We regularly speak to companies that are still dragging out the use of their legacy software. While they think they are saving money and time by continuing to use it, there are certain telltale signs that it’s time to pull the plug and upgrade to something a little more modern. In this article, we share the key signs that it’s time to move on from your legacy applications.
Signs that your need to pull the plug on your legacy software
Legacy software is a solution that was coded using third-generation programming tools. They are often old, outdated, hard to use, and are impossible to update. The limitation of legacy software is one of the most common reasons to upgrade from this option. If you’re struggling to perform basic everyday tasks, that’s the number one sign you need to update. If your legacy software is no longer supported, this shows that you need to update it as soon as possible before it becomes impossible to use. You might also find it no longer meets the reporting needs of your company, meaning it can’t perform the desired tasks for your daily operations.
Many companies notice that their employees are spending hours doing manual work because their legacy software doesn’t support the tasks they need to complete. If you find your team are doing this it’s definitely time for an upgrade. When you start to research your options, you’ll find many modern software solutions that might meet your needs. These might be custom software tailored to your company’s needs or generic off-the-shelf applications. Your company will need to be willing to invest the time, resources, and training to use your new software solution, but as a result, you’ll find your productivity and output are much improved.
How many years does it typically last?
We are commonly asked how old legacy software should be before you replace it, and this answer will vary depending on the software solutions you are using. It’s more important to consider whether it can be upgraded or integrated with your systems. However, ‘as a rule of thumb’, any software over a decade old will most likely need replacing soon. When there’s a lack of support from the vendor or the company who created the software is no longer operating, this is a clear sign to move on from your current software solution. Also, significant changes in the market since you installed this solution, can also indicate it time for a change.
Things to keep in mind before switching
When moving away from your legacy software, there are certain things you need to consider to achieve a smooth transition. Newer software might require you to upgrade your hardware. So make sure you check with our team whether your current hardware can support a new custom software solution. You might need to upgrade to dedicated servers or cloud hosting, but this investment will be well worth it in the long run.
Finally, you’ll want to take the time to find a new solution that fully meets the needs of your company. Speak to BSPOKE Software to learn more about custom software and how it can improve your company’s productivity. This is an excellent solution for any business wishing to move away from legacy software. As it can offer you a fully customised solution that will fulfil all of your business needs.
The benefits of pulling the plug
There are so many reasons why a company would decide to pull the plug on legacy software, but the benefits far outweigh the time and effort involved in finding and investing in a new system. We understand that many companies are hesitant to move away from a system that has served them for many years. However, investing in new technology is an important part of any business remaining competitive. You’ll find that modernising your software improves the employee and customer experience and quickly provides a return on your investment. As your team become much more efficient they’ll be able to get more done in fewer hours.
Legacy software is often at risk of malware and cyberattacks, whereas a modern solution provides greater security. A new software system will make your business more digitally competitive and will benefit from greater scalability. Finally, your workforce will be able to reach their full potential, with a software system designed to maximize their productivity.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve decided to move on from your legacy software, you might be wondering what the best option is. Custom software is an affordable even on a budget and is an excellent solution for businesses of all sizes. For more information about moving away from legacy software and the options on offer to you, contact our team, who will be happy to discuss the best solutions for your needs.
