able to provide timely solutions to your problems and be available to you 24/7.


CUSTOMER SERVICE

When choosing an IT support company, it's important to consider the level of customer service they provide. This doesn’t just include how friendly and helpful their staff is, but how well they manage and complete projects, do they provide 24-hour support, do they have unlimited support or do they limit support requests, and do they consistently meet their service level agreement (SLAs.)


REPUTATION

A good IT support company should have a good reputation in the industry, with positive customer reviews and testimonials. Look for companies that have been in the industry for a while and have a history of providing good service.


PROACTIVITY

A good IT support company should be proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues before they cause problems for you. This means they should provide 24 x 7 monitoring of your systems and networks for potential issues and address them before they become a problem for you.


SCALABILITY

A good IT support company should be able to scale its services to meet the changing needs of your business. This means that they should be able to adapt to your growing or changing needs, whether that means providing more support, data storage, hardware, or deploying new technologies.


In conclusion, when choosing an IT support company, it's important to consider the non-technical factors that can make one provider better suited to your business than another. By considering factors such as communication, responsiveness, customer service, reputation, proactivity, and scalability, you can make an informed decision to ensure that you have the best possible IT support for your business.

Missouri Sheltered Workshops can empower human potential through AI
By Jon Lober April 24, 2025
Embracing the potential of both AI and humans
Tech upgrades that will boost employee safety in sheltered workshops
By Jon Lober April 15, 2025
At NOC Technology, we've worked with Missouri sheltered workshops for over seven years, and I've witnessed firsthand how the right technological implementations can transform sheltered workshop environments. Today, I'd like to share some insights on leveraging modern technology to create safer workspaces while maintaining the dignity and privacy of all participants. The Unique Safety Challenges of Sheltered Workshops Sheltered workshops provide valuable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, but they also present unique safety considerations. Workers may have varying levels of physical mobility, cognitive processing, and sensory perception—all of which can impact how they respond to traditional safety measures. Additionally, the production environments often involve machinery, tools, and materials that require careful monitoring and management. The Role of Smart Technology in Safety Advancements in smart technology provide real-time safety monitoring, immediate alerts for potential hazards, and improved emergency response times. Let’s explore some key technologies and their benefits in sheltered workshop environments. Personalized Alert Systems Traditional emergency alarms can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Smart alert systems can deliver personalized notifications through: Vibrating wristbands that alert workers without auditory overload Visual notification systems with customizable colors and patterns Tablet-based communication for workers who benefit from visual cues Location-specific alerts that only notify those in affected areas We recently implemented a multi-modal alert system at a workshop in central Missouri that reduced anxiety-related incidents during emergency drills by 65% . Environmental Monitoring Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is crucial for both safety and productivity: Temperature and humidity sensors that automatically adjust HVAC systems Air quality monitors that detect potentially harmful particulates Noise level monitoring to prevent sensory overload Automated ventilation systems that activate when chemical levels exceed thresholds These systems not only protect workers but also provide documented compliance with OSHA regulations. Enhanced Supervision through Smart Cameras Security cameras have evolved beyond simple surveillance. Modern systems can: Detect unusual patterns that might indicate a worker in distress Monitor restricted areas without constant staff presence Identify when machinery is being used incorrectly Alert supervisors to potential safety hazards Important note: All camera systems should be implemented with strict privacy protocols and transparent policies. Workers and guardians should be fully informed about what is being monitored and why. In many cases, audio cannot be recorded, and the camera system must be configured to meet this requirement. Wearable Safety Technology Wearable devices offer personalized safety monitoring without stigmatization: Fall detection pendants that automatically alert staff Location tracking that helps locate workers in emergency situations Biometric monitoring for workers with health conditions Proximity sensors that prevent accidental entry into hazardous areas These wearables can be designed to look like standard ID badges or watches, preserving dignity while enhancing safety. Implementation Best Practices Successfully integrating smart technology into sheltered workshops requires careful planning: Involve all stakeholders: Workers, guardians, and staff should participate in selecting and implementing new technologies. Prioritize simplicity: Choose solutions that require minimal training and maintenance. Phase in gradually: Introduce new technologies in stages to allow everyone time to adapt. Balance automation with human oversight: Technology should supplement, not replace, trained staff. Respect privacy: Collect only essential data and maintain strong security protocols.
Could your sheltered workshop benefit from grant funding for new technology?
By Jon Lober April 7, 2025
As a sheltered workshop, you play a crucial role in providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. However, like any organization, securing funding for technology upgrades can be a challenge. While investing in the right tools can improve efficiency, security, and overall productivity—that’s all only if you can afford the tools in the first place.
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