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Mid-Year IT Health Check for SMBs: Are You on Track?
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Introduction

The halfway point of the year is the perfect time for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to evaluate their IT infrastructure. Just like reviewing finances or team performance, assessing your technology systems ensures your business stays secure, productive, and prepared for the months ahead.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive mid-year IT health check—covering system performance, software updates, cybersecurity, backups, documentation, and support. We’ve also included a helpful self-assessment checklist.


Why Mid-Year IT Reviews Matter

Technology isn’t static—it evolves constantly, and risks can develop quietly over time. Regular IT checkups can help you:

  • Detect vulnerabilities before they’re exploited

  • Identify aging or underperforming systems

  • Ensure compliance with internal policies or external regulations

  • Prepare for future growth or cyber threats

  • Minimize downtime and business disruption

Need help from experts? Learn about our Managed IT Services.


1. System Performance and Reliability

Ask yourself:

  • Are systems running slower than usual?

  • Are there frequent crashes, freezes, or downtime?

  • Are users complaining about lag when using business-critical software?

Slow or unreliable systems not only frustrate your staff—they drain productivity. Consistent system monitoring and reporting can flag issues early, keeping your team running at full speed.


2. Software and System Updates

Keeping your technology up to date is essential to both security and performance.

  • Are all operating systems current and still supported?

  • Are updates and patches applied regularly?

  • Are there any legacy tools still in use?

Outdated software is more than inefficient—it’s a security risk. Learn more about software patches and why they matter.

Related: CISA Guidance on Software Updates


3. Cybersecurity and Threat Prevention

Cyber threats evolve rapidly. A mid-year security review should include:

  • Confirming all devices use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools

  • Ensuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enforced organization-wide

  • Validating the use of email and web filtering to prevent phishing and malicious traffic

  • Checking if employees have completed cybersecurity awareness training in the last 6–12 months

Want to know how your security stacks up? See how we help businesses stay protected.

More info: Wikipedia – Endpoint Detection and Response


4. Backups and Disaster Recovery

An effective backup and disaster recovery strategy is essential.

  • Are your backups running on a consistent schedule?

  • Are they tested regularly for restorability?

  • Do you have both onsite and cloud backups in place?

  • Are critical systems covered under your disaster recovery plan?

For more guidance, see NIST’s recommendations on backup and recovery.


5. IT Documentation and Asset Inventory

Well-organized documentation saves time and prevents headaches:

  • Is your IT asset inventory current (devices, software, licenses)?

  • Are login credentials stored securely using a password management system?

  • Is vendor and warranty info tracked?

  • Are onboarding/offboarding processes clearly documented?

Documentation is also vital for audits, troubleshooting, and transitions.


6. IT Support and User Experience

Don’t overlook user support. It's often the most visible part of your IT experience.

  • How fast are tickets resolved?

  • Is after-hours or 24/7 support available?

  • Do users feel they’re getting the help they need?

Reliable, responsive support reduces downtime and improves employee satisfaction.

Here’s how GAM Tech delivers 5-minute response times.


Mid-Year IT Health Self-Assessment Checklist

Use this simple checklist to evaluate your tech environment:

Area Pass Needs Work
Systems performing reliably
Devices and software updated
EDR, MFA, filters in place
Backups tested and working
Team trained in cybersecurity
Inventory and documentation up-to-date
Users get fast, effective support

If you’re checking more "Needs Work" boxes, it may be time to bring in expert support.


How GAM Tech Can Help

At GAM Tech, we support SMBs across Canada with proactive IT services designed to keep your systems secure, reliable, and fully optimized. Our team monitors performance, automates patching, protects your data, and responds fast—day or night.

Whether you’re doing your own IT review or want help from professionals, we’re here to support your success.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or explore our Managed IT Services.


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