Modernizing your business can seem overwhelming, since there’s so much digital technology available and required to stay competitive.

Fortunately, turnkey solutions provide a simple way to digitally improve your company. But will they work for you?

Think about it like the “Mac vs. PC” debate. 

Fighting out of one corner: the tried-and-true hardware and software aesthetic...  Macintosh! And in the other corner, there’s the versatile, “create your own” configurations and style that comes with PCs!

Determining which is better is a wrestling match that has lasted decades, but determining which is better for you is entirely based upon your needs (and personal taste).

Digitizing your business requires the same sort of debate: Do you prefer trusted readymade solutions, or customizable options tailor-made for your preferences?

Your personal taste might lean one way, but here is a FAQ-type guide to help you decide what will actually be better for your business.

What Are Turnkey Solutions?

Turnkey solutions are provided services that are ready to use when implemented.

In IT, these services offer solutions for design, communication, billing, training, data security, content management or customer relationship management.

Imagine buying a new car off the lot; after you sign on the line, essentially all you have to do is turn the key and speed off. 

Once you commit to a turnkey solution just “turn the key” and it’s prepared to work for you.

What Is An Example Of A Turnkey IT Solution? 

I don’t need to tell you this, but when incorporating information technology, there are many factors that all businesses need to address: finance, HR, sales, marketing, manufacturing, customer service and even cloud deployment.

Enterprise Resource Planners (ERPs) provide ready-made solutions to almost all of them at once, which makes them a perfect example of a turnkey solution. Their purpose is to centralize your critical data in a database that all parts of your company can access to improve processes and communication.

What Are The Benefits Of Turnkey Solutions?

Basically, you’re buying turnkey solutions right off the shelf. Like a plug-and-play flash drive, or even a toaster, you’re getting something that you trust will work without much (or any) setup or instructions.

Pop in some bread and check out these major benefits:

Save Time

The most obvious benefit is how little is actually required to get you to your end goal. The amount of time needed to deploy turnkey solutions is minimal, and basically ends after you pick your turnkey technology.

Save Money

Turnkey solutions are a cost-effective way to solve your problem. Since they’re designed as a single product meant to service a wide array of companies at a set price, they allow you to spend less while you upgrade into the digitized world.

Trustworthy

As tried and true options that allow you to know exactly what you’re getting, turnkey solutions are trusted industry solutions great for just about any business.

Are There Any Drawbacks To Turnkey Solutions?

While the benefits are impressive, there are some key points to address to help you determine if they’re right for you.

Lack Of Customization

With turnkey technology being made wholesale, you have little ability to personalize it to your needs. The lack of customization is the biggest drawback to turnkey solutions, as they might be counterproductive with your existing business processes. 

Blend In

While blending in with your camo is certainly an advantage in the woods, you probably don’t want to fade into the background in the business landscape. The uniformity that comes with ready to go solutions can also mean you don’t stand out, which might dull the competitive edge that you already have.

Unused Features

Sometimes, the only turnkey solution on the market that covers what you’re looking for also includes things you don’t need. Why pay for more than what you’re actually using? 

Are There Other Options?

If you already like the idea of purchasing ready-made solutions that fit all of your needs, then you’re all set. But before you make a purchase, know that there are some alternatives.

Do It Yourself

You know your business better than anyone else. The most personalized solutions for your company could come from you, if you have the resources and know-how. 

Standing out in this way can provide the most unique edge above your competition.

Custom Solutions

The most common alternative is if you purchase software or have custom apps tailor-made specifically for your business.

Custom solutions typically cost more because they require more time, detailed planning and personalization, but they address a specific need, or set of needs, and are made to work seamlessly with your current business processes.

Are Turnkey Solutions Right For Your Business?

Just like in the Mac vs. PC comparison, you have to decide what type of solutions are best for you and your business. Before you commit, you should:

• Be as clear as possible about what you need, and confident about the expected outcome.
• Determine which employees will use this technology solution, and if it compliments them and their skill sets.
• Pay attention to your company’s existing strengths and future goals. The solutions should allow for the growth and scalability you desire.
• Money matters; consider the short-term and long-term costs of the solution.

If your business is just starting out, or you find yourself needing something done accurately, efficiently and on a budget, turnkey solutions are the trusted way to get you what you need.

However, you might want the versatility that comes with customizable solutions tailored for your specific business.

It all boils down to what makes sense for your needs, growth, budget and taste. 

Marco can help you determine what solutions compliment you, and provide both turnkey solutions and personalized services, offering the best of both worlds.