Automate These 5 Repetitive Tasks with an MSP
There is a lot to keep track of when dealing with tech. You’ve got updates, password resets, backups, security checks, and that’s just to keep your systems running smoothly.
This amount of upkeep requires time and attention that many small businesses simply can’t afford.
The thing is, you don’t have to handle all of it manually anymore. How? By working with a managed service provider (MSP).
In this blog, we’re covering five areas where an MSP can automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks so you can stay focused on your business.
Why Automate?
Some business owners wonder if automation is worth the hassle. After all, if you’ve been managing IT manually for years and it’s “worked,” why change?
The answer is simple: technology has changed dramatically in the last decade, and it isn’t slowing down. Today, more and more operations live in the cloud, depend on software subscriptions, and require secure access from remote locations. That means more passwords, more updates, more backups, and more monitoring.
Tackling all that manually is more than just difficult; it’s wasteful.
Let’s put it into perspective. Research from Forrester found that employees spend an average of 11 hours per year just resetting passwords or dealing with login issues. Multiply that by every employee in your company, and it’s easy to see how “a few minutes here and there” snowballs into hundreds of wasted hours.
Then there’s human error. A missed backup check. A delayed update. A forgotten account deactivation when an employee leaves. Each slip creates a hole in your system – one that a cybercriminal could exploit.
Automation, managed by a trusted MSP, can close those gaps.
1. Password Changes & Account Management
Changing passwords regularly is a fundamental step in office security, but password fatigue is real. With so many accounts to manage, it’s no surprise that 62% of people admit to reusing old passwords (NordPass). Every weak or stale password is an open door for hackers.
An MSP can take password management off your plate entirely. They can enforce password policies, automate reminders or deadlines, and even integrate multi-factor authentication (MFA) into your systems for added protection.
Beyond resets, MSPs can also manage and automate overall account lifecycles, including the onboarding of new hires and the deactivation of old accounts so nothing gets forgotten about.
2. Software Updates & Patch Management
60% of security compromises stem from unpatched vulnerabilities. Despite this, software updates are a consistent sore spot for many SMBs. They’re critical, but many users find it a lot easier to click “reminder me later” when they’re prompted to update their software in the middle of the day. Unfortunately, that “later” doesn’t always come.
With an MSP, you don’t have to worry. They can automate updates and patches, scheduling them during off-hours so your team doesn’t have to be interrupted. A good MSP will also test software updates to ensure that they are working as intended and that they are compatible with your systems before they go live.
Not only is your MSP closing security vulnerabilities by having your updates automatically handled, but they’re also making sure those updates work well for your business without any complications.
3. Backup Monitoring & Recovery Testing
Most businesses have some kind of backup system already in place – but only 20% regularly test those backups. That leaves a huge margin for error. Missed files, broken configurations, or even complete restoration failures may go unnoticed until it’s far too late.
If your business needs a backup, you can’t afford to discover it isn’t working the day of.
An MSP takes that risk off your shoulders. They can automate the review process, monitor your critical backup files, run regular recovery tests, and flag any issues before they turn into disasters. That means resting easy knowing that in the case of an emergency, your files are safe and sound.
4. Routine Security Scans & Compliance Reporting
Good antivirus software runs scheduled scans, but an MSP takes things a step further. Beyond setting up more fine-tuned antivirus scan schedules, MSPs can also log and report the results of each scan to make sure nothing is missed.
But security is as much about staying secure as it is compliant. And for regulated industries – like finance, healthcare, or legal services – automated reporting is necessary. Regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, or FINRA require ongoing documentation of security practices. Without consistent records, you’re not only at a greater risk of a breach, but also of costly fines and failed audits.
With an MSP, compliance reporting becomes automatic. You’ll have the right documentation, updated regularly, and ready to present whenever it’s needed.
5. System Performance Monitoring & Alerts
>Automation is as much about security as it is about keeping your systems running the best they can. MSPs use tools that constantly monitor your systems’ “vitals” such as performance, storage space, uptime, hardware health, and much more.
If an issue is detected (a failing hard drive or low disk space) your MSP will know before that problem turns into costly downtime. Alerts can even be customized to watch specific systems most critical to your business.
Automation Makes Everything Else Easier
When you automate repetitive tasks, you free up time and close critical security gaps. And when issues do pop up, automated security and monitoring tools alert your MSP, who can then bring you a clear plan of action on how to react.
That means no more missed updates, overlooked alerts, or hours wasted trying to make sense of technical reports. Instead, your MSP filters the noise, translates it into plain language, and gives you a game plan for moving forward.
At The 20 MSP, we’ve been helping businesses get the most out of their tech for years. From automated around-the-clock monitoring to proactive security, we make sure your business gets – all at a predictable flat-rate fee.
And if you’re interested, we’d love to chat.
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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.
