Keeping IT Simple

Whether you work in the front end, back end, or some combination of both, you’re no stranger to the long workday. Take a moment to consider everything that needs to be completed before today is over. Do you have tasks to complete? Customers to assist?  

Take another moment, but now think about how much more you could get done if you didn’t have to spend time worrying about the technology at your dealership. Technology should be used as a tool to advance your dealership, not slow it down. That’s where a strong IT management strategy comes in. 

What is IT Management?

IT management is the planning, monitoring, and implementation of your organization’s information technology. At its core, it means ensuring that your dealership’s hardware, software, and network are not only up to date, but also running smoothly.  

If your IT infrastructure were a racecar, the team managing it would be the pit crew. There may be significantly fewer tire changes in IT, but the end goal is the same: get back on track as quickly as possible and ensure performance is optimized for success.  

What happens when there’s poor IT management?

We’ve all experienced frustrating tech hiccups: emails aren’t sending, load times are painfully slow, or everything crashes right before you were going to hit save. At home, these moments can be annoying. But when they happen at work, it can bring your entire day (or business) to a standstill. 

If your dealership’s IT isn’t fully supported, minor issues can snowball into major disasters. Poor IT management doesn’t just slow you down; it puts everything at risk. Here’s what’s at stake when your IT isn’t fully supported: 

• Network outages or slowness. 

• Data becomes vulnerable without anything to keep it protected. 

• Unanswered emails or phone calls mean lost business. 

• Unpatched systems open the door to security threats. 

• Downtime leads to frustrated employees and unhappy customers. 

Keep security simple!

Not sure how to begin your journey towards positive cyber hygiene? You don’t have to be a tech guru — just try starting with the basics! Check out some of our essential IT tips to keep your dealership secure.  

Update Systems Regularly
Keep your software up to date to close potential vulnerabilities. 

Back Up Your Data
Ensure your provider encrypts backups and follows the 3-2-1 rule (three copies, two types of media, and one offsite). 

Use Multifactor Authentication
Add extra layers of security to sensitive accounts to prevent unauthorized access. 

Enforce Access Controls
Apply the principle of least privilege. Limit access to data based on necessity. 

Segment Your Network
Reduce the spread of threats by isolating critical systems and data. 

You don’t need to be an expert in IT to keep your dealership protected. You just need a strong strategy and the right team to support you. Whether you’re looking for a fully managed solution or just an extra set of hands to help your team, focusing on IT shouldn’t feel like a burden. Keep it simple, keep it secure, and keep your focus on what matters most: your customers.