The rapidly evolving landscape of IoT technologies has flourished into an interconnected network of hardware, software, and firmware, driving innovation and operational efficiency of organizations worldwide. As organizations increasingly depend on these interconnected systems, ensuring their continuous uptime and operational efficiency has become critical to maintaining seamless day-to-day business interactions.
The IoT market is expected to continue increasing, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 10.17%, reaching a market value of $1.56 trillion by 2029. With a digitally transformed world on the horizon, businesses must choose a service provider that can deliver a comprehensive service offering encompassing the experience and skills required to increase and maintain the uptime of these devices.
In this blog, we’ll explore five key factors to look for when choosing a reliable and experienced IoT technology service provider.
1. Multi-Vendor, Multi-Device Service Approach
As organizations strive to meet the evolving demands of their end-users, their service provider must be able to keep pace with the rapid rollout and support of new and emerging technologies. Within a single facility, numerous devices located within the four walls are critical to the organization's operations and the overall end-customer experience.
These devices can range from connected IoT systems to self-service technology to automation systems and other mission-critical equipment. If these devices go down or remain offline for an extended period, it can create significant challenges for the organization's operations. This disruption could negatively impact their bottom line and potentially harm their relationships with customers, tarnishing their reputation and brand.
A service provider can distinguish itself by mastering the ability to manage and support device coverage within a facility’s four walls. A unified partner—one capable of consistently supplying and servicing all technologies in a given location—enhances the overall reliability that customers expect from a trusted provider.
2. Comprehensive Range of Services
When an IoT service provider is committed to service excellence, they proactively develop strategies and a service portfolio to support a wide range of devices across diverse environments. Exceptional providers continuously leverage their partnerships with suppliers and vendors, allowing them to tailor a comprehensive service offering that aligns with their customers’ goals and operational needs.
Additionally, a strong partner demonstrates expertise across a range of industries, including retail, finance, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, and other sectors that embrace advanced IoT technologies. By supporting these adjacent and evolving markets, the provider gains transferable skills that enhance their ability to consistently deliver exceptional service to a diverse customer base.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions
In today’s world of rising inflation, changing consumer behavior, labor challenges, and the like, it’s more important than ever that service providers deliver an attractive and cost-effective solution. Organizations want to partner with a provider that offers an up-front service model backed by a stable infrastructure and a holistic suite of solutions, which are not only proven but adaptable to meet their shifting needs.
A standout provider enhances their value by expanding services beyond traditional break-fix support. The ability to offer customer value-added services, such as remote monitoring and triage, advanced level 2 and level 3 technical support, and depot repair and refurbishment services, demonstrates a genuine commitment to ensuring comprehensive and reliable support across the customer’s entire technology fleet.
4. Scalable, Nationwide Footprint
As industries expand their use of connected IoT devices to attract and retain end-clients, organizations should seek scalable service providers capable of matching that growth. A provider with a nationwide presence and dense coverage can deliver consistent, cost-effective service operations, leveraging economies of scale to ensure reliability and efficiency across all end locations.
Also, the ability to consistently deliver localized service significantly enhances both reliability and responsiveness. High-quality service providers align their SLA response times with swift, effective execution—ensuring every service call meets the highest standards of performance.
5. Consultative, Customer-Focused Partner
When a service provider uses a consultative, outcome-based sales approach that focuses on understanding customer needs and consistently delivers results to help them achieve their goals, a strong partnership is formed.
By successfully executing processes such as scope of work, fit and feasibility, and a well-managed contract process, service providers can tailor their services to meet specific customer needs and desired outcomes. This approach not only enhances the overall customer experience but also supports long-term retention and business growth.
Future-proofing your IoT Technology
A trusted and experienced service provider is more than a vendor—they’re a long-term partner. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a reliable, technologically advanced provider with well-rounded, high-quality experience and technical acumen across industries. As end-customers increasingly rely on technology for daily interactions, maintaining device uptime and operational efficiency will remain a top priority.
At Burroughs, we know the importance that connected IoT devices play in an organization’s technology ecosystem. As a remote-first, digital-first leader, we work endlessly to provide proactive and responsive 24/7/365 customer-centric support across North America. Our team currently handles more than 550,000 service calls annually and has over 350,000 devices under service contract.
With over 139 years of experience, we’ve driven countless implementations and transformations across a variety of markets and industries, and we're committed to supporting our customers through every step of their connected IoT technology journey.
Start your future with Burroughs. Schedule your consultation today.