Lucy - BQ Magazine EditorMany of us view Fortune 500 companies as shining examples of successful business models. However, statistics shed light on some surprising observations when digging a bit deeper. Readers might be shocked to learn that up to 70 per cent of all Fortune 500 firms employ software solutions introduced more than two decades ago. Might this very same scenario be holding your enterprise back? Let’s examine five signs that your system requires an upgrade.
1. Security Vulnerabilities
One common flaw with older software solutions involves built-in vulnerabilities to modern risks such as malware, spyware, and phishing. This can open the door to countless potential threats and place proprietary information in jeopardy.
Bespoke packages are outfitted with the latest firewalls, ensuring that important data never falls into the wrong hands.
2. Incompatible Programs
There can likewise be times when in-house programs clash with one another. If these systems cannot be used in synergy, it will become much more difficult to perform everyday tasks.
Developers such as Pixel Fusion intentionally design software that offers seamless cross-platform compatibility. This also makes the installation process much more straightforward.
3. Unexplained Downtime
This next problem may be difficult to identify, as the root cause is not always apparent. Assuming that you have examined all other possibilities, and your software regularly crashes, the chances are high that legacy programming is the culprit.
We are not only referring to common issues such as website uptime in this sense. On the contrary, countless other systems can suffer from functionality drawbacks. Examples include:
- CRM software
- Healthcare databases
- Accounting solutions
- Manufacturing software
- E-commerce pipeline management programs
Migrating to custom-made alternatives will provide an actionable means to avoid these scenarios.
4. Employee Complaints
There may also be times when outdated software exhibits a real impact within the workplace. Whether referring to the inability to support remote tasks or a lack of automation, it is always important to appreciate the big picture.
One sure-fire signal that a renovation is in order involves a growing number of employee complaints. These should be taken seriously, and it is wise to deploy the necessary upgrades.
5. Productivity Concerns
Similar to a tumour that has been allowed to grow within the body for an extended period, inappropriate software solutions will eventually begin to impact the overall health of your organisation. From sales and client relations to product development and revenue generation, your software could begin to function as an anchor as opposed to a sail.
Identifying this situation will allow stakeholders to implement targeted solutions at the appropriate times.
These five signs should indicate that previously effective software packages may no longer be viable. This is also when managers must consider the potential options and examine bespoke packages that will provide a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.