As a Managed Services Advisor, I believe that "Greatness in managed services doesn't come from simply providing solutions"; it comes from understanding each client's unique needs and delivering tailored, proactive support that exceeds expectations and can be delivered over a long-term time period. Consulting firms can frame a problem, develop a process, gather data, and develop a fact-based solution that can be a real boost for leadership teams that need an unbiased outside view. However, when a consulting firm is asked to provide managed services, the very strengths that are the firm's pride can hold it back from being successful at managed services. In this article, we will consider the key areas a consulting firm needs to succeed in to …show more content…
Service Level Agreements (SLAs): A consulting firm should be able to set a clear and realistic set of services with clear SLAs with their clients, which define the scope of services, response times, and other vital metrics. The firm should ensure that these SLAs are met consistently and that any deviations are addressed quickly.
2. Technical Expertise: Managed services require deep technical expertise, so the consulting firm should have a team of experts who are knowledgeable in the relevant technology areas. They should be able to understand their clients' systems and provide proactive maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting as needed.
3. Client Communication: Effective communication is critical in managed services, as clients need to be kept informed about the status of their systems and any issues that arise. The consulting firm should have clear communication channels and protocols in place, including regular reporting and updates.
4. Security and Compliance: Managed services often involve sensitive data and compliance requirements, so the consulting firm should focus intensely on security and compliance. They should have robust security measures to protect their clients' systems and data and ensure that all regulatory requirements are