As we enter into the new year, it’s time to consider whether it’s the end of the road for your company’s legacy software system.
While some businesses are keen to hang on to it for as long as possible, the time has now come to move on for many companies. In this article, we’re going to discuss whether it’s time to find a replacement for your legacy software system. Keep reading as BSPOKE Software share the best solutions for your business and ways to improve your systems.
What is a legacy software system?
Legacy, in terms of computer software, refers to older methods and systems. Therefore, if your business is currently using “older systems,” then perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. A lot of legacy software is made using old source code and is now impossible to update or improve. There are many risks associated with legacy software, such as software rot. This means it’s hard to keep maintaining and improving after all this time.
There are many examples of legacy software, which businesses are still relying on to this day. However, as we enter into the new year, it really is time to rethink whether this is holding you back as a business owner. So, let’s take a look at some of the biggest issues with legacy software. We’ll also share how to decide when it’s time to move on.
The drawbacks of using a legacy software system
There are dozens of reasons to consider moving away from legacy software. A lot of old legacy software or hardware products can no longer receive the support they need. You can’t upgrade them, and you’ll find that they don’t perform the functions a modern business needs on a daily basis.
Old legacy software is unlikely to meet your organisation’s needs. This means your reporting may be incorrect or not to the industry standards.
One of the most common complaints we hear about legacy software is from staff members. They often spend hours battling the system and resort to manual work instead. This means their productivity and efficiency are much poorer than your nearest competitor.
They may also have to use other tools or software to complete even the most basic of tasks. With so many modern software solutions on the market, it would be easy to find an option that meets your needs.
When is it time to move on from your legacy software system?
Upgrading from your legacy software does require some commitment from you and your employees. Your company needs to be ready to invest in the resources and time to implement and train your team. While this might seem like a pain in the short term. However, in the long run, you’ll find that it’s a worthwhile investment.
If you are experiencing a few or all of the drawbacks of legacy software we shared above, that’s a clear indication it’s time to move on. This could be holding your business back from reaching its full potential.
If you have legacy software that’s stopping you from reaching your goals, this is the perfect time to make this upgrade.
One thing that business owners need to accept is that there will be a day at some point when your software has reached the end of its lifespan. Therefore, it’s not about whether you need to make a change. It’s more a case of when you decide to make this upgrade.
For your business to grow and thrive after the recent pandemic, we suggest acting now. You’ll find that you become far more productive and keep competitive during these trying times. In fact, many companies find that they soon save money when they leave behind their legacy software. You may find that you have been paying your employees for overtime. You might also find that their time could be put to better use elsewhere.
Your reports will always be filed on time with better software. On top of that, you can work to improve customer service and minimise complaints. All in all, you’ll find that modern software will be a valuable addition to your business. This is something to consider regardless of what product or service you offer.
Top tips for moving on from your legacy software system
Making a huge change within your business can be hard for everyone it impacts. It’s important to listen to your team’s frustrations before making this switch. From there, you can choose the right option for your next software and ensure it overcomes the issues with your legacy software.
Don’t rush the decision either, as this will usually lead to further issues in the long run. Think long and hard about what you will replace your legacy software with, and you can be sure you’ll find success with this change.
The new software you switch to is likely to require some hardware upgrades as well. Make sure you budget for this so that you aren’t shocked by the cost of making this switch. If you need cloud hosting or dedicated servers, also keep these costs in mind.
Look at the computers and monitors you use within your business at the same time. These may no longer be suitable for your new software. This may end up being a big investment for your company, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run. Make sure your software meets both the needs of your employees and customers so that you can thrive.
Replace your legacy software with a bespoke software solution
One of the best replacements for a legacy software system is bsepoke software. Our team are here to discuss with you the best option for your company and how we can help to replace your legacy software this year.
Contact us today for more information about upgrading outdated legacy software. No task is too big or small for our team, and we’ll be excited to help your business thrive this year.
