You’re at a crossroads with your current information systems. It’s doing its job, but it could use some updating. You wonder if it’s time to replace the whole thing. Whether it’s 5 years or 25 years old the question is, has it become uniquely you in some areas? Basically, have you developed certain processes and programs that are unique to your culture or how you operate your business? For instance, maybe you’ve got a very elaborate order management system or inventory control and manufacturing system with in-house expertise in developing and maintaining those systems. Yet those same systems could benefit from some fresh new applications to better handle incoming inspection, non-conformance reporting or overall quality assurance. Perhaps it’s time to look at a new accounting system while keeping those programs you’ve created over the years.
Consider a modular approach to the dilemma. Why not keep the core of what works and procure, or develop those pieces that are missing? It is very doable and with software and services today you can augment your current applications either with in-house modules or via the cloud. An exceptionally wise person once told me, “If you truly want to understand how something works, try and replace it”.
Take a look at your existing infrastructure and see what solution or solutions would best fit your environment. Are you UNIX based, Windows based or a hybrid implementation?Decide the technology you need and update your infrastructure, then work on enhancing and extending new capabilities.
Just last year we took a look at a client’s systems and offered this very same approach. We understood their existing systems though outdated, allowed them to operate efficiently because of the many intricacies of their unique manufacturing process. But they needed help in some areas to maximize their manufacturing process and quality of their products. So we laid out an upgrade plan that allowed them to continue using the systems they had built in-house over the years while slowly introducing enhancements to their existing systems and adding new applications.
We divided their upgrades into three functional areas that will occur over the course of three years. First, we are enhancing their existing systems, then their manufacturing process, and lastly their operations. Releasing the upgrades in this fashion gives them critical system enhancements immediately with upgrades in a modular approach executed in phases. This approach saves them time and money in the long term while in the process slowly but surely bringing their systems up-to-date, making their business more efficient, productive and profitable.
If you are currently having challenges with your current information systems, don’t be overwhelmed. Consider taking advantage of a modular upgrade approach like this one. It will provide a number of benefits for your businesses, allowing you to systematically upgrade your existing information systems while enhancing and extending the quality of your business processes.