Technology can drive High Street growth, but all these shiny new things need a foundational layer to operate
Managed networks are that layer. They are, of course, an often overlooked aspect of the bigger picture. As High Street businesses strive to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and stay ahead of technological trends, managed networks provide the essential infrastructure needed to support all the fancy tech. For High Street organisations, partnering with managed service providers (MSPs) is a sensible move that offers numerous benefits, from improved reliability to enhanced security and beyond.
Foundation of the modern High Street
Managed networks form the foundational layer upon which modern retail operations are built. They ensure seamless connectivity across various systems and devices, enabling real-time data transfer and communication. This connectivity is crucial for the smooth operation of point-of-sale systems, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and more.
Mark Kershaw, our Sector Head, is clear about the growing role of managed networks: “The role of the managed service provider was somewhat siloed to looking at bandwidth and purely networks and uptime and downtime. What we’re seeing now is a fairly complex supply ecosystem where all those suppliers have to perform well together and communicate together to help our retailers drive those digital initiatives.”
Don’t be left behind
Keeping up with technological advancements is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and staying competitive. Managed networks play a vital role in ensuring that the underlying infrastructure can support the latest technologies, preventing High Street businesses from falling behind due to outdated systems.
Laurence Malthouse, Solutions Sales Director at Gamma, highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date technology: “And how often do we walk into the scenario where the retailer is technology dead ended? Are there a point where their business has transformed so much, but the underlying foundations simply can’t support that?”
Managed networks provide the necessary support for integrating new technologies, ensuring that all systems operate seamlessly. This includes everything from real-time data transfer and communication across various devices to supporting advanced retail technologies like AI and IoT.
Scalability and flexibility
The High Street requires networks that can scale and adapt to changing needs. Managed networks offer the flexibility to scale up during peak seasons and scale down during slower periods. This scalability is particularly beneficial for High Street organisations with multiple locations or those planning to expand.
Hannah Lipczynski, one of our Business Development Managers, elaborates on the importance of having a flexible network: “I think it’s a little bit of a cliché, but you do really want a managed service provider who does live and breathe your business, who thinks about your business as much as you do, if not more. And I think that’s making sure that you always have the flexibility within your contract to upgrade technology.”
Future-proofing the High Street with managed networks
The High Street needs to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. Managed networks provide the foundation for integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics. By partnering with MSPs, the High Street can leverage these technologies to enhance their operations, customer experience, and drive revenue.
Hannah highlights the importance of staying current: “The landscape moves so quickly. You really do need to be in a position where you can be flexible and agile. Gone are the days where you can just have one piece of kit, and it serves you for however many years.”
Choosing the right managed service provider
As much as understanding that the network supports the tech, choosing the right managed service provider (MSP) is critical for High Street businesses. A capable MSP ensures that the technological infrastructure can support current and future needs, enabling seamless operations and the adoption of advanced technologies. The right MSP acts as a strategic partner, providing tailored solutions that enhance efficiency and support business growth.
Hannah points out the importance of selecting the right MSP: “It takes more than one person to run a more than one company to run a lot of big retail networks. And I think your MSP should also know at what point their expertise is maybe not as great as someone else would be.”
A good MSP understands their own capabilities and knows when to collaborate with other experts to deliver the best possible service. This collaborative approach ensures that High Street businesses receive comprehensive support, addressing all aspects of their network needs. From ensuring robust connectivity to providing 24/7 monitoring and proactive maintenance, the right MSP helps them stay competitive and responsive to market demands.
By partnering with an MSP that has a deep understanding of the retail sector, businesses can focus on their core operations while leveraging the expertise of their provider to manage and optimise their technological infrastructure. This not only improves operational efficiency, but also allows the High Street to innovate and adapt quickly to changing customer expectations and market trends. Working alongside a reliable MSP is definitely a smart move for High Street businesses looking to succeed and stand out from the competition.