Tackling the Top Tech Talent Challenges with Real-World Strategic Solutions

by Joe Pittillo
6 minutes read

A Case Study in Collaboration with TD SYNNEX and a leading Telecom Company

In a world increasingly focused on automation, there’s irony that the biggest workforce issue is finding enough skilled humans to do the jobs. According to a recent report from the World Economic Forum, the global talent shortage could leave 85 million positions unfilled by 2030. And the cost? A staggering $8.5 trillion in unrealized revenue.

It’s a serious problem wrapped in a somewhat unexpected package: who knew we’d be in such desperate need of human ingenuity in a technology driven ecosystem? If we don’t start addressing this gap now, we might find ourselves competing not against machines, but against the reality of an empty talent pool.

The second-annual TD SYNNEX Direction of Technology (DoT) report provides a clear picture of the most critical skills gaps which are in managed services, cybersecurity (security)/cloud demands, AI/ML solutions, and data analytics:

  1. Rapid Growth of AI/ML Solutions: Partners offering AI/ML solutions grew from 4% in 2022 to 29% in 2023, indicating a significant skills gap and demand for talent in these technologies.
  2. Skills Gaps in High-growth Technology Areas: There was a notable shift towards hiring for data analytics (24%) and AI/ML (22%), indicating evolving skill requirements.
  3. Managed Services and Business Consulting/Prof Services Skills Gaps: Managed services (38%) and business consulting/professional services (37%) were top areas where skills gaps were experienced, reflecting a shift towards service-oriented business models.
  4. Security and Cloud Skills Demand: Security remained a top technology sold and skill in demand, indicating ongoing needs for cybersecurity expertise.

It’s noted that different regions have varying top technology and business skills demands, suggesting the need for targeted recruitment strategies. These gaps are not just numbers on a page; they are real challenges that businesses face daily.

Bridging these gaps is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of businesses in the technology sector. As companies shift towards service-oriented business models, the need for skilled professionals in areas like AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and managed services is growing exponentially.

Case Study: Augmenting Services in Real Time

The Problem: Overcoming Capability Limitations for a High-Stakes Project
In an industry where technical expertise and timely execution are paramount, a leading telecom company faced a critical challenge. After losing the opportunity to serve as a major client’s managed services provider, the company was given a second chance to prove its value by managing a 5G rollout—a complex project previously handled by another major provider. The company needed to demonstrate its ability to execute under pressure and re-establish credibility with the client. However, the project’s demands—including comprehensive site surveys, installations of Cradlepoint and Cisco devices, and managing logistics across multiple sites—exceeded the company’s internal capabilities. Additional specialized expertise and logistical support were required to meet the client’s strict deadlines and operational requirements.

The Solution: Strategic Augmentation and Collaborative Expertise
Recognizing the challenges, the TD SYNNEX Managed Services (MSP) Team collaborated with the telecom company to augment their services, providing the necessary expertise and resources to ensure the project’s success. The TD SYNNEX Managed Services Team brought in a network of vetted providers specializing in 5G implementation, effectively addressing the needs in site surveys and installations through a collaborative approach. The team also streamlined the project management process, reducing the turnaround time for quotes from a week to just one day. This efficiency was critical in maintaining the project schedule and meeting the client’s expectations. By ensuring flexibility and adherence to strict scheduling requirements, the TD SYNNEX Managed Services Team minimized operational disruptions, enabling the rollout to proceed smoothly across all sites.

The Results: Re-Established Trust and Successful Project Delivery
Through this strategic partnership and collaboration, the telecom company successfully completed the 5G rollout, achieving the following outcomes:

  • Reinforced Trust: The telecom company regained its position as a trusted partner, reinforcing its standing within the account.
  • On-Time Completion: The 5G rollout was completed on schedule and met all specifications, showcasing the effectiveness of the collaboration between the telecom company and the TD SYNNEX Managed Services Team.
  • Enhanced Competitive Edge: This successful project demonstrated the telecom company’s ability to meet complex client demands through effective partnerships, highlighting the value of strategic collaboration in overcoming capability challenges.

For businesses facing similar challenges, the takeaway is clear: strategically bridging capability gaps through tailored partnerships can significantly enhance project success and client satisfaction.

By leveraging comprehensive service offerings and insights from our Q&A on IT Services Innovation and Support, and committing to Redefining Standards in Technology Education, businesses can confidently tackle complex projects and achieve successful results. The 2023 TD SYNNEX Direction of Technology (DoT) report underscores the growing demand for managed services, cybersecurity, AI/ML solutions, and data analytics—areas where highly specialized skills are essential but not always readily available in-house.

This case study not only highlights TD SYNNEX’s ability to augment and enhance partner services but also provides a strategic blueprint that other organizations are now eager to replicate. By successfully collaborating on this 5G rollout, TD SYNNEX has set a standard for how complex projects can be managed effectively, with other businesses actively seeking to learn from this approach to apply similar solutions to their challenges

Discover how TD SYNNEX can support your business in staying competitive by visiting our services page or requesting a consultation with our experts.

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