Why an Annual Tech Physical Could Save Your Business in 2026
It’s January in the Midwest. Time for snow tires, tax prep... and those appointments you’ve been putting off.
Your doctor. Your dentist. Maybe even that mechanic for the mystery noise in your truck.
But what about your business technology?
If your company is based in Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Sioux Falls, or Brainerd, and your IT hasn’t had a full checkup lately, you could be sitting on a preventable disaster. And unlike a sore tooth or flat tire, the warning signs in tech aren’t always obvious—until it’s too late.
"Everything Seems Fine" Is Not the Same as "Everything Is Safe"
Most small businesses skip proactive IT reviews because there’s no visible problem. The network is running, email works, the printer was fixed last week.
But here's the hard truth: just because your systems are working doesn’t mean they’re healthy.
Just like high blood pressure can quietly damage your body, outdated technology or neglected backups can quietly set your business up for a massive failure. The worst IT disasters we see across North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota are almost always caused by:
- Known risks that were never addressed
- Aging equipment that suddenly fails
- Backups that don’t actually restore
- Former employees who still have access
- Security gaps no one noticed
Your systems might be running now—but they could be one bad day away from a shutdown.
What a True Technology Assessment Looks Like
A proper “Tech Physical” doesn’t just ask, “Is the server on?” It asks: Is your entire technology environment prepared for what’s next?
Here’s what we examine for small businesses across the tri-state area:
Backup & Recovery: Your Technology's Vital Signs
If everything fails, could you recover?
- Are backups completing and successful?
- Have you tested a real restore recently?
- If your server died Monday morning, how soon could you be operational?
At IMS, we’ve seen it too many times—businesses thinking they’re protected, only to find out during an emergency that their backups are corrupted or incomplete.
Hardware & Infrastructure: Your Business’s Heart Health
Your equipment won't warn you before it quits.
- How old are your servers, workstations, firewalls?
- Are you relying on hardware that's out of manufacturer support?
- Are you replacing proactively or waiting for failure?
One client told us, “Our server is old, but it still works.” A week later, it didn’t. And neither did their business—for three days.
Access & Security: Your Business’s Bloodwork
Who has access to what? If you’re not sure, it’s time to find out.
- Do you have a current list of all users?
- Are ex-employees still in your systems?
- Are you using shared logins with no accountability?
This kind of “access creep” is how small businesses across Fargo, Bismarck, Sioux Falls, and Moorhead get compromised.
Disaster Planning: Your Cancer Screening
If a cyberattack, fire, or hardware failure hits tomorrow, what’s the plan?
- Is it written down?
- Has it been tested?
- How long could you realistically operate without your systems?
Hope is not a strategy.
And yet, many small businesses are still running on hope.
Compliance & Risk: The Specialist Referral
Depending on your industry, you might have legal and contractual obligations:
- Healthcare: HIPAA fines can reach $50,000 per violation
- Retail: PCI non-compliance could cost you the ability to take payments
- B2B Contracts: Many clients now require verified cybersecurity protocols
If you’re unsure where you stand, a checkup will make it clear—and help you avoid costly surprises.
Real Talk: Are You Overdue?
Here are some red flags we hear from business owners before we uncover serious issues:
- “I think our backups are working.”
- “The server’s old, but still runs.”
- “I’m sure someone cleaned up ex-employee accounts.”
- “We’ve got a disaster plan… somewhere.”
- “If [employee] left, we’d be in trouble.”
- “We’d probably fail an audit, but nobody’s asked.”
If any of these sound familiar, it's time to schedule your annual technology review.
Prevention is Boring. Downtime is Devastating.
Yes, a checkup takes a couple of hours. But skipping it can cost you days—or even the business.
- Data Loss: What’s your business worth without your files, emails, or client history?
- Downtime: Every hour your systems are offline equals lost productivity, missed revenue, and upset clients.
- Fines: Regulatory violations can lead to thousands in penalties.
- Ransomware: Small businesses now face six-figure recovery costs on average.
Why You Need a Partner—Not Just an IT Guy
You don’t give yourself a physical. You go to a doctor who:
- Knows what “healthy” looks like in your situation
- Has seen what actually goes wrong at businesses like yours
- Spots the red flags you’ve normalized or ignored
At Information Management Systems (IMS), we’ve supported small businesses across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota for over 30 years. Our team is known for fast response times, honest advice, and truly proactive support.
Book Your Annual Tech Physical Today
If you're a business with 5–50 employees in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Moorhead, Sioux Falls, or surrounding communities, let's talk.
IMS will review your IT environment and provide a plain-English health report:
- What’s working
- What’s vulnerable
- What needs to be addressed—before it becomes urgent
No jargon. No pressure. Just clarity.
👉 Click here to schedule your 15-minute discovery call
Or call us directly: (701) 364-2718
Because the best time to fix a problem… is before it becomes one.
Written by Kelsey Beauchamp
CEO, IMS | Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
- We already have IT support. Can we still work with you?
Absolutely. Many of our clients come to us because their current IT provider is slow to respond, doesn’t offer proactive advice, or lacks specialized expertise. We can offer a one-time assessment or work alongside your internal team or current vendor. Either way, your tech gets the attention it deserves.
- What does it cost?
The Annual Tech Physical is a low-cost (sometimes complimentary) engagement for qualified small businesses in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota—especially those near Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck, Moorhead, and Sioux Falls. The goal is to help you identify risks early, not sell unnecessary services.
- What makes IMS different from other IT providers?
We’ve been serving local businesses for over 30 years. Clients stick with us because we’re fast, friendly, and deeply committed to keeping your systems running smoothly. We don’t nickel-and-dime or talk over your head—we solve problems before they cost you time, money, or reputation.
