When the time comes to choose an enterprise IT consulting firm, companies have a lot of options. IT consulting firms come in all shapes and sizes, with varying capabilities, certifications and levels of experience. So how do you know which one is the right fit for your organization? In this blog post, we will discuss five considerations that should be top of mind when making this important decision.
Size Matters: Big Enough or Too Big?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an enterprise IT consulting company is size. How big is the consultancy? What are their capabilities? Generally, you’ll want to go with a firm that has significant experience and resources. This will give you confidence that they have the scale and expertise to handle your project – no matter how big or complex it may be. However, “too big” can also lead to a poor fit. Will the firm be dedicating veteran resources to your project, or use it as a learning experience for their junior hires?
Relevant Enterprise IT Consulting Firm Experience: “We can do it” or “We’ve done it 100X”?
It’s also important to make sure that the enterprise IT consulting firm has experience in the specific areas of IT operations management you’re addressing. Do they specialize in IT service desk management, IT strategic planning or IT project management? Do their consultants have the same level of expertise as your internal staff – if so, what added value are they bringing to the project, and does the quote reflect that they are just adding capacity, not expertise? Will they expect your team to closely supervise theirs, or will they be providing guidance and direction to your people?
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Certifications Matter: Is the Enterprise IT Consulting Firm Keeping up with CE?
When it comes to qualifications and certifications, you want to make sure that the enterprise IT consulting firm is certified by reputable organizations. This means they have independently reviewed, evaluated and approved their processes. It also ensures your organization receives a solution built on established, tested best practices. It also indicates that they and their staff are keeping up with continuing education. A firm that invests in the growth of their employees is one that can better support client growth as well.
What’s Your Process?
Enterprise IT consulting firms that employ a formal process for creating IT strategy and solutions will be able to deliver your project more consistently and reliably. They should have a proven methodology, as well as established standards for delivery and communication. If their proposed deliverable doesn’t include a clear roadmap and project plan – take a pass. Ideally, your team should be able to learn from every project; even one implemented by an outside vendor.
What is your retention rate? CSAT?
Ask about the firm’s customer retention numbers, customer satisfaction scores and longevity in the industry. This can help determine if they will be a good fit for a longer-term relationship. Enterprise IT consulting firms that are able to create and sustain long-term relationships with their clients have proven track records of meeting IT needs over time. Often, companies focus so exclusively on technical considerations that they forget their stakeholders, employees and end-users are also people. Finding a firm with a high CSAT and strong retention ensures that they can not only do the job; they also have the collaborative mindset of a true partner.
Looking Deeper: From Project to Partnership
Aside from these “table stakes” criteria, there are some considerations that are less obvious. These can help elevate an IT consulting firm engagement from one-off project to collaborative partnership. In the long run, cultivating this kind of relationship benefits you both.
The right enterprise IT consulting firm for you will depend on a lot of factors, but we know that success is all about working together and building trust. That’s why we offer our clients the opportunity to work with us as true partners – not just one-off project providers – because we want to grow your business alongside yours.
Does this sounds like something you might be interested in discussing more? Let’s talk about how partnering with an experienced enterprise IT operations team can help catapult your organization forward!
