When we refer to "existing systems", we mean the tools and software that your business relies on daily to manage various operations - whether financial, operational or administrative in nature. These systems are integral to your business's success and there comes a point where tough decisions have to be made with regards to maintaining your current systems or upgrading or changing them.
Outdated Excel Workflows: Excel has long been a go to tool for businesses handling data management, reporting and analysis. However, as data grows and business needs evolve, using Excel for complex workflows can become inefficient and downright risky.
Old Custom-built CRMs: Custom CRM systems are designed to meet specific business needs, but over time, they can become difficult to maintain and prone to compatibility issues with newer technologies. Without the flexibility or scalability that modern systems offer, these legacy CRMs can hinder your ability to effectively manage customer relationships.
Outdated Project Management Tools: Older project management systems were suitable for basic task management but may no longer suffice as your business grows. These systems lack advanced features such as automated reporting, cloud storage and real-time analytics, creating friction in your workflows (and your workforce!).
Workforce Management Systems: Legacy workforce management systems that lack mobile access or cloud integration can create barriers to managing distributed teams, scheduling and time tracking efficiently. As your workforce evolves, upgrading to a custom workforce management system designed to handle modern challenges can significantly enhance resource allocation, productivity and operational efficiency.
Aging Infrastructure: Older hardware and software infrastructure, while once state of the art, may now be a costly burden. These systems often rely on outdated programming languages or proprietary technologies that no longer integrate well with current solutions.
The decision to keep these older systems may seem appealing in the short term, especially if they’ve been working well enough for years. However, here are some of the negative effects that businesses face when they hold on to legacy systems for too long -
Higher Maintenance Costs: As technology evolves, supporting outdated systems becomes more costly. Custom built systems in particular may require specialised expertise that’s harder to find and more expensive to retain. Additionally, parts, updates and support for older software can become increasingly scarce, making it difficult to fix issues quickly.
Incompatibility with Modern Software: Legacy systems often struggle to integrate with modern tools and applications. This can create data silos and disrupt workflows, leading to inefficiencies and lost opportunities for your business.
Security Risks: Outdated systems may not be able to support the latest security protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to cyber threats. Modern systems are continuously updated to meet current security standards, ensuring better protection of sensitive business information.
In some cases, keeping your legacy systems can be a viable option, especially if they’ve been deeply integrated into your business operations. If your systems are still reliable and effectively meet your needs, ensuring they are regularly updated and maintained can help prolong their life. This approach allows you to retain the familiarity and customisation that your team is comfortable with, whilst ensuring your systems are as optimised, secure and as flexible as they can be.
On the other hand, a new bespoke solution may be the better choice, especially if your existing systems are struggling to keep up with the demands of your growing business. A custom built system allows you to design a solution that is perfectly aligned with your current and future needs, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices. Unlike legacy systems, a new bespoke solution can be more efficient, scalable and secure, offering greater flexibility for expansion and innovation.
If you’re currently using legacy systems that is outdated and/or difficult to maintain, we can help assess your situation and guide you through the process of migrating to more modern, efficient solutions. Our UK-based development team specialises in upgrading, replacing and optimising legacy systems, ensuring that your business stays competitive, secure and future-proof.
Get in touch today to learn how we can help you transition from outdated technologies to innovative solutions that support your business’s growth!
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