Very rarely do businesses succeed on their own. It takes the right team to help your company hit its target metrics.

Without leveraging the right personnel, it’s easy to become one of the 20% of businesses that fail within the first year. Your staffing needs don’t end at your internal team.

Outsourcing to the right managed service provider (MSP) is crucial in many cases, and doing so can help you leverage a vendor management system (VMS).

Not sure about the difference between MSP vs VMS? We’ve created a guide to illuminate their key features. Let’s explore what you should know.

Managed Service Provider (MSP)

This term refers to a team of people who provide a variety of IT services. This includes everything from program management to regulatory guidance.

Companies can have internal MSPs, but businesses usually outsource them. The primary benefit of outsourcing is cost savings.

Your organization would spend an exorbitant amount training its team and buying premier tools. When searching for an MSP, it’s crucial to consider their reputation. Browse through past client feedback to gain insight into what you can expect.

Ask about their pricing structure and availability. Keep an eye out for fake reviews, as well. The last thing you want is to encounter difficulties after choosing a provider. 

Vendor Management System (VMS)

In contrast to the human involvement of MSPs, a VMS is a software system that helps businesses manage their relationships with their vendors. It streamlines communication and consolidates data. It can also manage onboarding and assist with the payment process.

Under many circumstances, using a VMS can substantially improve productivity. It can also keep your operations organized.

Finding the right software requires finding the right developer. The developer should have a great reputation for providing support and fixing bugs. The software itself should also be intuitive and effective.

Your team might have trouble understanding software that has a steep learning curve. Many people choose to combine MSPs and VMSs to get the best of both without making as great of an investment.

Managed service providers have the experience to use vendor management systems correctly. They can quickly and easily provide the results you need without any complications.

MSP vs VMS: Which Is Best?

There’s no universal answer to this question. It’s possible to use a VMS without the help of a managed service provider.

However, working with a reputable company can help you better leverage the utility that a VMS offers. Assess your needs so you can make the right choice for your organization.

Get Started ASAP

Decide between an MSP vs VMS as soon as possible so you can take your performance to new heights. From here, you’ll avoid many obstacles you may have otherwise encountered.

Inception Network Strategies is a premier managed service provider dedicated to helping small businesses and financial institutions in central Tennessee. Our professional staff has the experience and resources to provide superior service while minimizing costs. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.