Netrio (formerly PCA Technology Group)

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director of Finance & Administration at Envision Benefits Group. We provide Benefit, HR & Payroll services to employer groups in the New York region.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PCA Technology Group?

We have a smaller company and needed help with our IT services. We have had a couple other companies that we have used in the past but they were not meeting our needs. We found PCA and have used them not only for our outsourced IT services but they have also helped us with Cybersecurity documents and now we are moving and they have been such a great partner in helping us gather everything.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We did a RFP for a few vendors in the area that we found by a search and also by referrals. PCA was one of those companies and after interviewing each and going through them all. PCA seemed to be the best fit for us.

Describe the project in detail and walk through their service package.

We currently have PCA on for all of our technical needs, they help us when we have new hires and any difficulties with our network and computers. Currently we are in the process of moving offices and Todd (our rep) has been out to help look through our new space and make sure we have all the right equipment for the move. He also is ready to make sure he is there prior to move in to make sure that we are already ready to just plug in when we need to move into the new office space. We could not do this without them and we are glad to have such a great partner like PCA & Todd.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

Todd is our main resource for larger projects (like our move), we use their service desk/team for any day to day issues we may run into. Mike also met with us to help us review our Cybersecurity policies and was gracious enough to provide us with some templates to help make sure we were up to date.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Todd met with us to go over what our move would entail and what our next steps were to make sure we were up and running. He sent us over a quote for any equipment we needed to purchase in advance (larger office space). We are on target to be moved into the new space by the end of this month.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We email with Todd and communicate that way when we have something coming up for the move. PCA Technology Group is always responsive and we feel that we are in good hands with him as the lead on this project.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They have been our best experience with outsourced IT services, we recommend them to any of our clients that are in a similar situation and looking for a great solution.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Not at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the VP of Finance for a mid sized material handling equipment dealership with 2 branches.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PCA Technology Group?

We have a longstanding and ongoing value-added partnership with PCA. They provide all of our IT support, and do so flawlessly. Our relationship with them is very dynamic, and I appreciate them being on our team.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

They were in place before i started 8 years ago, but I feel like we have further cemented the relationship over my tenure. Steve and Daryl as well as all of the rest of their team are first class.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

Ongoing IT support, cybersecurity, hardware, and IT infrastructure.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

All members of the help desk, Daryl is our primary contact, and Steve is our relationship contact.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Proactive cybersecurity training I feel has benefited our organization substantially. The added education has help us neutralize the ever rising threat and vulnerability.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow is seamless. The lines of communication are open in both directions, and needed information is presented timely.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The relationship we've developed is what stands out the most. Steve comes out and we review plans for the future, hardware, software, etc. We review in detail, identify needs, and they offer recommendations. We have an open discussion, and make educated decisions.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I don't have any areas for improvement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a small business consulting firm. I work with entrepreneurial leadership teams to help them align their vision and plan to accomplish it by working as a cohesive, healthy team.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire PCA Technology Group?

Last summer I opened a new office and asked PCA to help us optimize our technology set up for a great

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

I had been working with PCA as an EOS client of mine for more than a year. That work gave me the opportunity to see their professionalism is not only an external veneer. It extends internally to their exceptional organization and maturity in how they operate their overall business.

I was confident I had the experts and that was reassuring since I am not a technology expert myself. I had a busy business to run and wanted to outsource IT to the best.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

PCA worked with my team to identify our technology needs for several areas: -within our conference room physical space where we host entrepreneurial leadership teams for EOS working sessions -for the multiple devices on our virtual and in person team -a great hybrid experience for clients joining my sessions remotely.

After we identified the best fit for our needs, PCA quickly provided a detailed, clear proposal with multiple options and price points. They concluded all the work within two weeks and have been available for several follow up needs and accessories as we've used the space and recognized additional needs. They manage our cloud, cybersecurity and website licenses/security on an ongoing basis.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The Sales Director, Steve, and Network Engineer, Trevor, actively engaged us over multiple conversations to determine and meet our exact needs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

It was easy, quickly delivered and has worked seamlessly since they did the work.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They kept us regularly updated and proactively reached out at each stage.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their level of professionalism. They explain technical concepts in easy to understand common language and help you determine the best fit from financial, practical and technological perspectives.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing, PCA delivers an exceptional level of expertise and quality service.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the marketing and IT coordinator for Perma Tech, a loading dock equipment manufacturer based in Buffalo, New York.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with PCA Technology Group?

We engaged PCA for their IT consulting services. Our team had an agreement with a local Buffalo company, but they weren’t keeping up with technological changes and weren’t responsive. As a result, we replaced them with PCA.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

PCA initially did a full evaluation of where we were since our team had multiple types of PCs and licenses. We needed to update our server and licenses while unifying and upgrading our equipment. On top of that, we had to upgrade our accounting system. As a manufacturer, we also knew that we’d need to upgrade to a full ERP system in the future. 

Our company ordered all of our computers through PCA. We included laptops so that our people could work from home. The team increased our security using VPN, training us on cybersecurity best practices and making sure we were compliant with existing policies during audits. They helped us meet requirements so that we could apply for cybersecurity insurance. 

Moreover, we did a big jump to Microsoft 365, so their resources trained us on the new products inside the Microsoft suite. Further, they upgraded our computers connected to cutting machines. We upgraded our software from CAD to SOLIDWORKS; we also went from having individual licenses to being cloud-based. 

At present, PCA continues to provide full-service support for our hardware, software, server, and network. We’re working with them both internally and externally. Lance (Network Engineer) comes in once a week to check on things and know if vendors and users have any questions or issues. 

We’re currently getting ready to kick off our new ERP system. PCA will be working with our global ERP provider, which runs all of our departments in one system. Their resources are assisting in our migration. The team is backing up our old system, which involves our accounting records. We have a cutoff point in November so we must ensure we have those records by audit time at the end of the year. 

What is the team composition?

Apart from Lance, we work with Mike (CEO), who personally looks after our account. We meet with him twice per year as part of our contract to be proactive in planning for adjustments and additions. Brad (Senior Network Engineer) and Matt (Network Engineer & Telephony Specialist) also collaborate with us. We work with 3–4 people continuously for staff members forgetting passwords, getting locked out of their computers, and learning new programs.

How did you come to work with PCA Technology Group?

We did some research in the Buffalo market. As a privately owned, medium-sized company, we considered our budget and location. PCA was local and was within our budget; they were responsive and thorough in answering our questions. That was impressive. 

Jason (Account Executive) was our first point of contact with PCA, and he did a nice job of going through the outline of our needs. He drew up proposals with Mike’s help, generating programs that could help them address our needs — this was wonderful because the programs were scalable to our budget.

In the end, we decided to hire them as a full-service vendor; we decided that the number of services they could provide would be worth our budget. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $25,000 so far. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2021, and the engagement is ongoing. We’ve signed a five-year agreement. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

PCA’s turnaround time is within hours, and our systems never go down for over 24 hours. In other words, the team has excellent response times. When we have internet downtime, they have a good plan for redundancy that keeps us up and running until the broadband is back on. On top of that, migrating to a brand new clean email system is great in terms of managing our tickets. Transferring to Microsoft 365 has lowered our costs, so that’s been a great recommendation from them. 

Moreover, everything has been streamlined. They have access to our GoDaddy domain and security watch cards. These things normally require multiple points of contact, but since PCA has permission to access them, they simply tell me what’s been renewed. They then put everything on our bill. I have one point of contact and one bill — this has been a huge benefit for us. 

Overall, I’m 100% satisfied with PCA. Our team members, president, VP, and controller have also been highly satisfied. We have a variety of technology users — from beginners to advanced — and the PCA team has been truly helpful in bridging the gap between them. They’ve exceeded our expectations; if they don’t know how to answer our questions, they figure things out. 

How did PCA Technology Group perform from a project management standpoint?

PCA’s project management has been excellent. There are never any surprises in terms of pricing. They provide great monthly reports, which tell me how many help tickets were put in or how the compliance of our software is doing. We can monitor our servers and capacities along the way. 

Simply put, the team interacts with us like a true partner — it’s like having our own IT department. They’re here when we need them; they come on-site when they can’t handle something remotely. 

To communicate, we use a ticketing system, emails, and phone calls. Their billing system works well. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their customer service and response times are impressive. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there aren’t any. I’ve been truly happy with them. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Measure the size of your business and indicate how you’d like PCA to work with you. They offer different programs that can complement your IT department. They can also be your whole IT department if you’re a small to medium-sized business. Be transparent about your needs so they can provide the best services. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an accounting staff at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council No. 4 (IUPAT DC4), and we’re a third-party administrator for member benefits and health insurance. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with PCA Technology Group?

We were looking for someone to provide us with technical support. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

PCA is our IT partner, and they’ve developed our software from the ground up. They work to streamline our processes, including administering health benefits, processing payments, and providing checks. 

We process up to 3,000 checks a month, and PCA has found a way to collect that data and generate reports. We use those reports for our year-end audits, and it helps make our reconciliations easier. Whenever we need anything changed on the software, we’ll let PCA know, and they’ll do it within the week.

PCA is currently working on a new solution. One of our international partners has changed how they want their files uploaded, and they’re developing a workaround to meet our needs. 

What is the team composition?

I primarily work with Mike (CEO) and a programmer.

How did you come to work with PCA Technology Group?

They had been working with the union before I got here.

How much have you invested with them?

We spend $20,000 per year. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our organization has been working with PCA since 2002, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We’re very pleased with PCA’s turnover. Whenever we need something done, they can finish within a few days and no more than a week. We’re delighted with their work — we never experience downtimes, and they keep us up and running. We literally will not be functioning without PCA. 

How did PCA Technology Group perform from a project management standpoint?

Communication between us is very open. I can give PCA’s team a call, and whoever’s available will provide remote support. 

Additionally, Mike communicates each step of the way — he’s very proactive. Before he deploys any changes, he ensures everyone in our team is on board with it. Mike and his team are very thorough. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

The level of PCA’s professionalism is impressive. We feel like we’re their only client since they’re always available. They’re also very knowledgeable.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything. I have no complaints. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Do your research, and give as much information as possible to them to pinpoint your issues. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Network Manager of an education company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We're a K-12 school.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire PCA Technology Group to accomplish?

• Install a new antivirus and firewall
• Network efficiency and upgrades

SOLUTION

How did you find PCA Technology Group?

We sent out a Request For Qualifications

Why did you select PCA Technology Group over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We're just starting out with PCA, and they're upgrading our network to make it more efficient and secure. They'll be handling all of our servers and workstation repairs. They'll also be installing new antivirus software as well as a new firewall. So far, it's going great, and I fully expect it to continue.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We just started but they've already installed the remote monitoring and antivirus software and we're working on the rest of the projects.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They're actually ahead of schedule. The other projects are just getting started.

What was your primary form of communication with PCA Technology Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The staff is very kind and working on getting our projects going right away.

Are there any areas for improvement or something PCA Technology Group could have done differently?

No... So far, so good.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was published on Sept 21, 2023.

Mark Coffed
Business Ops Director & CFO, St. Mary's School for the Deaf
Education

Buffalo, New York

51-200 Employees

Jan 2000 - Ongoing

$50,000 to $199,999

Verified

Project summary
PCA Technology Group provides ongoing custom software development and IT support for a school. The team has installed updates into the client's accounting system and handles troubleshooting services.

Feedback summary
PCA Technology Group has been doing a great job of meeting the client's needs. The team has proven capable of providing the right solutions to problems, making them a highly reliable partner. Moreover, they create a smooth workflow through direct communication and prompt customer support.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Business Operations/CFO of St. Mary's School for the Deaf

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

New York State School for the Deaf

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire PCA Technology Group to accomplish?

• Software support
• Consulting

SOLUTION

How did you find PCA Technology Group?

Referral

Why did you select PCA Technology Group over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from PCA Technology Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• Installation of accounting software updates as well as customization of software and "troubleshooting".
• Updates as need
• customization as needed (responses with solutions timely)
• troubleshooting almost instantaneous.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Most current software version
• ability to retrieve required information through a timely customization process
• expedited support during times of "trouble".

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Direct contact with various staff members. Their support is outstanding — they provide timely responses and solutions.

outstanding support.

What was your primary form of communication with PCA Technology Group?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The personal approach from top to bottom, regardless of staff member status.

Are there any areas for improvement or something PCA Technology Group could have done differently?

None that I can think of.

RATINGS
Overall rating: 5    
Great that is why we have been partners for 22+ years!

Quality: 5    
Immediate, thorough, personal

Cost: 5    
Fit the School's budget, important since working with tax payer funds

Schedule: 5    
Outstanding

Willing to refer: 5    
Have many times.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Retirement Web Manager of a financial services company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Retirement Services Firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire PCA Technology Group to accomplish?

• Rewrite of old website

SOLUTION

How did you find PCA Technology Group?

They previously updated our portal and other Applications

Why did you select PCA Technology Group over others?

• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from PCA Technology Group were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Redesign of our portal that had not been updated since the 90's with a fresh modern look along with rewriting the backend code in .Net.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We met our March Deadline for projection completion and now have a beautifully designed website that is not only faster but is also using the latest technologies. After launching the new plan portal we saw an increase in confidence from our clients that we are committed to making changed to our website and are keeping up with the latest technologies which is turn helps keep us competitive.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

We had weekly and sometimes daily calls, emails and live demos that helped to ensure that the project was staying on track. Overall consistent communication to ensure that they were delivering exactly what we needed to ensure success.

What was your primary form of communication with PCA Technology Group?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their ability to think outside the box and help us brainstorm ideas and solutions to make things function/work seamlessly . Their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the success of the project was impressive (work late nights, weekends with us). Also their knowledge of the latest technologies and their ability to troubleshoot any issues that may arise in a timely manner.

Are there any areas for improvement or something PCA Technology Group could have done differently?

Not at this time, keep up the good work!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Executive Director of Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Community Foundation supporting Donor Philanthropic Mission

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire PCA Technology Group to accomplish?

• Manage Internal IT Support
• Manage Cyber Risk
• Identify best preactices

SOLUTION

How did you find PCA Technology Group?

• long term

Why did you select PCA Technology Group over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from PCA Technology Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• Managed IT Support
• Design and implementation of cyber security protocols and monitoring

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• minimization of downtime
• recommend equipment update
• Response time to address issues
• Assistance with Cyber insurance and grants

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

yes - very happy with speed and quality of service

What was your primary form of communication with PCA Technology Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their personal service and attention to detail were impressive

Are there any areas for improvement or something PCA Technology Group could have done differently?

none come to mind

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive at JCC of Greater Buffalo, Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Community Center

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire PCA Technology Group to accomplish?

• Managed IT Services

SOLUTION

How did you find PCA Technology Group?

Referral

Why did you select PCA Technology Group over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from PCA Technology Group were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

IT managed services including hardware setup and installation, software configuration, employee access management, software license management, antivirus protection, cybersecurity, and networking.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

100% Employee satisfaction, 100% network uptime, phone customer support always available during scheduled hours, never an issue with any hardware or software installations, and never experienced a virus or data loss.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

All projects delivered on time with complete satisfaction, and customer support always available during scheduled hours.

What was your primary form of communication with PCA Technology Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are honest, hardworking, trustworthy, and always available when needed.

Are there any areas for improvement or something PCA Technology Group could have done differently?

Honestly, there isn't any area for improvement that I can think of. They do everything we ask of them well past my expectations.