IT – cost factor or investment?

The share of IT costs in total costs is increasing annually in most companies. What is your company's attitude towards the IT budget? Is IT a cost factor or an investment? This is an important distinction! Costs can at best be reduced or are an unavoidable prerequisite. You expect a ROI (Return on Invest), i.e. added value, from investments. Investment behavior of SMEs vs. large companies A study by ETH Zurich shows that SMEs use fewer digital technologies on average than large companies. Obstacles such as unsuitable workflows, a lack of qualified employees and limited financial resources are cited as the main reasons for the lower level of digitization. The study also indicates that small and medium-sized companies often use digitization to increase their competitiveness, but less often to develop new business models or integrate value chains. Source: Research Collection Is a lack of qualified personnel really an obstacle? Do you build your car yourself or do you order it? If you need a car, you don't hire employees to do it, set up a workshop and build the car yourself. You order the car from a trusted partner according to your requirements. Working with a digitization agency offers several advantages over in-house project implementation, particularly in the areas of expertise, scalability and strategic direction. Here are seven key advantages: 1. Broader expertise and industry knowledge Digitization agencies often work with a wide range of companies and industries, which gives them a comprehensive view of trends, best practices and innovative technologies. Up-to-date know-how: They are familiar with the latest technologies and methods. Cross-industry approaches: Experience from other industries can provide innovative impetus for your company. 2. Strategic focus While internal IT departments are often busy with the operation and maintenance of existing systems, an agency can offer a fresh perspective and clear strategies for digitalization. Focus on transformation: Agencies concentrate on digital innovation and transformation projects. Independent perspective: As external partners, they provide an objective and alternative view. 3. Resource conservation and flexibility The internal capacities of the IT department are often limited, especially in smaller companies. An agency can provide additional resources quickly and flexibly. Relieving the burden on internal IT: The IT department can focus on operational tasks. Scalability: Agencies flexibly adapt their involvement to your needs. 4. Faster implementation Agencies specialize in implementing projects efficiently. Project management expertise: They have proven processes and tools. Focus on deadlines: Since agencies work on a project basis, they are often more goal-oriented. Since agencies usually work at an agreed cost, it is in their interest to implement projects in a lean, goal-oriented and efficient manner. 5. Access to specialized technologies Digitization agencies have specialized tools and software that may be difficult or expensive for internal IT departments to access. Innovative solutions: Access to AI, cloud services or automation tools. Training and implementation: Agencies can also support the introduction of new technologies. 6. Cost control Even if external services initially appear more expensive, they can be more cost-efficient in the long run. Predictable costs: Clearly defined project budgets and transparent cost structures. Avoiding bad investments: Agencies help to avoid unnecessary costs due to poor technology decisions. When hiring an agency, you don't have to recruit and hire employees first. Ultimately, you don't have to lay them off when the project is completed. Nevertheless, these external resources are quickly available again when needed. 7. Change management support The introduction of new digital processes requires change management expertise, which agencies often bring to the table. Employee training: Agencies offer support in qualifying the workforce. Cultural change: They promote an innovative mindset within the company. Conclusion Working with a digitalization agency can strategically strengthen companies, accelerate projects and minimize the risk of errors when implementing new technologies. While internal IT continues to play a key role, particularly in system administration and operations, an agency can serve as a catalyst for digital transformation.