What separates a good IT support company from a bad one?

by Ted Stahl | NOC Technology

In IT services, not all companies are created equal. 

When it comes to IT support, not all companies are created equal. While some IT support companies can provide excellent service and timely solutions to your problems, others may fall short in one or more areas. In this post, we'll look at some of the factors that can make one IT support company better than another, so you can make an informed decision when choosing a provider for your business.


EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE

A good IT support company should have a team of well-trained and experienced technicians who have the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of IT issues. They should be able to provide and explain solutions to both simple and complex problems and should stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry.


RESPONSIVENESS

You should be able to connect to your IT support team when you need them. This means that they should be available to you 24/7 and that they should have a fast response time when you reach out to them. If you call and get automated replies or voicemails, you may be able to find a better IT support company.


COMMUNICATION

A good IT support company should have clear and effective communication channels in place, such as email, phone, and chat support, to ensure that you can easily get in touch with them when you need help. They should also provide clear communication when scheduling, planning, and executing project deployments.


PROACTIVITY

A good IT support company should be proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues before they cause problems for you. This means that they should regularly monitor your systems and networks for potential issues and that they should take steps to prevent them before they happen.


SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT

A good IT support company should have a service level agreement (SLA) in place that guarantees a certain level of service and response time. This means that they should commit to certain standards of service and that they should be held accountable if they don't meet those standards.


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 or deploying new technologies.


CUSTOMIZABLE SOLUTIONS

A good IT support company should be able to provide customized solutions that cater to the specific needs of your business. This means that they should be able to understand your unique needs and tailor their services accordingly.


SECURITY

A good IT support company should be able to provide comprehensive security solutions that protect your business from cyber threats. This means that they should have the expertise and resources to provide data encryption, firewalls, and other security measures that can protect your business from hackers and other cybercriminals.


COST

A good IT support company should offer competitive pricing and flexible service plans that meet your budget. This means that they should be transparent about their prices and that they should be willing to work with you to find a service plan that meets your needs and budget.


REPUTATION

A good IT support company should have a good reputation in the industry, with positive customer reviews and testimonials. This means that they should have a track record of providing good service and that they should have satisfied customers who are willing to speak on their behalf.


In conclusion, when choosing an IT support company, it's important to consider the factors that can make one provider better than another. By considering the expertise and knowledge of the provider, their responsiveness, communication, proactivity, SLA, scalability, customizable solutions, security, cost, and reputation, you can make an informed decision that will ensure that you have the best possible IT support for your business. By selecting an IT support company that excels in all of these areas, you can be confident that your business will be well-protected and that you'll have access to the support you need when you need it.

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.
More Articles