Client Overview

Company: NDA
Industry: Finance
Location: Raleigh, NC
Number of Users: 50+
Challenges: The client was concerned about potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. They wanted to ensure a secure environment with no open gaps or weaknesses, particularly regarding sensitive financial data.

Client’s Request

We want to do a complete cybersecurity review of our environment and make sure there are no open vulnerabilities or gaps that we can remedy.

Solution Provided

Vulnerability Scans

Our team conducted internal and external vulnerability scans, with a focus on finance-specific systems like client data storage, payment processing, and confidential records management.

Gap Identification

The results of the scans and meetings were compiled to identify vulnerabilities, and our team provided a clear summary of the client’s security posture.

NIST CSF Consultation

Our specialists held several meetings with the client’s team to ask key questions based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), focusing on their current security status and long-term security goals.

Solution Design

Our specialists demonstrated how WorkSmart’s services could address security gaps, such as outdated software, insecure access points, and unpatched vulnerabilities.

Next Steps

WorkSmart presented the findings as a deliverable including outlined next steps, creating a tailored plan to enhance security and close identified gaps.

Solution Implementation

Service: ManagedShield Cyber Risk Assessment
Technologies Used:

• Vulnerability scanners, secure network monitoring tools, and enhanced endpoint security systems.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for secure access to financial data.

Assessment Details: Our specialists conducted a thorough review of the client’s firewall configurations and security measures around sensitive financial information, including transaction data and customer records.

Metrics and Results

40% Vulnerability Reduction: The client experienced a 40% reduction in identified vulnerabilities within the first two months of implementing our recommended security measures.
Increased Detection Speed: Our enhanced security protocols enabled faster detection and response to potential threats, minimizing downtime and improving operational security.
Improved Security Posture: The client saw a significant improvement in their overall cybersecurity readiness, particularly in areas critical to financial operations.

Value Delivered

• Comprehensive understanding of the company’s cybersecurity posture.
• Clear and actionable plan to address security gaps.
• Enhanced protection for sensitive financial data, improving client trust and regulatory compliance.

Right Technology, Right People: A Team You Will Love

Have you ever dealt with technical issues and felt the IT support you received needed a more human touch?

WorkSmart’s IT experts believe that behind every technical problem are real people who deserve to be heard, understood, and valued. WorkSmart focuses on building collaborative partnerships with clients, empowering them to overcome IT challenges with confidence. This approach leads to lasting relationships, not just one-time transactions.

Read on to discover how WorkSmart, an IT service provider, is redefining the industry with its empathetic, collaborative solutions.

Blending Technical Expertise with Empathy

WorkSmart is the perfect fit if you’re looking for a company that values genuine relationships over mere transactions. Their success speaks of their ability to identify and hire individuals with both strong technical proficiency and emotional intelligence (EQ). This unique combination leads to exceptional problem-solving abilities and attentive listening skills, greatly benefiting clients. When you choose WorkSmart, you will have a team dedicated to collaboratively meeting your specific  needs, instead of automatically giving you the same rigid and generic answers they give every other customer.

The Right People and the Right Technology

You’ll find that WorkSmart is an organization that believes in providing you with comprehensive support, guidance, and security. They focus not on technology only, but also on building personal connections within their team to create an environment where client relationships thrive. Their ultimate goal is to empower your organization to achieve its full potential by delivering the right technology and a team that genuinely cares about your success.

WorkSmart’s unique approach, combining the right technology with the right people, sets them apart from other service providers. It is not just about the technology. It is about people who care about helping you use technology to optimize your business so you are successful. This makes them the preferred partner for you. After all, when you love working with someone everything runs smoother, doesn’t it?

Going Beyond Typical Help Desk Support

“Working smart” means more than having a sales representative available at a help desk. WorkSmart has a team of Client Success consultants actively engaging with you. Everything they do — from planning IT strategy meetings to ensuring that multiple team members are involved in the strategic planning process – is part of a concerted effort aimed at your success. Beyond the sales team and help desk, other WorkSmart team members also work on accounts to make sure all clients receive the personal and quality service they deserve.

A Multidimensional Approach to IT Services

WorkSmart offers a higher level of engagement, facilitated by a multidimensional approach. With teams well-versed in emotional intelligence and technical expertise, they anticipate and address their clients’ diverse challenges. Dedicated teams and salespersons build relationships, understanding each business and the daily challenges.

Their understanding of client challenges stems from firsthand experience. WorkSmart has gained insights into the intricacies of various client needs through years of navigating the industry. However, it’s important to note that this understanding doesn’t equate to assuming their clients’ strategies or solutions. Instead, it fuels their commitment to conducting thorough IT strategy meetings, tailored to each client’s unique requirements.

Aligning Technology with Business Objectives

WorkSmart aligns technology with the client’s business objectives in IT strategy meetings. These meetings are about more than just discussing technology, they focus on a holistic approach that considers overall objectives. They also use strategic planning meetings to build relationships at the executive level.

In strategy meetings, they take the time to review your corporate goals and help you formulate action plans to bridge the gap between technology and your business objectives. The focus is aligning proposals with your strategic vision instead of merely reviewing past achievements and discussing potential purchases of new IT solutions, products, and services. This involves a clear understanding of your short-term and long-term goals, ensuring that every recommendation supports your overall objectives and vision for your business. WorkSmart is on your side, from planning to implementation!

Collaborative Approach

Collaboration is at the heart of WorkSmart’s approach. Rather than claiming to know everything, they provide well-informed guidance based on their expertise and client needs. Their advisory services team aims to empower clients, making them feel heard, understood, and supported in every interaction. WorkSmart’s mission is not just to sell products or services but to offer meaningful advice, support, management, and security. These three pillars underpin their commitment to client success and guide their interactions, shaping a collaborative strategy.

Navigating the Future

WorkSmart remains committed to keeping up with the latest trends. They adjust strategies and services to meet their clients’ evolving requirements. An unwavering dedication to building genuine partnerships and offering exceptional IT services has made WorkSmart a trusted ally for businesses that seek to leverage technology for growth and success.

Contact WorkSmart today if you are looking for a collaborative partnership where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to navigate IT challenges with confidence. We have a team that you will love!

Are you receiving tailored tech solutions from your IT service provider – or are they just trying to sell you their standard products and services?

At WorkSmart, we believe in providing our clients with the right technology solutions, instead of overwhelming them with unnecessary technology. Although we offer core products and services, we do not have a cookie-cutter solution. We take the time to consult with our clients and identify their specific needs. We assess systems to identify vulnerabilities and find solutions for them.

This article discusses WorkSmart’s tailored technology solutions and how we assist our clients in finding the right technology solutions through a collaborative process.

Understanding the Tech Stack

To properly understand tech tailoring, you have to understand the concept of a stack. A tech stack is a programming language and framework built to create and operate an application or system. An application or system consists of a presentation, a database, and an infrastructure layer, each serving a specific purpose.

The Pitfalls of a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

The one-size-fits-all approach may seem convenient, but it often falls short when it comes to meeting the unique needs of businesses. Every organization has its workflows, processes, and objectives. A generic solution can result in inefficiencies, waste of resources, and lost opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to have a tailored approach that aligns technology with the specific needs of each business.

Tech Tailoring: The What and Why

Tech tailoring involves customizing and adapting technological solutions to meet the needs of a company. Analyzing existing processes, workflows, and goals will help determine the most effective technology implementation approach. Technology helps organizations improve productivity, optimize operations, and create new opportunities for innovation. Rather than being a roadblock, technology should enable progress.

Jim Rappl, WorkSmart’s Senior Business Advisor, shares this real-life example:

“We have a new client who switched from their old provider because they were only given tech recommendations without explaining how it would help their business or considering the risks and costs involved. Instead of explaining why certain actions were necessary and how they would benefit the client’s productivity and reduce risks, the old provider simply insisted on them. We believe it is important to understand our clients and how they budget during our IT strategy meetings. It’s not just about recommending solutions; it’s also about understanding how they can afford and incorporate them into their budget cycle. We ensure the clarity and feasibility of our recommendations through this alignment.”

Implementing Tech Tailoring: A Step-by-Step Approach

A systematic approach is necessary to ensure success when implementing tailored tech solutions. Here is a sample of the key steps to consider:

1.   Assessment: Assess processes, workflows, and goals to identify areas that can be optimized using technology.
2.   Requirements Gathering: Ensure that the tailored solution meets the specific needs of various stakeholders.
3.   Customization: Work with a trusted technology partner to adapt and customize existing solutions or create new ones to fit your client’s needs.
4.   Testing and Deployment: Ensure the tailored solution’s functionality, reliability, and scalability by testing it thoroughly. Implement the solution across the organization and provide employees with the necessary training and support.
5.   Continuous Improvement: Evaluate the performance of the tailored solution regularly and seek feedback from users to identify improvements and further customizations.

What Tech Tailoring Can Do for You

Forward-thinking companies can unlock innovation through tech tailoring. In the first place, it helps organizations align technology with their business objectives, ensuring that every investment in technology directly supports their core objectives. Customer satisfaction increases, it reduces costs, and efficiency increases.

In addition, tech tailoring allows businesses to leverage their existing infrastructure and resources for maximum return on investment. It also enables organizations to stay ahead of their competitors by adapting to changing market dynamics. Adapting technology to their unique needs allows businesses to respond to market demands, implement new strategies, and take advantage of emerging opportunities. Today’s fast-paced business environment requires agility and adaptability to compete successfully.

Overcoming Challenges in Tech Tailoring

It can be challenging to implement tech tailoring, but with proper planning and execution, these challenges can be overcome. Resistance to change is one of the most common obstacles for organizations, especially when existing processes are well-established. Communication, training, and employee involvement can all help address this challenge through effective change management strategies.

Tailoring technology solutions can also be complex and expensive. Working with a trusted technology partner with expertise in tailoring solutions is the key to minimizing complexity and ensuring cost-effectiveness. Involving internal stakeholders throughout the process can also make technology tailoring more successful.

Today’s competitive environment depends heavily on innovation, which technology facilitates. The goal is to harness technology to unlock new business opportunities and stay ahead of the competition. Consider tech tailoring if your business wants to drive innovation.

WorkSmart’s customized IT solutions can help you get the most out of technology and improve your business performance. Get in touch with WorkSmart today so we can help you to use the right technology, not more!

Client Profile:

Crisis Assistance Ministry was founded in 1975 to meet the urgent needs of families experiencing financial crisis in Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC. Today, the organization stabilizes Mecklenburg County families by addressing housing stability through emergency rent and utility assistance, clothing, appliances, and household goods while empowering families with the tools to set and achieve goals for longer-term financial stability. The independent, nonprofit agency engages and inspires the community to action through advocacy and education about the complex, systemic issues surrounding poverty in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Sue Wright is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte. She brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously worked as a technical project manager consultant. She focuses not only on technology within the organization but also on strategic projects. Sue takes a holistic approach to her role by combining technical expertise with a broader understanding of organizational dynamics.

The Need

Crisis Assistance Ministry decided to enlist WorkSmart as their IT service provider due to their need for a comprehensive managed IT services package tailored to accommodate the diverse roles within the nonprofit. Since the organization had a small team responsible for multiple tasks, they decided to opt for the expertise of WorkSmart rather than maintaining in-house technical staff. WorkSmart was selected as it could provide a full suite of services, including a responsive help desk, ensuring timely support for the organization’s 65+ users dealing with email, phone, or computer issues.

The WorkSmart Solution

On-Site Support and Monitoring: WorkSmart’s on-site support is invaluable, with a consultant familiar with Crisis Assistance Ministry’s operations dedicating four hours twice a week. They also take care of background tasks such as server monitoring and support, which ensure ongoing security and keep infrastructure up to date.

Strategic Project Support: WorkSmart provides expertise and support during strategic projects. In a recent collaboration, WorkSmart’s project manager and technical consultant helped the agency implement a new cloud-based phone system. As a result of this transition, the company was able to adapt to the current hybrid work environment by enabling seamless remote communication and eliminating the need for physical desk phones.

Microsoft Office 365: WorkSmart provided valuable assistance to the agency in transitioning to Microsoft Office 365 before 2020, which proved to be a wise decision during the pandemic. Their expertise in setting up Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive enabled seamless remote work, ensuring uninterrupted workflows and efficient internal communication during difficult times.

Troubleshooting: As CIO, Wright trusts WorkSmart to assist her in troubleshooting technical issues. For example, if the phone extensions malfunction, the organization relies on WorkSmart to communicate with the vendor and initiate support cases on their behalf. In the same way, if there are any issues with internet or phone lines that involve external providers, WorkSmart contacts them directly, simplifying troubleshooting and saving Crisis Assistance Ministry time.

Technical Resource: Crisis Assistance Ministry relies on WorkSmart’s account manager for technical support since they do not have an in-house technical team. The account manager and WorkSmart technical team troubleshoot problems and suggest alternative options with Wright and her team.

“WorkSmart is a valuable resource for me,” notes Wright. “When I need to discuss technology-related issues and explore solutions, I can rely on my account manager. They serve as both a strategic partner and a technical consultant, providing invaluable assistance in problem-solving and offering alternative options.”

The Result

WorkSmart’s contribution to the development of Crisis Assistance Ministry’s technological infrastructure enabled it to significantly improve its technological capabilities. WorkSmart ensures that Crisis Assistance Ministry is technically prepared to address unforeseen challenges and provide its customers with quality service. The support team actively takes care of background tasks such as server monitoring and support, ensuring the security and up-to-date nature of the infrastructure. 

Assisting Crisis Assistance Ministry to move to a cloud-based phone system was made easier with WorkSmart. This enabled seamless remote communication and allowed the agency to eliminate physical desk phones as part of its transition to a hybrid work environment. With direct access to the organization’s system, WorkSmart can quickly make modifications or updates based on vendor discussions, expediting the resolution process. Serving as both a strategic partner and technical consultant, WorkSmart provides the necessary technological insights and solutions to Crisis Assistance Ministry.

The Impact

Through proactive IT solutions, WorkSmart has improved Crisis Assistance Ministry’s ability to serve its customers. A recent example highlights WorkSmart’s contributions to enhancing security and streamlining processes. A major challenge for Crisis Assistance Ministry was the integration of new copiers and printers while maintaining data security. Their goal was to implement secure printing procedures to safeguard sensitive information. Providing seamless communication and advocating for the organization’s best interests, WorkSmart acted as an intermediary between Crisis Assistance Ministry and vendors to implement unique, secure printing that met Crisis Assistance Ministry’s needs. 

This case study highlights the advantages of shifting from reactive to proactive IT services with WorkSmart. This means a commitment to “the right technology, not more technology,” efficiency, and robust security measures – all supported by real people who value the relationships they build with clients. 

Contact WorkSmart for comprehensive managed IT services if your organization has 10-100 computer users and is within an hour of their offices in Durham, Charlotte, Alpharetta, Greensboro, or North Philadelphia.

Have you experienced persistent IT issues that resulted in downtime and diminished productivity?

Today’s businesses rely heavily on IT infrastructure to maximize efficiency, drive productivity, and ensure seamless operations. Nevertheless, businesses often face the challenge of reactive IT solution providers that address problems only once they arise. Taking this approach may lead to disruptions and a lack of foresight, which could slow down your business growth.

WorkSmart, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, believes in the right technologies for today and the right strategies for tomorrow. WorkSmart’s proactive approach ensures that you are always at the forefront of technology, giving you the confidence to be prepared for any challenge that comes your way. This approach allows you to focus on expanding your business and achieving your goals without ever having to worry about falling behind in IT.

In this article we delve into the challenges that businesses face, the proactive solutions WorkSmart provides, and the benefits of the right technology, not more technology, maximizing your IT as a strategic investment.

Reactive IT Solutions Are a Challenge

One of the common challenges you might be facing is the reactive nature of your current IT service provider. Traditional IT support tends to focus on fixing problems after they arise, leading to a cycle of recurring issues and a lack of proactive measures. This reactive approach both inhibits operational efficiency and creates uncertainty about the stability of IT systems. You find yourself caught in a constant struggle to address problems as they emerge, often resulting in downtime, decreased productivity, and increased costs.

WorkSmart Does IT Proactively

WorkSmart distinguishes itself with a proactive approach to IT services. Rather than waiting for problems to surface, WorkSmart anticipates problems and works to address them before they negatively affect your business. To provide an IT environment that is stable, secure, and optimized, WorkSmart prioritizes proactive problem-solving over reactive firefighting.

4 Benefits of WorkSmart’s Proactive Approach

1. Preventing Recurring Issues: It is easier to reduce disruptions when you identify and address issues before they escalate. WorkSmart offers ongoing IT support and maintenance services to ensure that your systems run smoothly. Our proactive maintenance of critical infrastructure includes regular monitoring, troubleshooting, software updates, and proactive maintenance to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
2. Collaborative Strategic Planning: WorkSmart offers collaborative strategic planning sessions that extend beyond reactive support. These sessions enable you to actively shape your IT roadmap and align it with your long-term business objectives. Our team of experts works with you to create a customized plan that takes into account your unique business needs and goals. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the technology that drives your business and how it can be utilized to prepare for any event.
3. Forward-Thinking Problem Solving: WorkSmart, as a proactive organization, does more than simply fix problems. Our focus is to reduce potential problems before they arise by adopting a preventive and forward-thinking approach. We focus on finding the root cause, and providing a solution before it escalates. This approach not only saves valuable resources but also promotes a culture of preparedness and resilience within your organization.
4. Local Expertise and Responsive Support: WorkSmart provides a unique combination of services that blends the advantages of personalized attention with large-scale capability. We deliver personalized and responsive support that is tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. With deep roots in each of our communities, our local experts are a valuable resource for our clients.

 

WorkSmart’s approach ensures that every client receives customized solutions while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and expertise. We are committed to delivering excellent service.  It is evident in the quality of our work and the long-lasting relationships we establish with our clients. You will simply love your local team!

Maximize Your IT as a Proactive Strategic Investment

In today’s world, businesses cannot afford to ignore the importance of IT as a strategic investment. IT is no longer just a support function, but a critical element for organizations aiming to thrive in the digital age. Besides enhancing operational efficiency, IT can streamline processes and give businesses a competitive edge. Companies that strategically invest in IT resources can position themselves for sustained growth and innovation. They can implement cutting-edge technologies, improve cybersecurity measures, and leverage data analytics to stay ahead in the market.

With WorkSmart, you’ll get the proactive long-term IT partnership you’ve been looking for. We specialize in:

• Managed IT Services
• Co-Managed IT Services
• Cybersecurity Services
• Data Backup and Recovery
• IT Strategy and Planning
• Cloud Services
• Microsoft 365

Our mission is to simplify IT for local businesses and organizations to fuel their growth. We are conveniently located close to Durham, Charlotte, Alpharetta, Greensboro, and Lancaster, and provide IT services to local businesses with 10 to 100 computer users.

Contact WorkSmart today to meet your local team!  And stay tuned for the upcoming case study on how a company switched from reactive IT services to WorkSmart. Discover why they switched service providers and how this transition revolutionized their IT experience.