We Take Old Code And Make It New

Legacy software and system modernization is the evaluation of your current architecture and software to identify areas that are outdated or on the cusp of being unsupported. It can also fall into the “Is there a better way to do this” category, even when the current software is still working.

During the assessment and modernization process, solutions for the upgrade, technology pivot, or re-architecture are identified, and implementation phases are outlined to devise a plan, not only for the applications that require updating but for the entire IT structure of the enterprise. For example, this can include automating previously manual workflows and eliminating spreadsheets so data can be modeled instantly and used for decision-making.

NOTE: Not everything needs to be modernized, but knowing all the options to consider before spending the money on updating or creating new software is something our experts can assist you with.

When To Modernize

A rule of thumb is to be aware of new technologies in case a new addition can quickly improve your company’s efficiency. More importantly, know when old technologies will be unsupported so you are ahead of the cutoff dates. And look at workflows that are cumbersome or produce manual errors on a consistent basis. These types of applications and interfaces create stress and slow productivity. If there are repetitive tasks within these workflows, you can likely automate them. Consistently evaluate your system and processes to meet changing business requirements, customer and employee expectations, and technology advancements. Consider your proprietary data hidden on spreadsheets and how available that data could become with an update that gives you the ability to forecast and predict upcoming events, from maintenance to sales, simply by tapping into available tools.

When should you modernize? Not always, but if you are using workarounds to get what you need to be done, or pain points are showing up in areas that can be automated, consider an assessment and all the new features available to you.

The Hidden Costs of Legacy Software

Maintenance & Support

One of the issues with Legacy systems is that they are often enormous and interwoven into many locations. Changing just one module can create conflicts and bring down the entire system. In addition, because they are so vast, making simple updates can take hours of resource time and often results in a workaround that is not an actual fix. Legacy systems are expensive to maintain, and adjusting to new requirements can open up a can of worms. (Consider your architecture in these situations to create a more agile framework that works on containers or PI-Driven development)

Technical Debt

The older your system becomes, the greater the chance of technical debt. As your development team becomes outdated, you put yourself in a precarious position since we all know there will be a time when an upgrade is required. As time passes, every change suddenly requires more investment, and a greater chance that hiring new team members is the result. Consider a phased approach that includes temporary expertise and education. Staying up with technological advancements alleviates the pain of trying to leap forward over a whole that is too deep and wide and requires significant change.

Limited Impact

A need for modernization often arises in a piece of the puzzle rather than throughout the entire system. When this happens, take the time to evaluate the whole system. We all understand that it can be challenging to consider modernization in terms of future issues that have not arisen, but it is wise to start with a plan that looks in that direction. Outline phases that attack the current issue so you can get started, but knowing that they will align with future upgrades puts your company one step ahead of the curve and ensure you use your valuable resources wisely.

Why Intertech

There are many reasons to modernize, but the top ones are eliminating inefficiencies, moving to a more supportable technology and architecture, and making the business more profitable. At Intertech, we begin by getting you started quickly and doing away with the hassles associated with hiring. We assess your request and assign proven resources without the direct and indirect costs and concerns associated with an untested full-time employee. Intertech’s consultants, once in place, bring experience that shows itself in the ability to head off challenges before they become delays and the willingness to ask the tough questions that an outside resource should be confident in asking. Our consultants impact your development and business processes based on a calculated schedule and ROI determined at the beginning and reviewed and revised as necessary weekly, so there are no surprises, and you can stay on schedule. Ultimately, your employees benefit from a less stressful process knowing the person next to them is experienced and can communicate clearly, and you benefit by looking great in the end.