Break/Fix IT Repair Shop Versus Managed IT Service Provider: What Would You Choose?

Eberly Systems

How do you view information technology and support? As an enabler for success and vehicle to digitally transform and scale or as a go-to for help with broken systems?

There are various ways of providing your business with technology support and helpdesk assistance. The break/fix model used to be the go-to method of solving IT issues, but with the surge of larger digital footprints, cloud-based/hybrid business models, and remote workforces, businesses are responsible now more than ever to ensure that their people and their data are secure, reliable, and sufficient.

How do you account for your IT needs? Are you in a dreaded break/fix relationship? Below is a breakdown of break/fix versus managed IT services models of doing IT.

What is a break/fix IT model?

In a break/fix model, you only engage with your service provider when something breaks. It is fee-based, and customers receive no service unless you reach out because you experience an issue. This model is reactive, sporadic, unsecure, and unreliable for your business security and productivity.

Downsides of break/fix IT:

Fostering an “IT repair shop” mentality
Waiting to address an issue until it has already become a problem
The need to initiate each conversation with a provider
The burden of thoroughly explaining your system and the issues experienced to IT support
Blindly being faced with an unforeseen bill for remediation efforts
The reality that your business might be paralyzed if you experience significant issues or losses.

What are managed IT services?

A managed service model from managed IT service providers (MSPs) offers managed support and constant remote system monitoring for a monthly fee. The managed service provider is responsible for ensuring that everything is active and secure. This preventative, consultative, comprehensive model is the best way to establish a firm IT foundation, ensure minimal to no down time, and intercept and mitigate security issues before they become problematic.

Benefits of the IT managed service model:

Relationship. MSPs are intricately involved in furthering your company’s success, building trusted relationships with experts who intimately know your environment and needs and are focused on partnering with you through digital transformation
Costly outage avoidance. With proactive and preventative system monitoring and maintenance, an MSP immediately addresses issues as they happen to help you experience minimal outages. Problems are flagged and worked on independently, without the need for you to get involved.
Budget allocation. Forget incurring unforeseen IT expenses. Rather, budget your IT with monthly monitoring and maintenance.
Dedicated account manager. No need to speak with someone new each time you engage with your provider. Rather, you receive a personal technical account manager who intimately knows your system and is dedicated to helping you attain your business goals.

For these reasons and more, establishing a relationship with a trusted managed service provider is the best way to sleep at night, knowing that your business is being constantly monitored and taken care of.

Eberly Systems offers extreme value to businesses as an industry-leading managed service provider. With multi-tiered offerings , you can choose which fit is best for your business!

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Technology in Construction & Manufacturing: Why It’s More Than Just Device Management

January 20, 2026

Modern construction and manufacturing sites are no longer just about heavy machinery; they’re digital ecosystems. Tablets, laptops, IoT sensors, and mobile apps are now essential for everything from blueprint access to production monitoring. These tools enable real-time collaboration, safety compliance, and operational efficiency. But when your workforce is spread across remote job sites or large facilities, keeping these systems connected and secure becomes a challenge. Construction Blueprint & Plan Access: Crews use tablets to view updated plans on-site, reducing errors and rework. Safety & Compliance Reporting: Mobile apps allow instant incident reporting and safety checks. Equipment Tracking: IoT sensors monitor heavy machinery usage and maintenance needs. Manufacturing Production Line Monitoring: Tablets and IoT devices track throughput and detect anomalies. Quality Control: Mobile devices capture and share inspection data in real time. Inventory Management: Connected devices streamline material tracking and reduce downtime. These tools keep projects moving, but only if they’re secure, updated, and accessible anywhere. Why Remote Access Is Critical Construction sites and manufacturing plants often operate in remote or rugged environments. Workers need secure, reliable access to company systems, whether they’re in the field, on the shop floor, or traveling between sites. Without proper management, connectivity issues and security gaps can lead to delays, data breaches, and compliance failures. How a Managed IT Services Partner Helps You Win Partnering with a Managed IT Services provider lik e Eberly Systems ensures: Centralized Device Management: Configure, update, and secure all devices remotely using Microsoft Intune. Enterprise-Grade Security: Microsoft Defender protects against threats across IT and OT environments. Identity & Access Control: Microsoft Entra ID enables MFA and conditional access for subcontractors and BYOD scenarios. 24/7 Monitoring & Support: Proactive threat detection and performance monitoring keep operations running smoothly. Scalable Solutions: Whether you have 50 devices or 500, policies and updates roll out automatically. This means your teams can access critical tools and data securely anytime, anywhere, without worrying about downtime or cyber risks. Construction and manufacturing thrive on precision and speed. Technology makes that possible, but only when it’s managed effectively. A trusted Managed IT Services partner doesn’t just keep devices secure, it keeps your business moving, your workforce connected, and your data protected. Ready to empower your teams and safeguard your operations? Contact Eberly Systems today for a free consultation.