You know that drawer of single-use tools you have in your garage? Or that one kitchen utensil that sits in the back of the drawer except for that thing you make once a year? Recently, the rear door on our older vehicle decided it didn’t want to open anymore. After plenty of YouTube instruction and what I thought were the right parts, I proceeded to pull off trim and plastic, thinking this was gonna be a quick job. 

Except when I was ALMOST there, I ran into the lovely problem of an uncommon size star bit. After looking through every drawer in the garage, laundry room, kitchen, and my sons’ room (because you never know with them), I failed to come up with the right size. A trip to the hardware store saw me buy the unusually sized bit, but it did the necessary work to help me fix the door. 

Despite my frustration with the weird star bit size, it was the right tool for the job. Going at a job with the wrong tool often ends up making the job worse and more expensive. 

Why Having the Right Tools Matters in IT 

The same principle applies to IT hardware. The wrong tool — or poor-quality hardware — can easily cost your business in ways that are both obvious and not so obvious. 

Seen Costs 

Poor quality or ill-suited hardware can cause: 

  • Performance problems: Sluggish workstations or inefficient servers slow down employees and operations. 
  • Increased downtime: Faulty or incompatible hardware leads to more frequent outages. 
  • Higher costs: Short-lived, consumer-grade hardware requires frequent replacements, adding unnecessary expenses. 

Unseen Costs 

The unseen costs of using subpar hardware are often even more significant: 

  • Security vulnerabilities: Devices like thumb drives, outdated routers, or consumer-grade IoT devices are prime targets for hackers. 
  • Data breaches: Every piece of hardware connected to your network could provide access to proprietary information, customer data, or financial records. 

A Real Threat: Hardware Security 

The dangers of poorly secured hardware have become so prominent that the U.S. government created the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program. This initiative aims to identify consumer devices that meet cybersecurity standards, such as smart TVs and security cameras. 

While this program focuses on consumer-grade products, it highlights the growing need for secure hardware across the board. For businesses, the risks are even greater. Off-the-shelf, consumer-grade devices often lack the security features necessary to protect against sophisticated cyberattacks. 

Why You Need the Right IT Managed Service Provider 

Your IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) plays a critical role in guiding you toward the right tools for your business. They should: 

  • Recommend and install enterprise-grade hardware that’s secure, reliable, and scalable. 
  • Regularly assess your hardware’s performance and security to ensure your business runs smoothly. 

Make sure you aren’t using consumer-grade products to save money. It might seem like a cost-effective solution upfront, but it will cost you more in the long run – in terms of downtime, security breaches, and damaged reputation. 

Need Help with Your IT in the Aiken or Augusta area? 

If you’re unsure whether your current IT infrastructure is up to par — or if your business growth is being slowed down by outdated hardware — give us a call at 803-226-0837. Let us help you ensure your IT isn’t just good enough but a driving force behind your success.