Building a strong IT team starts with thoughtful and strategic choices that support your business objectives.
In our last two client-focused posts, we explored how starting with a single consultant can deliver meaningful results and how to expand a team even when budgets are tight.
Below, we share a real-world example of how adhering to this strategy can position IT teams for success.
The Challenge
IT teams often struggle to keep critical systems running while meeting growing business demands.
One client, a mid-Atlantic laboratory supply company, faced that challenge firsthand. Their global eCommerce platform drove most of their revenue, and the team needed to expand and modernize it to serve both B2B and B2C customers. They also had to maintain stability and reliability throughout the process.
With internal resources already stretched thin, the team needed a way to expand capacity quickly without overloading staff or disrupting ongoing operations.
The Approach
To meet these challenges, PSCI was brought in to help the team expand capacity in stages. Consultants were assigned where they could have the most immediate impact while allowing internal staff to stay focused on ongoing operations.
They started by targeting high-priority areas that, if delayed, could slow innovation or disrupt critical workflows. Integration was important and consultants aligned with existing processes and Agile practices so they could contribute quickly without creating friction.
Ongoing metrics and regular check-ins helped evaluate impact before adding more resources, keeping growth manageable and adaptable as priorities evolved.
The Result
By taking a measured approach, the client expanded IT capacity without disrupting ongoing operations. Deploying consultants to critical areas allowed internal staff to stay focused on their most important tasks while benefiting from specialized expertise.
This strategy helped the client scale their IT team efficiently. Project velocity improved, platform stability was maintained, and internal staff could concentrate on strategic priorities, all while preparing the team for future growth.
Key Takeaways for IT Leaders
Several insights from this approach can guide other IT leaders:
- Start with what matters most – Focus on high-impact areas to ensure every new resource delivers measurable value.
- Measure before scaling further – Assess performance and team dynamics before adding more resources to make confident decisions.
- Integrate thoughtfully – Consultants who complement internal staff and align with workflows help maintain productivity and morale.
- Plan for the long term – Incremental growth addresses immediate needs while building a foundation for sustainable expansion.
Strategic, incremental scaling isn’t just a theory, it works in practice. By identifying critical needs, adding targeted expertise, and integrating talent thoughtfully, IT teams can grow effectively and keep projects on track.
If your team is facing similar challenges or wants to expand capacity without overextending internal staff, PSCI can help you design a growth plan tailored to your business needs and priorities.
