Why Your Engineering Firm Needs an MSP
If there’s one thing engineers know, it’s specifics.
From bridges to homes, every design requires precise measurements and strict building codes. Meticulous accuracy is the name of the game here.
That same demand for precision applies to your engineering firm’s technology. Engineers can’t afford interruption when designing a major roadway – or anything else, for that matter. But how can one firm handle all this while also juggling the requirements of software licenses, cybersecurity, and keeping systems updated?
They partner with an MSP.
In this blog, we’ll break down how an MSP can support an engineering firm like yours. Let’s get into it.
The Challenges of an Engineering Firm and How MSPs Solve Them
Engineering firms, like any business, have their own set of tech challenges. But out of all the industries we’ve talked about so far – check out our posts on the finance, healthcare, and hospitality sectors – engineering firms have perhaps the heaviest hardware and software load.
Here are the main challenges faced by engineering firms and how an MSP can solve them:
High-Performance Hardware Requirements
Engineers rely on heavy-duty software – like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB, and more. But it takes more than a typical business laptop to run these programs. Premium software demands premium hardware, after all. And workstations with specific graphics cards, CPUs, memory, and proper storage are all must-haves.
The thing is, these systems are as complex as they are expensive. And it can be a challenge for small engineering firms to get their hands on exactly what they need.
How an MSP Helps
MSPs are experts at sourcing the right hardware. They’ll work with your engineers to design systems that fit the exact requirements for your software. Then, they’ll reach out to their vendors and find the best deals available so your firm doesn’t have to waste time chasing quotes or worrying about compatibility.
Managing Immense Amounts of Data
CAD drawings, BIM files, GIS maps, specifications, documentation – every project creates massive amounts of data. On average, a single project needs 25+ TB of storage. And this data needs to be accessible at all times for both collaboration and version control. Any amount of downtime can set projects back days, costing both time and money.
And then there’s the risk of data loss. Whether it’s an engineer forgetting to save, a server crash, or a larger disaster, losing project files can mess up any well-organized plans in seconds.
How an MSP Helps
MSPs specialize in designing cloud or hybrid storage environments that can handle the large engineering files while also keeping them accessible across multiple teams. This means that some data may be stored on local machines or servers, while some may be stored on digital clouds – the location will be up to the individual engineering firm. MSPs will also put into place robust backup and disaster recovery plans, so even in the event of an outage, your firm can get back to work without losing critical project data.
Securing Sensitive Data
Of course, your data isn’t just at risk from outages or disasters – it’s also vulnerable to cybercrime. With sensitive project files and proprietary information, keeping your data secure is critical. Antivirus software is a good start, but it’s not enough to protect against threats like phishing, ransomware, and other sophisticated attacks.
How an MSP Helps
MSPs deploy multi-layered security solutions for proper protection. This includes top-tier antivirus, firewalls, data backups, access permissions, password policies, and employee cyber awareness training. The best MSPs know that effective cybersecurity isn’t one-size-fits all, but a stack of layered defenses customized for your company’s specific requirements.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Of course, this wouldn’t be an industry spotlight if we didn’t talk about compliance. Like many other industries, engineering firms must adhere to strict regulations and government requirements. Some examples include ISO 9011, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, OHSAS 19901, which you can read more about here.
Failure to meet these standards can result in costly fines, project delays, and even reputational damage.
How an MSP Helps
A great MSP is a master at compliance regulations. Not only can they help your engineering firm stay within regulations, but they can also keep you informed of changing regulations while organizing your systems and documentation to assist in audits. Some examples are: data retention policies, scheduled software updates, and documentation management.
This not only takes the work of regulatory compliance off your plate, but keeps your engineering firm much more resilient in the face of changing regulations.
How to Choose the Right MSP
For an industry obsessed with specifics and precision, your engineering firm should treat your tech partner with the same scrutiny. Not every MSP is built the same, so doing a little homework before partnering will save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches. Here’s what to look for:
- Industry experience: Your potential MSP should have experience with engineering firms. You don’t want an MSP who’s learning on the fly. Look for an MSP that understands your industry’s regulations, workflows, and expectations.
- Tech stack: What technology does the MSP use? We’re talking cloud environments, cybersecurity solutions, and familiarity with engineering tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit. Your IT team shouldn’t be fumbling in the dark when it comes to your critical software.
- Location/Availability: Can the MSP deploy on-site in an emergency? What remote services do they offer, and during what hours? The best MSPs will provide 24/7/365 support.
- Customer testimonials: Check references and talk to current or past customers. Ideally, there’ll be other engineering firms. Based on their experiences, it can help paint a picture of the MSP in question.
MSPs Make a Complex Industry Easier
Engineering firms have enough on their plate without having to worry about constant tech issues. Instead of stressing over regulations, backups, and software updates, your firm should be focused on designs and projects.
That’s why partnering with an MSP is so essential. Finding the right MSP may take a bit of time and effort, but the results are worth it: more time working on things that matter and less time worrying about IT problems.
If you’re looking for the right MSP – start with us. We’ve been working with engineering firms for years, providing robust cybersecurity packages, cloud-based environments, and a complete understanding of industry regulations – all at one predictable flat-rate fee.
But don’t just take our word, here’s John Hoenig of Jaster-Quintanilla Engineering, Dallas:
“We’ve seen reduced downtime and reduced ticket response time…The on-site staff is stable, reducing the need for continued knowledge transfer between technicians.”
Schedule a call and let’s see if we’re the right fit.
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About The 20 MSP
As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves thousands of businesses nationwide, including single and multi-location organizations, delivering white-glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our client’s success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth.
